The Rainy Season in Thailand

The most frequently asked questions I receive through the various forums I am involved with are "What is the best time of year to visit Thailand?" and "when is the rainy season in Thailand?". Both questions are inextricably linked to the South-West Monsoon that sweeps in from India & across Thailand between the months of May-October each year bringing with it potentially high winds & heavy rains!.

The "rainy season" in Thailand tends to start up in the northern provinces around Chiang Mai in early May and last through until the end of October.The rains descend on Bangkok & Pattaya by mid-May & tend to start by early June on both the Andaman Coast(Phuket,Krabi) & the Gulf Coast(Koh Samui,Koh Phangan & Koh Tao).

The heaviest downpours across all of Thailand tends to be between August-October, with the Gulf Coast still prone to heavy storms right through until early December.

What Can You Expect During Thailand's Rainy Season:
• No rain for a week at a time.
• Night rains and clear days.
• Cooler more pleasant early morning’s & evenings.
• Torrential rains that last 30 minutes to 2 hours, then clearing and brilliant sunshine.
• Overcast days with little to no rain.
• Two to three days of partial day rain in a week,especially later in the rainy season.

But don't despair, this doesn't mean that it is not advisable to visit Thailand during the rainy season, there are a range of both positives and negatives.

The positives that the rainy season can bring are:
• Accommodation is cheaper, as it's viewed as the "low season".
• Weather is cooler in the evenings & early mornings.
• There will be fewer tourists.
• Around the whole country all the vegetation & trees becomes lush,fresh & vibrant once more.
• White water rafting becomes even more "awesome" in the later part of the rainy season as the heavy rains runs throughout the country
• Waterfalls become fantastic visitor attractions as the heavy waters rush down them.

The negatives that the rainy season can bring are:
• You might get wet and need to change/dry out.
• Temporary interruption or delay of itinerary and travel plans.
• Trekking tours can become more difficult due to mud & slippery surfaces.
• Planning outdoor activities is more difficult and requires flexibility.
• Rough seas may make ferry travel to some islands unpleasant.
• Flooding, landslides & beaches littered with debris are all possibilities.
• Renting motorcycles during the rainy season should be well thought out and riding style modified to suit the weather & road conditions.

Taking all of the above information, you need to make an informed decision as to whether you feel the weather will adversely affect your plans to visit Thailand.

Personally speaking there is just so much to do here that providing you approach your holiday with flexibility & an open-mind you will STILL have the greatest travel memories of your time in Thailand!.