![Sunset in Chiang Mai, Thailand](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/Travel/Destinations/Asia/Thailand/chiang-mai-thailand.jpg?imwidth=680)
When is the best time to go to Thailand?
![Sunset in Chiang Mai, Thailand](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/Travel/Destinations/Asia/Thailand/chiang-mai-thailand.jpg?imwidth=680)
Deciding when to go to Thailand really depends on finding out first what the weather will be like where you're going.
Thailand is home to a typical tropical climate in the far south, with central and southern Thailand not seeing much variation in temperatures year-round, while the north is more affected by the monsoon than the south. Average temperatures throughout the year hover between 18°C and 35°C, with the coldest months being from December to February and the warmest being from April to June.
Monsoon seasons
During the southwestern monsoon, which takes place from May to around late September/early October, the country sees most of its rainfall, with the weather being quite muggy and overcast and daily hours of sunshine decreasing to about six hours. At this time, the beaches on the west or Andaman coast receive the most rain.
The northeastern monsoon, from November to around April however, brings much drier air and the north of the country, including Chiang Mai in the north-west, sees its coolest months. Temperatures here can drop to a minimum of around 13°C but reach a maximum of around 29°C.
In the south, between September and December is when most rain falls on the east coast, affecting islands such as Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
![Bangkok](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/Travel/Destinations/Asia/Thailand/bangkok-city.jpg?imwidth=350)
The good news for those heading to beaches in the south therefore, is that they should generally be able to avoid the rain by going to either the east or west coast at any given time of year.
![Phuket](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/Travel/2017/January/phuket%20AP66910286.jpg?imwidth=350)
Bangkok
"Bangkok [the Thai capital which sits in the south-central part of the country] is at its best during the cool season, from November to February, after the monsoon and before the sweltering heat sets in at the beginning of March. April, May and June are infernally hot - sitting on a motorbike in the day time is like riding through a fire storm - though by mid-June, the rains usually arrive, bringing much needed respite, taking the dust out of the air and making the plants grow in record time," says Telegraph Travel's Bangkok expert Tom Vater.
"The rainy season is actually a great time to visit - few tourists, lower temperatures and the occasional monsoonal downpour that floods the streets and brings the kids out to play."
Phuket
"In Phuket [Thailand’s biggest island found in the south of the country], temperatures hover around 30°C all year round, but the high-season really sits between November and March when the rains die down and the Andaman Sea settles to a lake-like calm. Outside of these months the weather remains hot and humid, and there’s plenty to do in terms of activities, whether it’s diving amidst the limestone islands, birdwatching, relaxing in a spa or hiking through the jungle," says Telegraph Travel's Phuket expert Lee Cobaj.
"July to October in Phuket is a bit more challenging when it comes to the weather, as the seas whip up and red warning flags litter the beaches – good for surfers, particularly on the west coast, but not as much fun for those hoping to lounge. There’s also no guarantee of sunshine during this period, and it’s not unusual for it to rain for weeks at a time in late summer and early autumn."
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