Thailand Weather and Climate
Thailand is a really hot country. Therefore, it is smart to adapt the clothing and behavior to eliminate sun eczema, heat rash, or suffer from dehydration. Here are ten tips:
1. Fill your suitcase or backpack with the mostly airy and thin clothes. Do also bring trousers and at least one long sleeve shirt which protect you against mosquito and can be nice to take on if it gets a little chilly at night, in rain or in air-conditioned buses and stores, etc.
2. Use plenty of sunscreen if you have fair or sensitive skin. Preferably with a high sun protection factor (SPF), at least until the skin is tanned and not that sensitive..
3. Aloe vera is great for moisturizing the skin if you burn yourself. You'll find this green "cream" in almost any pharmacy. Check at the expiring date marked on the bottle / tube, if it exists. A After-Sun Lotion is also a good (but more artificial) option.
4. Another product we recommend is Prickly Heat Powder which is a product that protects against heat rash. This powder is sold in tin containers and can be found at 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and virtually all stores.
5. Drink plenty of water. At least two liters a day if you're spending plenty of time outdoors. If you're getting dizzy from the heat, buy small bags of oral rehydration solution (ORS) in supermarkets and pharmacies. A Gatorade (sports drink with dark red or yellow color) also tend to recharge your batteries.
6. If you feel that the heat is a major problem, choose a room with refreshing air conditioning instead of one with just a fan. Having the air conditioning set at 23-25 degrees Celsius is usually enjoyable, but it is of course a matter of taste.
7. If you're on the beach, a protective beach umbrella can be good against the heat and sun radiation. Protective shade under a tree, etc. offers an equivalent protection. You can also take the opportunity to sunbathe when it's a bit cloudy. Usually you'll get tanned anyway.
8. Department stores, movie theaters and taxis are often equipped with air conditioning and can get you cool.
9. Alcohol (ethanol) is strongly diuretic so if you are drinking beer on the beach it may be wise to alternate this with a bottle of water from time to time.
10. Are you bothered by the heat, spend some time in the ocean or in the pool. It's not bad at all to enjoy a freshly squeezed fruit juice, a fruit shake or a beer surrounded by cooling water.
The Climate in Different Regions
Thailand's weather is influenced by the monsoon period that creates different seasons in the northern, central and the southern parts of the country. The climate is subtropical and normal temperature is between 26-34 degrees Celsius during day time.
Northern Thailand
The climate in northern Thailand is generally a little cooler than in other regions. Light clothing is recommended year-round during daytime. Between December and March, temperatures are high in the daytime, but it can be much colder at night, so we recommend you to be prepared with some warm cloths when the temperature drops. Very little rain falls during this time.
During the rain season, which occurs between May and September, there can be heavy rainfalls, even if the temperature remains rather high. We recommended you to buy an umbrella, if you don't own one already, during this period. The humidity is high throughout the year except in the most mountainous regions.
The best time to visit northern Thailand is between December and May, when it is not raining that much.
FISHING IN THE SUNSET - Photo by Jens W, Yenit.com
Central Thailand
Central Thailand covers a massive land area and the climate can be very different. Light clothing is recommended here as well, especially as the humidity is still pretty high throughout the year. Between December and March, the weather is often very hot during the day, but in the evening the temperature drops. Very little rain normally falls during March and April, while in May you could see an increase, which is the start of the rainy season. This monsoon normally starts in June and remains until October, with many rather heavy rainfalls, as a result, but anyhow relatively high temperatures.
The best time to visit Central Thailand is generally between December and May, but remember that May can be little rainy.
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INTENSE BLUE SKY - Photo by Jens W, Yenit.com
Southern Thailand - the West Coast
The climate in southern Thailand is affected by the monsoon, but it is still relatively hot and humid throughout the year. Light clothing is recommended all year and an umbrella is almost a must during the "wet months". During the rain season, which normally occurs between May and October, it may be ok to visit the west coast, because the rain can be relatively short-lived, with a lot of sunshine in between the showers. But September and October tend to exhibit greater rainfall and less sunny periods.
The best and most popular period to visit the West Coast is between November to April, when there normally are only a few days with rain.
TIME FOR A DIP IN THE SEA - Photo by Jens W, Yenit.com
Southern Thailand - The East Coast
The rainy season starts in September and decline in mid-November, or in early December. Rain showers during the monsoon may be from very short-lived up to days.
The best time to visit Thailand's east coast is between December to August, when the weather usually is rather fine, with a lot of sunshine and not that much rain.
DAWN IN THE TROPICS - Photo by Jens W, Yenit.com
COLLECTING SMALL MUSSELS - Photo by Jens W, Yenit.com
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