Cool, hot, and rainy seasons compared — what to expect and when to visit.
18–28°C (65–82°F), low humidity, sunshine most days — the best time to visit; can still feel warm at midday; light jacket for evening/AC.
30–40°C (86–104°F), intense sun, before monsoon rains; early morning and evening activities; indoor/pool time during midday.
Afternoon downpours (usually 30 min–1 hour), mornings often clear; humidity high; less crowded, hotel rates drop; umbrella/rain jacket essential; dengue mosquitoes peak.
November–February; second choice: March–May (if heat doesn't bother you, prices are lower).
Thailand's climate breaks into cool (November–February), hot (March–May), and rainy (May–October) seasons rather than four distinct seasons — see best time to visit for which suits your trip priorities.
Even the "cool" season stays humid by most visitors' standards — temperatures dropping to 20–24°C at night still come with noticeably higher humidity than a similar temperature elsewhere.
See the month-by-month packing guide for specifics — lightweight, quick-dry fabric works across all three seasons, with the main variable being how much rain protection to bring.
February through April can bring elevated air pollution from regional agricultural burning — worth checking an air quality index app if visiting during this window and sensitive to poor air.