Best Times to visit Southeast Asia, Worst Time, Rainy Season...

Best Times to Visit Thailand

Generally, the most popular time to visit Thailand is between November and early April when it is the cool and dry season. Northern and Southern Thailand experience different climates.

Southern Thailand :Southern Thailand is a perfect destination if you are looking for an excellent vacation on beautiful beaches, such as Krabi, Phuket, and Phi Phi on the west coast, or Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui on the east coast. The best time to visit Southern Thailand is from February to April when the weather is nice and sunny.

Northern Thailand :If you are going to visit Northern Thailand – including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, and Pattaya – you can consider visiting from October to January .

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Best Times to Visit Vietnam

The weather varies in northern, central, and southern Vietnam. Although the best time for travel depends on the region you visit, October to April are the best months to travel in most places of the country. See more about the Vietnam weather .

North Vietnam : North Vietnam includes Halong Bay, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, and other great destinations. The best time to visit is from October to May when the weather is warm and dry. In the mountainous regions, it can be covered in ice from December until January.

Central Vietnam : If you are planning to visit Hoi An, Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Hue in Central Vietnam, you can travel in the period from January to April . You can expect perfect beach weather — blue skies, warm sun, and gentle sea breezes.

South Vietnam : If you are traveling to South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Phan Thiet, and Mui Ne), the ideal time is from November to March . It can be hot from March to May, with an average temperature of up to 32°C/90°F.

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Best Times to Visit Singapore

Singapore is a wonderful year-round destination with good weather. Unlike many destinations in Southeast Asia, there isn't that much of a difference between the wet season (October to March) and the slightly drier summer season (April to September).

You might find it strange that the peak season is from November to early January even though there is some rain and it is a little wet. Singapore is crowded with travelers, particularly during Chinese New Year.

If you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit between February and May when the country is not overloaded with too many tourists and the weather is slightly hot. June to August is the driest time although it is unavoidable to encounter flash thunderstorms and stifling humidity.

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Best Times to Visit Cambodia

Weather-wise, the best time to go to Cambodia is between November and April when it is sunny and dry. It is perfect if you are going to spend some time on a beach or hike through the jungles of Cambodia.

If you want to experience the country's fresh and lush greenery and quiet temples , the wet season (May to October) can be a good time. Heavy rains can occur but they only last for 1 or 2 hours in the afternoon.

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Best Times to Visit Myanmar (Burma)

The best time to visit most of Myanmar is from November to February when there are warm and dry days.

If you intend to visit areas in and around Mandalay and Bagan , which are the hottest and driest regions of Myanmar, you'd better avoid March to May as temperatures can rise to over 40°C/104°F. The wet season from June to October is considered a good season even though there is a bit of rain and it is good to avoid the winter crowds.

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Best Time to Visit Laos

Laos, a small and landlocked country in Southeast Asia, has a dry season (October to late April) and a wet season (May to late September).

If you are looking for warm and dry weather and want to enjoy outdoor activities, the ideal months to travel in Laos are from November to January , with temperatures ranging from 14–26°C (57°–79°F). This is also an excellent time for exploring the Mekong River.

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Best Times to Visit Malaysia

Malaysia has a classic equatorial climate with plenty of sunshine, high temperatures, and wet months throughout the year.

The best month to visit Malaysia depends on which side of the country you are going to visit. The seasons on each side of the peninsula are different.

The best time to visit the western islands is from December to February, while the perfect time to visit the east coast is from June to August.

Best Times to Visit Indonesia

Indonesia is a year-round destination with warm tropical temperatures averaging 28°C/82°F throughout the year. The dry season in Indonesia spans from May to September and the wet season is between October and April.

If you plan to dive off the coast of Bali, Lombok, and Komodo National Park or want to plan to climb one of Indonesia's many volcanoes, the dry months from April to September are a great time.

If you are looking for good weather as well as fewer crowds, you can visit Indonesia in May, June, and September.

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January Travel in Southeast Asia

January is one of the most popular travel periods for Southeast Asia. It's warm and dry in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Philippines, with temperatures hovering between 20°C (68°F) and the low 30s °C (86+°F) in most places.

Many visitors choose to spend their Christmas and New Year holidays on the sunny beaches. Diving and snorkeling are at their best during this period. Avoid the east coast of Malaysia and Bali, though, as it's the rainy season peak there.

You might like to join in Lunar New Year celebrations in (the Chinatowns of) these countries. In 2023, Lunar New Year is observed on January 22nd.

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February Travel in Southeast Asia

Explore lively Bangkok in Thailand, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam in February before the heat of March. The temperature ranges between 20°C (68°F) and the low 30s °C (86+°F) in most places.

You are likely to experience rainfall only every four or five days, so you can spend the rest of your time trekking in the national parks, tasting yummy foods in the night markets, or listening to the holy chanting in the temples.

Book your hotels and flights 2–3 months in advance to ensure their availability and for better prices. Contact us for hotel recommendations.

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March Travel in Southeast Asia

The hot season arrives in March. Good deals for hotels and flights and fewer crowds make March a good month to travel for some.

With temperatures hitting the mid-30s °C (the 90s °F) on most days , March is a good time to swim in the sea, bath the elephants in a sanctuary or cruise on Halong Bay.

Start your touring/activities in the early morning to find some coolness.

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April Travel in Southeast Asia

April is the hottest month in Southeast Asia. In some places, afternoon temperatures can reach 40°C (104°F).

A welcome chance to cool down comes with the water fights of Songkran Festival in Thailand from April 13th to 15th.

Laotians also celebrate their New Year from April 14th to 16th. It is a good opportunity to soak in Laos traditions, including washing Buddha statues, painting temples, candlelight processions around the temples, and splashing water on each other.

If you can handle the hot weather, April travel in Southeast Asia is full of traditional festivities.

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May Travel in Southeast Asia

May is the last month before the rainy season in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. Temperatures in many areas are 35–40°C (95–104°F) . But, compared to April, May sees a welcome drop in temperature in some regions.

Rainfall starts to increase towards the end of the month, with more than half of the month seeing short thunder showers that last for about an hour. For most of the day touring is not affected.

Laotians also celebrate their New Year from April 14th to 16th. It is a good opportunity to soak in Laos traditions, including washing Buddha statues, painting temples, candlelight processions around the temples, and splashing water on each other.

For sunny beaches, Indonesia and the east coast of Malaysia are great options.

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June Travel in Southeast Asia

June is the shoulder season in mainland Southeast Asia as it's in the monsoon season. The average daily maximum reaches around 33°C (91°F) and the average daily minimum is around 26°C (79°F) .

Thailand can expect an average of 15 to 22 days of rain in June. However, the rain is usually short-lived, occurring in short bursts in the afternoon or evening.

Indonesia and Malaysia provide visitors more dry days and ripe fruits in June.

Compared with the summer holiday crowds in July and August, June is still a good time to go.

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July Travel in Southeast Asia

Though still in the rainy season, in mainland Southeast Asia, you will encounter more visitors in July than in June , as July is school holiday time for many countries.

The short-lived rains usually occur in the afternoon or evening. The average temperature is around 29°C (84°F) , and there is not a big temperature difference between day and night.

July is the peak season for Malaysia's east coast and Indonesia because of their dry (drier) weather and the summer holidays.

Typhoons happen frequently in Halong Bay in Vietnam . Your cruise might be canceled for safety. Always get insurance if you wish to cruise at this time.

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August Travel in Southeast Asia

Like July, August is still in the rainy season in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The rains can be sporadic and unpredictable. The average temperature in August is 29°C (84°F) . Indoor activities are more advisable.

You're suggested to buy insurance if you plan to take a Halong Bay cruise in Vietnam as typhoons are likely to stop some cruises.

Indonesia and Malaysia's East Coast could be a better choice if you are seeking boat trips on the sea and sunny beaches.

Make tour reservation at least 3 months in advance for better deals.

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September Travel in Southeast Asia

September is the wettest month in most areas of Southeast Asia. Heavy downpours are expected in the afternoon and evening with daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F) and nighttime temperatures about 25°C (77°F) .

You will see much lower traveler numbers in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand in September as the rainy season peaks and the summer crowds have gone. The harvesting of the terraced rice fields in Sapa in north Vietnam begins. The golden yellow views and farmers working in the fields make a Sapa trek even more rewarding.

It is still hot and dry in Indonesia. With better hotel deals than in July and August, September is good time to relax on the sunny beaches of Bali.

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October Travel in Southeast Asia

From October, the rain starts to increase in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, while northern Southeast Asian countries are ready to welcome their dry season. The average daily maximum and minimum temperatures in October for most areas are around 31°C (88°F) and 24°C (75°F) respectively .

The cooler temperatures, clearer views, and fewer travelers make October one of the best times to visit Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

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November Travel in Southeast Asia

From November, the rainy season sets in for Indonesia, while the dry season really begins in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. November sees the start of Thailand's cool (warm) season. Days are usually hot (but not too hot) with balmy evenings. The average daily maximum is 31°C (88°F) and the average daily minimum is 24°C (75°F) .

Because of the pleasant weather and the Loy Krathong Festival (November 8th and 9th in 2022) , Thailand's peak travel season starts in November.

Avoid Koh Samui if you prefer sunny beaches. Unlike in Krabi or Phuket, November is the peak rainy month in Koh Samui and its side of the peninsula.

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December Travel in Southeast Asia

December is good time for a trip to reward yourself for a year's hard work (before your accrued holiday is left untaken).

The temperature range is 24–32°C (75–89°F) on average . Pleasant weather and the Christmas and New Year holidays make travel businesses in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia reach their busiest point in December. You're suggested to make reservations 3 months in advance for better prices and to ensure availability.

Near to the end of the year, hotel/flight rates will increase a lot (1.5 times or even double) based on the large demand. Christmas or New Year dinners are usually fully booked in popular hotels/restaurants. Book that early too!

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