The monsoon season in Thailand brings heavy rains and occasional floods. Unlike the rest of the world, Thailand has three main seasons: hot, not-so-hot, and monsoon, also known as the wet or green season. Thailand’s weather is mainly characterized by the tropical monsoon, with three types of weather driven by an annual monsoon that sweeps across Thailand from the northeast Indian Ocean into the Southeast Asian land mass. The wet season in Thailand starts after Songkran, the Thai new year in April.
Expect floods
During the wet season, the intensity of the monsoon season varies across locations in Thailand. Floods are common during this time, and some locations may experience higher levels of rainfall than others.
Bangkok and Central Provinces
In Bangkok and the central provinces, the rainy season starts in June or early July and reaches its peak in September. The rain begins with notable overnight dumps before increasing to more regular rains almost daily in July and August.
Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand
In Chiang Mai and northern Thailand, the rainy period lasts longer, starting in May and continuing until November, with July and August being the wettest months. If you plan to visit Chiang Mai during these months, make sure to plan for indoor activities too!
Northeast Thailand and East Thailand
Northeast Thailand and East Thailand have the shortest rainy period, stretching from May to October, but with 80% of the rainfall typically occurring in August and September. However, some islands like Koh Chang and those off the coast of Trat province can be very wet during this season, usually between May and October.
Koh Samui and the Gulf Islands
The breathtaking landscapes of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand attract tourists all year round. These islands have their own seasonal weather patterns. The monsoon season does not hit the Gulf Islands until later in the year, generally from October to December, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in November.
It is advisable to prepare for wet season diseases during this time, such as common flu, jaundice, and fevers, by having comprehensive health insurance. Pacific Prime Thailand can assist in finding the right travel or individual health insurance plan that suits your needs and budget. Contact their team of experts for a free quote today!