Thailand’s climate is tropical with a mean annual temperature of 28°C and high humidity. There are three distinct seasons – the hot season from March to May, the cool season from November to February and the rainy season from about June to October.
If you’re not a fan of the heat then holiday in Thailand during the cool season – the Thai climate during this time is hardly ‘cool’ in the traditional sense but you’ll find temperatures a lot easier to handle dropping to about 21°C in the central region and 14°C in the north.
Get up to the minute info on the weather in Thailand from the World Weather website.
When to go
The best time to visit is between November and March when the Thailand weather is optimum and you’ll be able to take full advantage of the Thailand beaches (although Koh Samui is best from June to September). November to March is also Thailand's main period of national and regional festivals.
The peak tourist season is November to late March, with secondary peak months in July and August. If you’re keen to avoid the crowds and take advantage of discounted rooms and low-season rates, why not travel during the less crowded months (April to June, September and October). On the other hand it's easy to leave the crowds behind – just avoid the most popular destinations (eg Chiang Mai and all islands and beaches).