When Is the Rainy Season in Thailand? What Is the Weather like in the Rainy Season of Thailand?

If you’ve never experienced tropical weather before, the one thing to be prepared for, besides the heat, is that there are only two seasons. Countries like Thailand have a rainy and a dry season.

The dry season is a more popular time to visit, but the rainy season has some unique advantages that can make for an excellent vacation. There are a few things you should know before planning a rainy season tour in Thailand.

Late June to Early October Is the Rainy Season in Thailand: Afternoon Rains Are Common

The arrival of the southwest monsoon drives the rainy season in Thailand. Starting from June, warm, moist air from the Indian Ocean brings wet weather that builds to storms later in the season. There are still plenty of sunny days in the early part of the season.

When it does rain, it tends to be limited to brief bursts in the afternoon, leaving plenty of sunshine for the rest of the day. But there are some differences in the rainy season in different parts of Thailand.

In Bangkok and Central Thailand, the rainy season begins in June, with rain often falling overnight. In the early part of the season there are 14 to 16 rainy days, and temperatures are between 27-35°c. Temperatures stay relatively constant, but rainfall peaks in September and October.

Northern Thailand sees a steady buildup of rain from May that reaches a peak in August and September. It’s a cooler area than around Bangkok. Temperatures range from 24 to 32°c with 15 to 18 rainy days. July and August tend to be cloudy, with the sun often hiding throughout the day.

Temperatures on the West Coast are relatively stable year-round, ranging between 26 and 30°c. However, the West Coast takes the brunt of the southwest monsoon, with rains arriving early in May. From the beginning of the rainy season, there have already been 20-21 days of rain. It usually falls later in the day, and there is still plenty of sunshine until the peak of the season in September.

Lying in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui and the east coast are not as strongly affected by the early part of the southwest monsoon. From May until early September, rain is frequent but light. The early part of the season gets 16-17 days of rain in brief bursts in the afternoon. Temperatures are a constant 27 to 30°c.

Travel nature in the rain forest at Chiang Mai

September and October Are the Rainiest Season and Wettest Months in Thailand

The early part of the rainy season has frequent but brief rain, but by September and October, the season can get more intense. Rain becomes more unpredictable, and there can be heavy storms and rough waters in some areas. The West Coast, in particular, gets strong weather. In September, an average of almost 23 days of rain and average sunlight hours drop by half.

Bangkok and central Thailand see a big increase in precipitation in September, which continues into October. The amount of rain increases by 66% over the already rainy August and doesn’t fully drop off until November.

The peak of rainfall occurs a month earlier in northern Thailand. By August, cloudy weather dominates, and there are 20 days of rain. This continues through September but drops off sharply in October.

Koh Samui and the east coast experience heavy rains a little later. Storms and heavy rain don’t occur much more often than in earlier months, but they last longer. The amount of rain that falls is almost double in October and November.

Heavy rain in Thailand during September and October

Is It Worth to Visit Thailand in the Rainy Season? What Are the Benefits?

If you’re okay with not having an unbroken series of sunny days, then the rainy season has some distinct advantages that can be worth enjoying. International tourists predominantly travel to Thailand during the dry season, so it’s a lot less crowded from June to October.

In some months, you almost have the beaches entirely to yourself, and while Bangkok is always busy, queues for places like the Grand Palace are much more manageable.

Smaller crowds mean lower prices, particularly in major tourist areas like Phuket and Koh Samui. Flights to Thailand are at their cheapest during the rainy season, and hotels can be half the price of peak season highs. You also get more personalized service when tour guides and waiters have fewer people to manage.

The natural scenery is amazingly lush during the rainy season. Forests and jungles come alive with vibrant plant life. Waterfalls surge with impressive vigor, and the flooded rice terraces are picturesque.

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More Tips for Visiting Thailand in the Rainy Season

1. Bring lightweight, quick-drying clothing and waterproof footwear. Store important travel documents in a rainproof bag.
2. Take advantage of the sunlight hours to hit the beach or explore city streets, but have a backup plan for indoor activities when the rain comes.
3. You might not feel dry, but the temperature and humidity will make you sweat. Drink plenty of water.
4. Rain brings mosquitoes. Use insect repellent with DEET and wear long sleeves and pants when exploring jungle areas.
5. Riding a motorcycle or scooter is a fun activity in Thailand, but heavy rain can limit visibility and make the roads more dangerous. 

Conclusion

Knowing when the rainy season is in Thailand can help you plan accordingly. There is still a lot to do during that time and plenty of sunshine to enjoy. The advantages of traveling during the season are that it offers a unique opportunity for a more peaceful and intimate travel experience in Thailand.

Our full range of Thailand tours can help you enjoy the country in the rainy season. Contact us to book your tour today.