When I plan a new trip, the first thing I do it is to check the best time for me to visit. For that, I use data charts but I know most people are afraid of complicated charts. In these tips about the climate of Asia, I’m going to summarise. The climate of Asia can vary a lot even within the same country. For example, in Vietnam it is very cold in December in Sapa but very hot on the Phu Quoc Island. It also depends on what you want to see. If you want to see the rice harvest in the north of Vietnam, you will need to go in May or September. So whatever you are planning, albeit a beach holiday or a trek, it makes sense to know the average temperature and the average rainfall.
Climate of Asia Infographics
Thailand
As with all the other countries in Asia, you can visit Thailand all year round. The climate varies in the north and south for the same time of year. Thailand is one of the largest countries in Asia. You are always going to find an area with sun all year round. If you are looking for a nice beach holiday, you have the choice of relaxing at Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand and Phuket in the Adaman sea as they have opposite rainy seasons.
The best months to visit Thailand are during the cool and dry season between November and early April.
In the south of Thailand, there are differences between the eastern and western coasts. On the east coast, the climate is good almost all year, with some rainfall in January and February. On the other side, the climate is more favourable during winter months, best time for diving and snorkelling.
Vietnam
As with Thailand, Vietnam has 3 different micro climates. November to April is my favourite period to avoid rain. We had some heavy showers in November. Between October and May, it is very good to see the stunning Mekong Delta. If you want to see the rice harvest, you need to travel in May or September.
I really advise you to visit the site of Halong Bay (Unesco World Heritage). The best time of the year is between March and beginning of April, after the rain has come. March and April are good to visit Phong Nha cave, another Unesco World Heritage site.
Malaysia
Malaysia has a tropical climate and offers all year round temperatures between 23 and 32 degrees Celsius. April to October is the rainy season for the west. November and December is the stormy monsoon. The best time to visit Borneo is March to October. January to March and June to September, it’s hot and humid year-round, but these months have the lowest average rainfall.
Indonesia
The best time for beaches, diving and snorkelling is between April and October. Early June is the best time to go, after the peak season start until September. Temperatures are between 24 – 30 degrees Celsius. The rainy season is from December to February.
Cambodia
From November to April is the best time to visit. You may have a little rain but most of the time you are going to enjoy clear blue skies. From May to October the rain is coming. If you want to see the country Off the Tourist Treadmill style, this is a very good period. The countryside is lush and green and the temples are very quiet. It is the best season to admire the Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia and to visit Cambodia’s floating villages.
Laos
This is an enclave territory surrounded by Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar and China. The best season is between October and April (warm and dry). From May to September, the rain is back and the landscape changes to nice green. Showers are short and heavy and at this time the country comes to life.
Click Here to Download the Full Asia Weather Spreadsheet
The source of this data is S & M Boilerworks
