Southeast Asia now reopens to travelers. It lies within the tropics, with southern areas close to the equator, and so it's warm all year round. Average temperatures are around 27°C (80°F).
The climate varies significantly across the region of Southeast Asia. This makes it a year-round travel destination. The best time to visit will really come down to which country you would like to visit and what you want to do.
Generally speaking, the best time to visit most places in Southeast Asia is from November to February when the weather is dry (driest) and warm (on average). Wet-season monsoon rains fall from June to October in most SE Asian countries.
Southeast Asia Weather Guide
Elephant Rescue Park in ChiangmaiNot all countries in Southeast Asia share the same seasons at the same time. There are some regional differences. They are roughly divided into two weather patterns.
There are three main seasons in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and the Philippines:
- Dry season: November to February
- Hot season: March to May
- Rainy season: June to October
There are two main seasons in Malaysia, Indonesia (Bali), and Singapore:
- Dry season: April to September
- Rainy season: October to March
Most travelers choose to visit mainland Southeast Asia during its dry season as it's not so hot with little rain. The weather in the hot season, consistently getting to around 38°C (100°F), and the rainy season is not so good, but you will find fewer crowds and lower prices for flights and accommodation.
Monsoon Season in Southeast Asia: Good to Travel or Not? >>>
How to Plan a Trip to Singapore and Bali >>>
How to Plan a Multi-Generational Family Vacation to Southeast Asia
Travel to Southeast Asia in Summer: Places to Go, Costs, Weather
What Our Customers Said
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
A special shoutout to our last guide in Bangkok - Ms. Ka-Noon who spoiled us with her kindness and then got us through check in and security for our flight home in record time at that huge Bangkok airport. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
Three weeks encompassing Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos. Albee Ning arranged everything perfectly. Not a flaw in the whole 3 weeks. Guides, flights (7 in total), hotels, private tours…everything was excellent. Travelling on a private tour gave us so much freedom to change our day if we chose to rest or go somewhere else. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
Asia Highlights is the way to go without any question. Next overseas trip will be booked with them for sure. Thank you for a wonderful and stress free vacation experience. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
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Over the last 5 years we've used Asia…
Over the last 5 years we've used Asia highlights twice. And both times we've had fantastic vacations. Would not want to do it any different when we travel to Asia from now on. Sharon was fantastic. She was a wonderful agent who helped us nail down our trip and make everything go as smooth as possible. MoreTodd Atwell, Feb 2023
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Family Trip to Thailand
Our trip to Thailand comprised three generations of the family , ten people and an age range of 4 to 70 so a potentially difficult brief.Our itinerary over two weeks involved four locations, and a number of different trips and tours.From out arrival at an extremely busy Bangkok airport Asia Highlights were terrific.In each location we were met by a smiling , knowledgeable and professional guide who simply made everything easy and stress free for everyone.Our transportation was clean and comfortable . Transport was always ready for us at the agreed time and the drivers were excellent.There were so many highlights enjoyed by all the age groups. The floating houses , railway market and elephant sanctuary were particular favourites.We had one minor glitch with the accommodation in Phuket which was immediately dealt with by Tip. I think we would have struggled to resolve the problem by ourselves. So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. MoreRoger Pyle, Feb 2023
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Family Trip to Thailand
So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. MoreRoger Pyle, Feb 2023
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Trip of a lifetime from Asia Highlights!
I recommend highly Asia Highlights as a travel company. Our travel consultant Albee took the time to connect with us during the planning process to make sure we were comfortable with our itinerary. When we arrived, we were met by our guide and all the details were attended to. They picked great hotels and tours. I often describe our trip as the trip of a lifetime! Would definitely use them again when we come back to Asia MoreNancy Parker, Feb 2023
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Asia Highlights and Albee - highly recommended
Asia Highlights is very reliable agency and Albee is an amazing representative of the company. From the moment when we contacted her until our departure, the whole support we received was 6* level. She prepared our trip offer within few hours and afterwards she was extremely flexible to adjust as per our needs. In the period between the offer and the trip, Albee was always available for all our questions and supported us on the best possible way. During the trip she was again flexible to add new activities/transfers and this went on the smoothest possible way. Thank you, Albee and Asia Highlights. Definitely we will approach you again for our next Asian trip MoreAZ, Feb 2023
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Best Times for Beaches in Southeast Asia
- Thailand and Vietnam: November to early April
- Indonesia and Malaysia: April to October
Phu Quoc Island in VietnamIf you hope to enjoy sunbathing and swimming in the sea, generally speaking, the best time to visit Southeast Asia's beaches is from November through early April when the weather is usually sunny and dry, and it's not too hot or too cool. The beaches in many countries, such as Thailand and Vietnam, are at their best during this period.
But if you would like to enjoy your beach vacation in Indonesia (like in Bali) or Malaysia's east coast (like on the Perhentian Islands or Tioman Island), the best time to go is between April and October.
If you're traveling to the beaches during the wet season, you should expect some rainy days, but there will also be days where it only rains for a short while and then the sun comes out. You'll find that hotel and resort prices are considerably cheaper during the rainy season.
Suggested read: 2-Week Southeast Asia Itineraries for Honeymoons, Families, and More
- 10-Day Island Hopping Tour around Eastern Thailand
- 15-Day Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
Best Times to Avoid the Crowds
Visiting Angkor Wat Early to Avoid the CrowdsThe Peak Season: November to February
It is a great time to travel in the most popular north of Southeast Asia from November to February — except for the crowds. During this time, go to the busy places, such as the Grand Palace in Thailand and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, as early or late in the peak season as you can.
Southeast Asia is a dream destination if you would like to experience a warm Christmas/New Year trip. One thing to note is to try to book as early as possible. Popular hotels and flights are usually booked up 3-6 months in advance. See the Ultimate Guide to Spending Christmas / New Year Holidays in Southeast Asia.
The Off-season: March through October
March to May is the hot season and June to October is generally considered to be the wet season in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. The weather conditions are not exactly ideal, but you can expect fewer crowds.
It is common to have daily rain in the wet season, but as the rain is so predictable (it usually rains in the afternoon and at night), it's easy to plan around the weather. This means there's not so much of a problem in traveling to Southeast Asia during the off-season, as long as you know what to expect and plan well.
Worst Times to Visit Southeast Asia
As mentioned above, there will be some discomfort or inconvenience if you travel in the hot and monsoon seasons.
If you are particularly concerned about the weather, we would like to advise that the least recommended times to visit northern Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Philippines) are their hottest month of April and their wettest month of September, averaging over 300 mm (12 inches) of rainfall.
However, these worst times for the travel trade have benefits. You can enjoy very reasonable price and less-crowded beaches and temples.
Best Times to Visit Different Countries in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is a large region. It is warm all year round. No matter when you visit, you will find a place that matches your interests and preferences.
Click the country name below to check the best travel time.
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Singapore
- Cambodia
- Myanmar
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
Best Times to Visit Thailand
Generally, the most popular time to visit Thailand is between November and early April when it is the cool and dry season. Northern and Southern Thailand experience different climates.
Southern Thailand:Southern Thailand is a perfect destination if you are looking for an excellent vacation on beautiful beaches, such as Krabi, Phuket, and Phi Phi on the west coast, or Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui on the east coast. The best time to visit Southern Thailand is from February to April when the weather is nice and sunny.
Northern Thailand:If you are going to visit Northern Thailand – including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, and Pattaya – you can consider visiting from October to January.
Southeast Asia Travel Guide by Month
Click the sign of each month to check the travel guide information.
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
January Travel in Southeast Asia
January is one of the most popular travel periods for Southeast Asia. It's warm and dry in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Philippines, with temperatures hovering between 20°C (68°F) and the low 30s °C (86+°F) in most places.
Many visitors choose to spend their Christmas and New Year holidays on the sunny beaches. Diving and snorkeling are at their best during this period. Avoid the east coast of Malaysia and Bali, though, as it's the rainy season peak there.
You might like to join in Lunar New Year celebrations in (the Chinatowns of) these countries. In 2023, Lunar New Year is observed on January 22nd.
Diving, Snorkeling and Water Sports in Thailand >>>
Travel in Southeast Asia Your Way
Southeast Asia is a beautiful year-round destination and you're bound to have a good time no matter when you visit. We take everything, including the weather, into consideration when designing the best possible itinerary for you.
Why Travel with Asia Highlights During the Pandemic
- Tailor-made experience: All of your ideas/needs will be carefully considered to create your ideal trip.
- Worry-free planning: Your 1:1 travel consultant in Asia will take all the uncertainty out of your planning, helping you navigate any travel restrictions.
- No-risk booking: 100% refund policy! (prior to 3 weeks before departure, more details)
Get Inspired with Our Sample Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
