When Is Monsoon Season in Thailand?

Monsoon season in Thailand generally starts in late April and runs through the end of October. It typically rains in the morning and late afternoon. Depending on the location, visitors can expect a few twenty-minute rain showers each day. 

Public transit and walking between popular sights isn’t much fun in the rain. Fortunately, Drive Car Rental offers short and long-term car rentals in Thailand. With a rental car, travellers can explore at their own pace, regardless of the weather. 

It Doesn’t Rain All Day, Every Day

Popular culture has created a myth about the Southeast Asian monsoons. It is always depicted as a six-month torrent of non-stop rain. In reality, many places can go days or even a week or more without seeing a drop of rain. The weather in different areas of Thailand can be vastly different on the same day. 

In Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai receives just 1.2 metres of rain annually. Phuket, on the other hand, gets double that amount. There are also many cloudy days where the sky looks like rain is imminent and yet it won’t rain. 

Cloudy skies have the benefit of keeping temperatures cool during these months, making visitors from colder countries more comfortable than they would be during the dry season. 

Stay Flexible

Thailand is a very modern country with all the modern amenities one could ask for. If the rain just won’t let up, make it a shopping, spa, or eating day. Cosy cafes, vast shopping malls, and top-end spas are everywhere in Thailand. 

A relaxing day indoors is always on the table, should rain prevent visiting the sights. After all, relaxing is practically a travel requirement for Thailand!

If you’re out and about and caught in the rain, duck under a roof somewhere and wait twenty to thirty minutes. The rain will usually slow or stop entirely as the weather moves quickly across the landscape. 

It’s also helpful to have a somewhat flexible itinerary for each day. Remember to carry an umbrella or purchase a poncho at 7-Eleven and keep it in your day bag. If you have a rental car, take advantage of it and use the rainy times to drive between destinations. By the time you arrive, the rain will likely have moved on. 

Online Weather Reports Don’t Tell the Full Story

Looking at a weekly weather forecast for anywhere in Thailand during the monsoon season often causes alarm among first-time visitors. It is nearly guaranteed the forecast will say a 100% chance of rain. While this is technically true, it doesn’t mean the day is lost. 

All the weather forecaster is saying is that at some point, it will rain somewhere in the forecasted area. This area could be a box that is one hundred square kilometres, and yes, it will rain at some point in the day within that box–guaranteed. 

However, local geography such as mountains, large cities, and ocean currents create their own weather patterns that are unpredictable. One side of the city may get soaked while the other stays dry the entire day. 

Benefits of the Monsoon Season

Fully-booked hotels? Nope–visitors have their choice of top hotels at steeply discounted rates during monsoon season. Waiting in line or stuck in a sea of people at a popular destination? Not going to happen. A Michelin Star restaurant without a reservation? Absolutely!

Lower prices and fewer crowds aren’t the only benefits. The jungle turns unimaginable shades of green, and in the morning, you can watch the mist burn off to reveal a stunning view that was invisible just twenty minutes earlier. 

Finally, the rainy season provides an opportunity to get to know local people. During the high season, locals are often too busy catering to the throngs of tourists to have a chat. In the slow season, cafe owners and shopkeepers have much more time to talk and relax. It’s easy to take advantage of the unique cultural experiences provided by this time of year. 

Make the Most of the Monsoon With a Rental Car

Whether you’re opting for solo travel in Thailand, vacationing as a group, or visiting for business, Drive Car Rental has you covered. Rain or shine, we provide convenient locations at airports throughout most major cities in Thailand. Our fleet consists of compacts, sedans, luxury cars, and even electric vehicles. Book early to save the most and ensure the vehicle of your choice!