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For many of us, beautiful sunny weather is the key to a successful holiday. It is important to know that when the holidays are at its best, in many Asian countries, it may also be rainy season. The weather is nice and warm, but at any time a heavy downpour can occur randomly. Rain can last for a few hours or all day long. It is almost impossible to predict the weather in Asia; however, knowing what to expect and what to prepare will ensure a successful trip. Let's explore Southeast Asia's climatic conditions!
First of all, this maybe due to the area and shape of the region (some joke that there are as many climates in Asia as its diverse cuisines and religions). Secondly, due to the unpredictable nature of tropical weather, it is best to plan your activities as usual but keep in mind the possibility of rain. Pick and choose whichever activity is most appropriate for you depending on the weather.
As you will read later in this article, any time of year is a good time to explore Asia. In one part of the country, you can relax on a sunny beach, in other parts, you can watch the rice fields turn green. If you feel adventurous, you can even organize an exciting trek through the jungle. Use our traveling experience shared below to adjust your itinerary accordingly.
In considering the best time to visit Asia, we will focus on the countries that you can visit with us, namely: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Remember that if you want to avoid rain at all costs when traveling to Southeast Asia, we have one piece of advice for you: change your perception. In tropical countries, it can rain at any time of the year and therefore it is better to simply prepare for it than to try to cheat destiny, right?
Philippines is a archipelagic country comprised of 7000 islands (800 are inhabited), scattered over 1850km from north to south and 900 km from east to west. So, it is no surprise that the climate on different islands vary.
The best time to relax in the Philippines is from December to May, after that the dry season prevails. Rain falls sporadically, around 1-2 times a month. This is an ideal time for sunbathing and sea bathing. The wind blowing from the sea will surely bring you a pleasant cooling sensation.
When to visit Manila?
When to visit Manila?
The capital of the Philippines is best visited from November to March. The highest temperatures recorded average around 31.2-33.4°C between March and July. More intense rain usually starts in June and lasts until November.
When to fly to Luzon Island?
When to fly to Luzon Island?
High temperatures persist here throughout the year, from 27.7°C in January to as low as 33.6°C in June. The driest months are April, June, and May. The average humidity remains at 76%. If you love sunbathing, consider visiting Luzon during the dry season between November and April. If you plan to visit the cities, the best period for you will be in the months of December, January, and February.
When to fly to Palawan?
When to fly to Palawan?
Palawan has two seasons: dry and rainy, each of which lasts about 6 months. Tourists usually favors the dry season, which begins around the end of November and lasts until May. The peak of the tourist season falls from mid-December to mid-April. Between June and October, the rainy season reigns.
A trip to Indonesia can be planned at any time of the year, with the proviso that different parts of the country have better or worse weather conditions in each month than others. Indonesia is a diverse country, so the optimal months for a holiday may vary depending on the area you choose. The northern part of Indonesia is best visited from May to October, then dry season hits. The southern part, on the other hand, will be at its best from October to April. Meanwhile in Sumatra, there is no visible dry season, which translates into frequent rainfall.
When to visit Bali?
When traveling to Indonesia, the most common question is about the weather in Bali. According to our experience, the best time to visit Bali is between April and October. The time from July to September is the peak holiday season, so we expect more tourists and higher prices on the island. From December to February is the rainy season in Bali. Precipitation can be intense, however, in short showers. Most tourist will avoid this time of the year, but for daredevils who are willing to take this challenge may experience lower prices and less crowded places.
Read our guide on the best time to visit Bali in this link.
When to visit Sumatra?
In Sumatra, similarly to other Indonesian islands, it is difficult to choose a particular period when you should visit. In the north of the island, it rains from October to January. In the south, it rains in January and February. The rain is not too bothersome but can carry high air humidity. North Sumatra, on the other hand, will delight you in February and March, while southern Sumatra is best visited between June and September.
When to visit Borneo?
In Borneo, during the year the temperature varies between 28-31°C. The best months to visit Borneo are end of May, August, September, and October. From March to May, there is rain but not too significant. We advise against going between November and February when rainfall is the heaviest. Though rainfall during this time of the year doesn't last long, it can be intense.
Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate. There are two seasons here: dry and rainy.
The rainy season lasts from June to early October. In the remaining months, i.e. from November to May, it is very warm and sunny. From February to April, the weather is quite hot. For some, an advantage but for others who are active and love sightseeing – such high temperatures can be a nuisance for outdoor activities. Which is the best month to visit Cambodia you may ask? We would have to say January. Mild temperatures of 26°C, blue skies, and little risk of any precipitation.
When to visit Siem Reap and the surrounding area?
In terms of climate, slightly lower temperatures and slightly less rainfall are recorded in Siep Reap than in central Cambodia. The best time to visit Siem Reap and the surrounding area is from October to July. March, April, and May will be the hottest period, with an average recorded temperature of 35.2°C. December, January, and February on the other hand are the months with the least rainfall. The driest is January, and the wettest are August and September.
When to visit Angkor?
The best time to visit the stunning sights of Angkor Wat is from November to March. Beginning of March, the weather will start to get very hot. Temperatures can reach up to 40° C and can persist until June. Rainfall, on the other hand, usually begins in May and can last until October.
When to visit East Cambodia?
The east areas of Mekong are not very popular amongst tourists as they consist mostly of forests and mountains. The least recommended months to travel through the eastern regions of Cambodia are July, August, and September. June and October are transition periods with mixed weather. From November to May, you can enjoy the exquisite aura here.
When to visit the Coast of Cambodia?
The coastline of Cambodia on the Gulf of Thailand runs as far as 443 km. Rainfall and humidity are slightly higher here than in the center of the country. Kep – a coastal town near the border with Vietnam is most visited between December and May. In June, October, and November, the weather is moderate. July, August, and September, however, are by far the least favorable months to visit.
In consideration of the weather conditions, the best time to visit Malaysia would be from December to February if you want to explore the western islands, e.g. Penang or Langkawi. If you are planning a holiday on the east coast, e.g. on the islands of Perhentian or Tioman, we recommend June, July, and August. The driest month is usually June while the rainiest month is November. However, it would be a pity to limit yourself to only 6 months a year! Remember that by choosing the right region of Malaysia, you can enjoy your holidays in this country all year round. And with our help, it will be a piece of cake!
When to visit Kuala Lumpur?
When to visit Kuala Lumpur?
The air temperature in Kuala Lumpur is stable all year round, on average is around 31-33°C. If you dream a holiday full of sun and little rain, it is best to travel between May and July. If you are not a fan of heat, choose January or February, where the temperatures are most pleasant!
When to visit Malacca?
When to visit Malacca?
If any chance you plan a trip to Malaysia, do not miss this colorful, post-colonial town inscribed on the UNESCO list! It is best to visit Malacca in January, February or June, July and August. The least recommended are the months between October and December.
When to go to Cameron Highlands?
When to go to Cameron Highlands?
Respite from tropical heat, the experience at Cameron Highlands can be phenomenon from the fabulous landscapes to the opportunity for attractive mountain hikes of varying difficulty. Rain is common in Malaysia, but in the Cameron Highlands region, rain is least likely to happen in January, February as well as June and July.
When to visit the West Coast of Malaysia?
When to visit the West Coast of Malaysia?
The best time to relax on the paradise beaches of western Malaysia is from December to March. During this period, beautiful sunny weather awaits you – an ideal period for sunbathing on both Penang and Langkawi. The least favorable time to visit this area is the period from September to October.
When to visit Borneo?
When to visit Borneo?
Surely many of you, traveling to Malaysia, will want to visit Borneo as well. This island’s weather conditions are slightly different than of the rest of the country. It usually begins to rain from November to February. The best and most comfortable period is from May to September. During this time, you have the best chance of finding warm weather and the least rainfall. In addition, all tourist attractions will be open to those interested.
There are three seasons in Thailand:
- Hot season (March-May), characterized by low rainfall and high air temperature.
- Rainy season (June-October) is characterized by heavy amounts of rainfall and high air temperature.
- Cold season (November-February) is characterized by low rainfall and lower temperature than during the hot season.
Air temperatures and rainfall may vary by region. The best weather in Thailand can be expected between November and February. This is the dry season, also called the "cold" season. Air temperatures oscillate around 30 degrees Celsius, there may be short-term rainfall but not often. It is sunny and warm, ideal for a beach holiday or sightseeing. In Thailand, the warmest months is from March to May, then we have a very hot tropical summer. Staying in cities can then be a nuisance.
When to visit Bangkok?
When to visit Bangkok?
The cool season in Bangkok is from November to January. Temperatures can drop as low as 21°C, despite usually remaining around 30°C. At this time, rain is little and thus is an attractive time to travel. From February to May, it’s already getting very hot. The warmest month, with temperatures reaching 40°C in Bangkok, is April. Many residents often flee the city to cooler areas. In June, the rainy season begins and lasts until October. In the rainy season, as the name suggests, it rains intensively, but not without interruption. Contrary to some may think, it is still very warm – above 30°C.
When to visit Chiang Mai?
When to visit Chiang Mai?
The mountainous, northern regions of Thailand are usually cooler than the rest of the country. It is best visited between November and February. Evening temperatures can drop as low as 15°C, but during the day they can soar up to 30°C. In March and April, the weather gets much warmer. In May, the rainy season slowly starts and can lasts until October.
When to visit Phuket and Koh Samui?
When to visit Phuket and Koh Samui?
Thailand’s weather turmoil has one major advantage – the rainy seasons of the main tourist islands Phuket and Koh Samui do not coincide with each other. This is why we will always find attractive weather conditions for sunbathing. In Phuket, rain begins slowly in June and can last until November, with the heaviest rainfall in September and October. Meanwhile, on Koh Samui Island, the rainy season begins at the end of October and lasts until December.
Vietnam is a country with significant geographical location . Its northern and southern borders are separated by 1650 km, which means that there is a difference in weather conditions in different parts of the country. In the north there is a tropical humid climate, while in the south, there is an equatorial humid climate. There are monsoons all over the country. Temperature, humidity, and rainfall are high in Vietnam. It is very difficult to pinpoint the average temperatures for individual months or average rainfall for the whole country.
When to visit Hanoi?
During winter (January-February), Northern Vietnam’s weather is relatively cool with temperatures around 11 degrees Celsius during the day. Hot weather, however, is expected in June.
A favorable time to visit Hanoi is during March or April, i.e. the local spring or October to December, i.e. the local autumn. We can then count on pleasant temperatures of 17-25°C with only a small amount of precipitation. Approximately from May to September is the rainy season in this region. It is wet and temperatures are as high as 30°C and above.
When to visit Hue, Hoi An and Da Nang?
The central part of Vietnam is best visited between January and May. From June to August is a very hot period with high humidity. From July, there may be heavy rainfall and even typhoons. The months with heaviest rain are from September to November in Da Nang and October to December in Hue and Hoi An.
When to visit Saigon and the Mekong Delta?
In Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), the most pleasant weather is from December to February with temperatures around 20-30 ° C. In March, temperatures soar high, and the daily average can exceed 30°C. The rain season, on the other hand, starts in May and can last until the beginning of November.
In the vicinity of the Mekong Delta, it is pleasantly warm all year round. From May to July, temperatures are at their highest. From June to August is the wet season. Tourists most often choose the months from December to April to pay a visit.
It's always very hot in Singapore and we can always find rain here. Despite this, there are certain periods that is more favorable than others when planning an adventurous trip.
It is best to visit Singapore in February (temperatures of 24-31°C with less rain) and you can enjoy a lot of sunlight, and in March and April (although then it rains a little more). The hottest time is in May and June. It rains the most between November and January. Shopaholics should visit Singapore in June or July where there is great Singapore Sales. For fans of Formula One racing, there is also the Singapore Grand Prix in September along with an amazing line-up of world-class entertainment acts to enjoy.
