The "Golden Rule" of Southeast Asia Weather

The region is generally split into two halves:

1. Mainland (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos): Dry season is November to April.

   
   

2. The "South" (Indonesia & East Malaysia): Dry season is April to October.

1. Mainland Southeast Asia (The "Winter" Escape)

Countries: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines

• Best Months: November to February. This is the "Cool Dry" season. You get blue skies and manageable humidity.

• The "Heat Wave" (March – May): It gets incredibly hot (often over 35°C). Great for beaches, but temple-hopping in Angkor Wat can be exhausting.

• The Rainy Season (June – October): Expect daily afternoon downpours.

  • Pro Tip: This is "Green Season." Landscapes are lush, and luxury hotels are much cheaper.

    
    

    

2. The Southern Islands (The "Summer" Escape)

Countries: Indonesia (Bali, Java), Singapore, East Malaysia (Borneo)

• Best Months: April to September. While Europe and the US are in summer, Bali is in its prime dry season.

• The Rainy Season (November – March): This is when Indonesia gets its heaviest rainfall.

  
  

3. The "Two-Sided" Exceptions

Some countries have internal weather splits that even seasoned travelers miss:

• Vietnam: It is so long that the North and South are rarely perfect at the same time.

  • North (Hanoi): Best in Oct–Dec.

  • Central (Hoi An): Best in Feb–August (Avoid Oct–Nov due to typhoons).

• Thailand’s Islands: * West Coast (Phuket/Krabi): Best Nov–April.

  • Gulf Coast (Koh Samui/Koh Phangan): Best Jan–August (Avoid Nov–Dec).

Quick Glance Cheat Sheet

Destination	Best Months (Dry)	Months to Avoid (Heavy Rain)
Thailand (West)	Nov – April	Sept – Oct
Bali / Indonesia	April – Sept	Jan – Feb
Vietnam (North)	Oct – April	July – Aug
Cambodia	Nov – Feb	Sept – Oct
Philippines	Dec – April	Aug – Oct (Typhoons)

Travel Designer Tip: The "Burning Season"

If you are planning a trip to Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai) or Laos, avoid February to April. Farmers burn crops during this time, and the air quality can become very poor, obscuring those beautiful mountain views.