Where and when it rains
| Region | Rainy season | Wettest months | Rough rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | mid-May to October | September, October | about 220 to 340 mm in September depending on the source |
| Chiang Mai | mid-May to October | July to September | about 220 to 290 mm a month in July-August |
| Phuket, Krabi (Andaman) | May to October | September | about 320 mm in September |
| Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao (Gulf) | October to December | November | over 210 mm, up to about 445 mm in November depending on the source |
What the rain is like
It often falls as heavy afternoon showers lasting one to two hours rather than whole days of rain. Morning is the safest time for outdoor temples. On the Andaman coast the sea is rougher and some boat trips are cancelled.
Is it worth going?
- Yes, if you want lower prices and fewer people in museums, malls and spas.
- Avoid September-October in Bangkok if flooded streets worry you, and the Andaman Sea from July to September for diving.
- Smart plan: pick the Gulf of Thailand from May to September, where rain is lighter, then Bangkok from November to February, the drier period.
What to do in Bangkok when it rains
See our pages what to do in Bangkok when it rains, Bangkok in September and the best time to visit Bangkok. An indoor visit such as the Jim Thompson House is a good fallback.
