Climate in Thailand - The high season runs from December to January

Climate in Thailand

The tropical climate in Thailand is warm and humid with temperatures averaging 31°C (85°F) all year round. Perfect if you’re on one of the islands with a cooling sea breeze...

Thailand is a great place to travel at any time of year, but it does have some specific climate zones. Generally speaking, the driest months are December to May, ideal for all types of activities in both north and south.

You can build your own Thailand holiday with our bite-sized tours, perfectly suited to the time of year that you wish travel. Pick and mix our Northern Thailand tours, Bangkok and Central Thailand tours and Southern Thailand tours to create you own adventure.

Thailand weather in December?

Christmas is a great time for a tropical beach holiday on one of Thailand idyllic islands and paradise. Understandably, this is also the busiest time of year, so it's best to book early and beat the crowds!

We'll help you build a brilliant island hopping adventure in Thailand during December. Choose from secret island escapes or lively beach hotspots - it's completely up to you.

In December, the weather is pretty dry across all regions of Thailand, so it's an ideal time to explore the whole country. Try one of our popular Thailand itineraries including everything from elephant trekking to island hopping and floating huts on the River Kwai.

Thailand climate - beats Christmas indoors...
Thailand climate - tropical island hopping

Rainy season on the islands

The rainy season in Southern Thailand lasts longer than that of North and Central Thailand, so your planning needs a little more attention if you're hoping for sunshine.

Generally speaking most of the rain falls along the south-west coast. The small rainy season starts in May, when rains showers can be infrequent and unpredictable. This monsoon season lasts until mid June. The monsoon starts again in August and peaks in October around Phuket, Krabi and Ko Raya. Around November, Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao will bear the full brunt of the rains so don't expect bikini weather until December, when it's generally sunny everywhere. If you’re planning on visiting Ko Chang, best time to travel is October to April. For an overview of what weather to expect throughout the year, see the table below:

Weather for temples and trekking

Bangkok and Central Thailand
Temperatures average 30C all year round. Most of the rain falls from May to September but it’s usually in the form of the occasional refreshing shower at the end of the day. The local guides know what to expect during monsoon season and the activities in our bite-sized Thailand tours and Thailand itineraries will be planned keeping the rains in mind.

Northern Thailand
This region doesn’t have a real monsoon season. There may be the odd shower from August to October but because the temperatures are cooler here than in other parts of the country, they usually pass quickly. The hottest months are April to May, when temperatures can reach 35C. Keep this in mind if you’re planning a trek. Take a look at our Northern Thailand tours to get started.
Thailand climate - monsoon monks
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

North

Mostly sunnyMostly sunnyMostly sunnyMostly sunnySun cloudSun & cloudSun & cloudHeavy rain, sunHeavy rain, sunSun cloudsSun some cloudSun some cloud

Central

Mostly sunny

Mostly sunny

Mostly sunny

Mostly sunny

Sun cloud

Sun & cloud

Sun & cloud

Sun & cloud

Heavy rain, sun

Rain sun clouds

Sun some cloud

Sun some cloud

South West
(Phuket side)

Mostly sunny

Mostly sunny

Mostly sunny

Mostly sunny

Sun rain cloud

Sun & cloud

Sun & cloud

Sun & cloud

Heavy rain, sun

Rain sun clouds

Sun & clouds

Sun some cloud

South East
(Samui side)

Mostly sunny

Mostly sunny

Mostly sunny

Mostly sunny

Sun cloud

Sun & cloud

Sun & cloud

Sun & cloud

Sun & clouds

Sun rain clouds

Heavy rain, sun

Sun some cloud


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