When to travel to Southeast Asia? The best time to travel, climate and temperatures

If you are thinking of travelling to Southeast Asia and want to know what weather to expect, the best time to visit each country and what the seasons are like, this post will help. Drawing on our experience in Southeast Asia, we share notes and travel tips to help you choose the right time and destination.

When to travel to CAMBODIA?

Angkor’s temples are often part of a longer trip through Vietnam, Laos or Thailand, so the best time to visit Cambodia may depend on the weather and season at the preceding destination. For example, if you travel through Vietnam during the dry season, visiting Cambodia at the same time may allow you to make the most of favourable weather.

Seasons in Cambodia

Cambodia has three main seasons: the cool season from November to February, the hot season from March to May and the rainy season from June to October. The cool season is still relatively warm by our standards, while the hot season is very hot indeed. During the rains, temperatures fall slightly, the landscape turns green and water levels rise. Rain does not last all day: downpours are heavy but brief, with high humidity.

Climate and temperatures in Cambodia

In mountainous areas (Ratanakiri and the north in general) the temperature drops, especially in winter, when it is not uncommon for the thermometer to drop to 8°C at night.

Best time to travel to Cambodia

It is possible to travel around Cambodia all year round: high temperatures are tempered by low humidity in summer, while winter temperatures are pleasant. For Europeans less accustomed to heat, December to March may be the best time to visit Cambodia.

Want to know what our experts think? See the best Southeast Asian country to visit

When to travel to LAOS?

If you're thinking about visiting Laos, it's important to know which is the best time to travel.

The seasons in Laos

Seasons in Laos are marked by two distinct periods: dry winter, ranging from November to March, and monsoon summer, extending from May to October. During the winter, temperatures remain between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, although the warmest months are usually April and May.

On the other hand, the monsoon period is characterized by heavy short-lived rains, high ambient humidity and temperatures ranging from 26 to 37 degrees Celsius. In the northern mountainous regions of the country, temperatures can drop considerably, especially during the night.

Climate and temperatures in Laos

The best time to travel to Laos

As in other countries of the region, Laos is influenced by monsoons, which determine temperatures and climate. During the summer, the rains are frequent and the presence of mosquitoes increases considerably. On the other hand, an excellent time to visit Laos is during the winter, from November to February, when you experience the dry season, with cooler temperatures and fewer rainy days.

When to travel to THAILAND?

Seasons in Thailand

Thailand has two monsoons, from the south-west and north-east, producing three seasons. The hot season, from March to June, brings high temperatures and humidity, low rivers and parched landscapes. The wet season runs from July to October, with abundant rain. The dry season, November to February, brings clear skies, relatively cool temperatures and peak tourist season.

Climate and temperatures in Thailand

The best time to travel to Thailand

Thailand is a major global destination where travellers can find culture, adventure, spirituality and much more at reasonable prices. A modern country with good tourism infrastructure, it welcomes visitors with open arms all year round.

If we want to do a trekking in northern Thailand In summer, we have to be prepared for the rains and for possible changes in the route due to the floods.

Bear in mind that southern Thailand experiences a late monsoon from mid-October to late November, when rainfall is heaviest. The clear waters around Krabi and Samui turn grey and brown. These weeks are the least recommended time of year for a beach stay in the south.

When to travel to VIETNAM?

Seasons in Vietnam

Vietnam is a very long country and the climate also varies a lot as it goes from north to south. In the south the climate is tropical, with two seasons and little temperature variation between them; the humid one, from May to November, with maximum rains from June to August, and the dry one, from December to April. The warmest and wettest period runs from late February to May. The north is cooler than the rest of the country; during the winter, from November to January, it can be quite cold, especially in mountainous areas. In Hanoi and the north coast (Halong Bay) the rainy season runs from May to October.

Climate and temperatures in Vietnam

Best time to travel to Vietnam

Possibly, the best time to visit northern Vietnam is between November and April.

On the central coast, summer runs from July to October. The cooler, wetter winter runs from November to May. Typhoons and storms are common between July and November, bringing strong waves and poor conditions for swimming

In both north and south, the rainy season coincides with our summer. Relative humidity is 80%, rising to 90% during the rains, making it feel hotter than the temperature suggests.

When to travel to MYANMAR?

Seasons in Myanmar (Burma)

The climate in Myanmar has three seasons: the hot season (March to May), the rainy season (June to September) and the cold season (October to February). In Mandalay, even in the cold season, daytime temperatures are still high. From October to February the maximum averages vary between 28°C and 32°C, although from December to February, temperatures fall to 14°C at night. From March to July, the maximum temperatures are around 35°C, being able to reach 38°C in April.

Climate and temperatures in Myanmar (Burma)

Best time to travel to Myanmar (Burma)

Myanmar’s rains begin in May, pause in July and return from August to October. Even the rainiest months average only 9 rainy days. Yangon has very little rain from November to April, but much more than the north during the rainy season (May–October). Morning showers are usually light, becoming heavier in the afternoon.

Temperatures are generally stable at around 24°C for most of the year, falling to 19°C in January and February, the coldest months. March and April are warmest, with average maximum temperatures of 36°C, compared with 29°C to 33°C during the rest of the year. Yangon is more humid than northern cities, which can be uncomfortable on the hottest days.

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