Thailand in the winter months can be a sunbather’s paradise. Beginning in November, the monsoons and rains trickle to a stop, and the country as a whole gets a respite from the steady torrent of the rain season. The sun comes out in full force as the country wrings itself dry through December and January, culminating in warm coastal temperatures throughout February.
Throughout these four winter months, the coastlines of the Thai peninsula afford the most sun. Though it’s less humid overall here, this time of year brings rising tides. As a result, the low beaches on both the western and eastern coasts of the peninsula can be partially submerged. The eastern coast can even get an occasional shower.
Sunshine stays strong throughout, however, especially on the western coast of the peninsula.
NOVEMBER
National Average Temperature: 25 degrees Celsius
The temperature takes a bit of a dip as the dampness of October begins to relent. Though the monsoons are over, the tides remain high and the lower-lying beaches all but disappear. Towards the end of November, rainfall becomes rare, especially along the western coast of the peninsula. It’s also warmer on the western coast than the rest of the country, with temperatures about 2 C warmer than the national average. Temperatures in the east are comparable, but the one big difference in the east is heavy rain. For steady sunshine and a break from the rains, stick to the western coast. The higher coastlines and the warmth also make the area ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Hottest Areas: Koh Chang, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta and Khao Lak
DECEMBER
National Average Temperature: 24 degrees Celsius
The whole country is relatively sunny, warm and even dry. The east still has occasional rain, but it’s steadily dwindling. Though the north can be coolest, temperatures here don’t stray far from the national average. The centre of the country, especially the region around the capital, tends to be the warmest. Since precipitation is dropping nationwide, high humidity is not a concern. Again, the best sunshine and the most comfortable beach temperatures are on the western coast and the islands that dot the waters there. Sea levels are still high and, though not ideal for beach-combing, water sports are still the best choice for those that are looking to stay active in the sun.
Hottest Areas: Hua Hin, Pranburi, Cha Am, Koh Chang, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta and Khao Lak
JANUARY
National Average Temperature: 22 degrees Celsius
The north is now significantly cooler and the only place to escape the heat of the central, southern and western parts of the country. Temperatures easily climb just shy of 30 C in these regions. Both the western and eastern coasts of the peninsula get warm, but this is mitigated by the seasonal breezes in both coasts. The one difference between the coasts is the occasional rain shower in the east, making the western coast somewhat preferable for true sun-worshippers. The entire country, however, is dry by the middle of the month. Water levels on both coasts remain high.
Hottest Areas: Hua Hin, Pranburi, Cha Am, Koh Chang, Koh Samui, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta and Khao Lak
FEBRUARY
National Average Temperature: 23 degrees Celsius
The northern region of the country remains coolest, while the central and southern parts get about 2 C warmer than the national average. Both the western and eastern coasts remain warm and sunny. The eastern coast, however, can get a smattering of light rain that quickly subsides. The western coast stays dry, though both coasts remain under rising water levels. Beaches in both areas are much smaller, if visible at all. The peninsula as a whole strikes a warm balance between the cooler temperatures of the north and the heat of the central part of the country. With the exception of spotty rains in the east, both sides of the peninsula stay dry.
Hottest Areas: Hua Hin, Pranburi, Cha Am, Koh Chang, Koh Samui, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta and Khao Lak
Now that you have an idea where to find the heat and sunlight during the winter months in Thailand, you’re probably better prepared to chase the sun. November is the beginning of the end for the Thai rains, while December and January bring the sun out consistently. Along with its share of sunlight, February adds more warmth to the mix. Throughout the country the weather is warm, with more temperate climate on either side of the peninsula. For the best sunshine and mildest temperatures, the western coast is the ideal destination.
All round, whether you’re in the central, northern or southern parts of the country, winter in Thailand is nothing less than the season of warm breezes and cloudless skies. You can fly in to Bangkok and take a bus or a train to visit these amazing beaches – the hottest areas in Thailand during winter months.