Southeast Asia Weather by Country: Dry Season, Wet Season, and Best Times to Travel
In South Korea, they say the traditional rainy season is disappearing. It feels like it rains almost every day during the summer, which might make you wonder what’s going on. Instead of a distinct rainy season, it’s starting to feel more like a prolonged wet season due to persistent heavy rainfall. This might make you think South Korea’s climate is becoming like Southeast Asia’s, but that’s not entirely true when you consider the dry season. In most Southeast Asian countries, the dry season lasts about 3–4 months, whereas South Korea experiences concentrated rain for just 1–2 months in the summer. Regardless, the dry and wet seasons are critical factors when planning a trip to Southeast Asia, so I’ve put together this guide to help you plan a pleasant, weather-friendly trip.
Laos
Laos Wet Season: May–October
Laos Dry Season: November–February / March–late April
Laos, a relatively small landlocked country in Southeast Asia, isn’t influenced by coastal weather. Like much of the region, it has a hot and humid climate year-round. The wet season runs from May to October, while the dry season is split into two periods: November to February and March to late April. The November-to-February period is a cooler dry season, making it an ideal time to travel. In contrast, March to late April is a hotter dry season, with higher temperatures.
Malaysia
Malaysia Wet Season: January–December
Malaysia Dry Season: December–February
Malaysia has so much rainfall year-round that it barely distinguishes between wet and dry seasons, meaning there’s no clear “best” time to visit. Humidity consistently exceeds 80%, and the climate is perpetually hot. If you had to pick a dry season, December to February would be it, as this period has relatively higher sunshine and lower rainfall. Compared to the peak summer months of August to October, humidity is slightly lower during this time. However, since Malaysia is a large country, weather can vary by region, so it’s wise to research the specific area you plan to visit.
Myanmar
Myanmar Wet Season: May–early October
Myanmar Dry Season: October–late April
Myanmar’s dry season runs from October to late April, with the best time to visit being late November to February. During this period, rainfall is minimal, skies are clear, and temperatures are relatively cool. You can also enjoy lush greenery and forests as the wet season winds down. The worst time to visit is from late June to September, particularly in the southern regions, where heavy rainfall can disrupt travel plans, including tour packages. Keep this in mind when planning your Myanmar trip!
Vietnam
Vietnam Wet Season: April–October
Vietnam Dry Season: November–March
Vietnam’s wet and dry seasons vary slightly by region. In northern Vietnam, November to March is a cooler season with low rainfall and clear skies, while April to October is hot and rainy.
Central Vietnam sees its heaviest rainfall between April and September, though it’s less intense than in the north or south. However, the ancient city of Hoi An often experiences flooding in October and November, and typhoons can hit the coast from August to November. If you’re planning to visit central Vietnam, avoid these months.
In southern Vietnam, late June to early November is very humid with heavy rain. For coastal areas, January to June is ideal, while Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc are best visited from November to late April.
Singapore
Singapore Wet Season: September–February
Singapore Dry Season: March–August
Like Malaysia, Singapore doesn’t have clearly defined wet and dry seasons. It’s hot, humid, and rainy year-round. The heaviest rainfall occurs from November to January, while May to June is the hottest period. April is a great time to visit, as Singapore hosts international film festivals and other events during this month.
Cambodia
Cambodia Wet Season: May–October
Cambodia Dry Season: Late October–April
Cambodia’s wet season spans May to October, with the dry season running from late October to April. The best time to visit is November to January, when rainfall is minimal, temperatures are lower, and you can enjoy dazzling sunshine and calm seas on the southern islands. April to May is the hottest period, so it’s best to avoid planning your trip during these months.
Thailand
Thailand Wet Season: July–October
Thailand Dry Season: November–May / June
Thailand has a tropical climate with hot and humid conditions year-round. The wet season brings the heaviest rainfall, with flooding common in some areas. April is the hottest month, which can limit outdoor activities. The best time to visit Thailand is during the dry season from November to May or June, with October to January offering the coolest temperatures.
Philippines
Philippines Wet Season: May–October
Philippines Dry Season: November–April
The Philippines’ wet season runs from May to October, while the dry season spans November to April. However, March and April are the hottest months, which may affect travel plans. The weather is unpredictable, with typhoons possible from August to January. The best time to visit is February, when the wet season has passed, temperatures are cooler, and the seas are calm, clear, and transparent.
In summary, Malaysia and Singapore have so much year-round rainfall that distinct wet and dry seasons are almost nonexistent. Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia, being larger countries, have regional variations in their wet and dry seasons. Indonesia’s regional differences are less pronounced, which can be helpful when planning your trip.
Weather has a significant impact on travel—so much so that good weather is said to make half the trip a success. Plan your trip carefully to ensure a satisfying, weather-friendly experience.