Thailand is a tropical country–it’s located just a smidge above the equator–with a usual temperature range of 21 to 35 °C (69.8 to 95 °F). Hot and steamy would be a good way to describe the weather here. The rains come when the winds shift into the southwest monsoon from May to November. During this period, you can expect the most precipitation in Thailand throughout the months of September and October. Thailand heats up steadily from February to April, with temperatures peaking as high as 40°C in April.

January is the coolest month of the year. February is still pleasant, but temperatures can start to rise by the end of the month. Because it has the best weather of the year, cool season is also when mobs of tourists descend on Thailand. So for those who are sensitive to crowds, this is perhaps the least enjoyable time to travel around the country and especially to visit Thailand, which is at its most mobbed during cool season. That said, cool season is also when Cambodia is at its most temperate, so for many it’s still the best time to visit the temples or do any sort of hiking or trekking.