Southeast Asia is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. However, the monsoon season might play havoc with the best laid plans. The truth is that if you plan well, you can still have a safe and enjoyable vacation during the rainy season.
In this article, we've rounded up all the information you need to know when traveling to Southeast Asia during the monsoon season — from the best destinations and things to do to useful travel tips.
When Is the Monsoon Season in Southeast Asia?
In Southeast Asia, the monsoon season generally begins in mid-May and ends in late October/early November, although the start and end times vary based on location. The months that typically get the most rainfall are August and September.
During this period, expect it to be very warm and humid, with bursts of rainfall and overcast skies.
In general, Southeast Asia has three seasons: dry, hot, and wet.
November to February is a relatively cool and dry season. It is the peak time for travelers. March to May are the hottest months of the year when temperatures can rise above 40°C (104°F).
June to October is considered the rainy season, when one can expect a warm and humid tropical climate with short, heavy bursts of rain.
See the best time to visit Southeast Asia
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
|
My husband and I are planning a 3 week…
Alisa was a great listener to all the things we wanted to incorporate into our trip. We discussed everything throughly, and when I had questions, she had answers the next day. I really appreciate her responsiveness and detail with me. I feel like we are in the best hands with Alisa and Asia Highlights. More
, Mar 2024
|
Very great experience our driver D was…
Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More
Rylan Coache, Feb 2024
|
Excellent guide in Siem Reap
Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More
Sharon Townshend, Feb 2024
|
Asia Highlights trip to Thailand
Our first tour guide in Bangkok, Marie, was great to tour around with. She was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. Our next stop in Chang Mai we were greeted by our new tour guide, Rafael. He too was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. He made it feel as if we were traveling around with a long time friend. Every time we arrived at a new destination, we were greeted at the airport by someone with a sign with our name making our travels easy. I would definitely recommend Asia Highlights to anyone looking for a well planned trip of a lifetime! More
Tricia, Feb 2024
|
Amazing Thailand experience
The tour guides were all knowledgeable and accommodating, especially Mayuree in Bangkok- absolutely wonderful. We felt taken care of and every step of the way was catered to our needs. More
Ashley White, Feb 2024
|
Private tour perfect for our times
Asia highlights organized a private tour with our requests. Everything was perfect ?? the driver Tom and the guide Ying were always on time with a smile in their face. Always willing to help and make our trip perfect. Bangkok is a very hot city so we minimized the time outside. The driver always had cold towels for us in the van and cold beverages. More
Virginia, Feb 2024
|
Thailand
We loved Chiang Mai and Susie did a great job showing us several temples, taking many pictures of us with the elephants at the sanctuary (a definite highlight of the entire trip!), and making sure we were well fed, which became a running joke between us.We had a very relaxing few days in Phuket enjoying the beautiful beaches. Kai was great, answering all of our questions and giving us a nice tour of the old town. The all-day speedboat tour of the Phi Phi islands started off a little shaky as the sea was quite rough so if you’re at all uncomfortable bouncing around in a speedboat, you might want to skip that tour. Things did calm down as the day went on and some of the areas they took us to for swimming, snorkeling, etc were really beautiful. A couple of the islands were too crowded with people. More
Andrea Roberts, Feb 2024
|
What a Wonderful Trip
What a Wonderful Trip! We booked with Sharon and our trip was great - guides were waiting for us at each stop, and they were all very nice and helpful. I cannot stress how amazing the guides were - they made the trip. More
Rachel, Feb 2024
|
Ask for Victor!
If you are traveling to Bangkhok you need to request Victor. He made our trip amazing! My family completed bucket list items with his guidance. He knew exactly how to get us places, kept us on time, made us feel safe, educated us on history, spoke excellent English and was genuinely a nice man! Everyone we encountered was awesome- but Victor is the reason for my 5 star review! More
Sandy, Jan 2024
|
Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a…
Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a wonderful trip to Thailand. We had a great time. The tour guides were wonderful as were the hotels you booked for us. We will definitely contact you to plan our next trip More
Carol Yeung, Jan 2024
|
Ying was the best
Ying was the best. She was really knowledgeable and kind. Thank you Ying for wonderful experience in Thailand! More
Sylvester Yeung, Jan 2024
|
Very well organized
Very well organized. Our tour guide, Ying, was amazing! She had full knowledge of every location we visited and made sure our itinerary was fulfilled as expected. She was extremely helpful for our airport experiences, and made sure we arrived at an appropriate time. More
David M. Kang, Jan 2024
|
Family trip to Thailand
We were lucky to be greeted by Marie and her driver.In Marie, we have made a friend for life. She is incredibly smart and knowledgeable about her home country. From the vast number of temples to safely traversing Chinatown.She helped give us tips on our free days, locate left behind lost clothing and arrange for pickup. She even helped check us in for our flight to Chiang Mai.She prepared us ahead of time for every event we had scheduled and bonded with our kids, 3x 13 year olds. More
Justin Levenbrook, Jan 2024
|
Thailand with and amazing tour guide Ying
I highly recommend Ying as a tour guide in Thailand. Her expertise in Thai culture, combined with her passion for food and genuine love for her country, made the tour an exceptional experience. If you're looking for a guide who will not only show you the sights but also immerse you in the local culture and help you discover delicious Thai cuisine, Ying is the perfect choice. More
Diana Irizarry, Jan 2024
|
Asia Highlights Thailand trip
Asia Highlights provided us with a great travel trip. They made it very easy to navigate through Thailand with everything going very smoothly. From the easy transportation to the great day itinerary everything was awesome. Will definitely look to use this agency again in the future. More
Taylor Jones, Jan 2024
|
Perfect 2 WK Thailand Trip for a Solo Female Traveler
Bank was our guide in Bangkok and he showed us around the city with ease and we were able to see and try things I never would have planned on my own. After Bangkok, our small group flew to Chiang Mai for Yi Peng lantern festival and that was a breathtaking experience that I will never forget! Pop was our guide in this city and she was knowledgeable, kind and caring which made our experience even more memorable. More
Tia, Dec 2023
|
We recently have just returned from Thailand
We recently have just returned one from a 5 week trip to Thailand through Asia Highlights. We had a wonderful time and Asia Highlights went beyond our expectations. They truly tried their best to make sure everything went smoothly and we were taken care of! Everyone was amazing and we would definitely use them in the future!! Many thanks to everyone that helped to make this an incredible once in a lifetime experience!! More
Karen Rocque, Dec 2023
|
Indochina Experience
On our 5th day of our trip with Asiahighlights. We felt well taken care of before and it hasn’t changed since we started from Bangkok to Hanoi (guide Kim was verrry knowledgeable!) to Halong Bay (spectacular scenery) to Hoi An (guide Nhieu Tran, giving great local (shopping) tips and insights). More
Stefan Eisenhut, Dec 2023
|
Does It Rain All Day During the Rainy Season?
Don't worry. Rainfall during the monsoon is not continuous. Certain countries can have consecutive days of sunshine with little to no rainfall.
While it may rain very frequently during the rainy season, it rarely rains all day. Mornings are usually bright and clear with a short (but torrential) shower in the afternoon.
So, you can plan your schedule around these downpours and make the most out of your time in Southeast Asia.
What Is a Monsoon?
You may be confused about the difference between the rainy season and the monsoon season.
Monsoon season is when the winds bring humidity from the Indian Ocean to the Southeast Asian subcontinent. The seasonal winds commonly bring heavy rains and thunderstorms, which constitutes the rainy season.
Want detailed insights on the weather in Southeast Asia? Check out the conditions in January, February, November, and December.
What to Expect in Southeast Asia During the Monsoon Season?
Most countries in Southeast Asia are affected by monsoons including Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Philippines, and Malaysia. Here's a country-by-country guide on what to expect during the monsoon season.
Thailand
- Monsoon season: Thailand's monsoon season typically runs from June to October. The most rainfall in Thailand occurs from August to October. In Bangkok, the rainy season starts in late June or July, in Chiang Mai it's from May to October, in Koh Samui it's October to December, and in Phuket it's May to October.
- What to expect: It rains very frequently (almost every day), but typically in the late afternoon or early evening. Some of the islands may be closed due to rip currents and typhoons. You will see fewer travelers and can save as much as 50% on the cool-season hotel prices.
- Best destinations to visit: Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, or Koh Tao. They get less rain than the rest of Thailand during the monsoon season.
Vietnam
- Monsoon season: In the north, around Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, it starts in May and ends in October, with the wettest months of the year being July and August. In central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, and Danang), rainfall increases in October and November. In the south, around Ho Chi Minh City, the monsoon season runs from May till November.
- What to expect: The rainy season in Vietnam is not quite as severe as it is in other Southeast Asian countries. Rainstorms rarely last more than one hour and often occur at night. Floods are rarely seen. The tour boats in Ha Long Bay may get canceled sometimes.
- Best destinations to visit: In October, November, and December, places in the north such as Hanoi and Sapa can be great destinations. From January through July, the coastal stretch from Hue down to Nha Trang are wonderful spots. From November through to February, Saigon and the Mekong Delta are perfect to holiday in. See more about the Vietnam weather.
Cambodia
- Monsoon season: The wet season in Cambodia runs from June to November, with particularly heavy rains in September and October.
- What to expect: It rains just for a couple of hours during the day in the monsoon season. The roads will be dirty. The rainy season is known as the green season, when you can see the countryside erupt with beauty with lush rice paddy fields and flourishing tropical jungles. There are fewer tourists and prices are lower.
- Best destinations to visit: Any place, as long as you plan well. See more about the best time to visit Cambodia.
Myanmar
- Monsoon season: The rainy period is generally between the end of May or June to October.
- What to expect: You may encounter rainstorms and perhaps some flooded streets in Yangon. During the wettest months, some regions become inaccessible and some, such as Ngapali Beach, close altogether. You can enjoy sightseeing without any crowds.
- Best destinations to visit: Bagan and Mandalay. See more about the best time to visit Myanmar.
Laos
- Monsoon season: The wet season in Laos runs from May to September, with the wettest time starting around July and lasting till the end of August.
- What to expect: It rains for a few hours each day. It is common to see landslides and rutted roads. You will experience lower temperatures, cleaner air, and smaller crowds.
- Best destinations to visit: The towns along the Mekong River south of Vientiane get the least rain.
Philippines
- Monsoon season: The rainy season lasts from June to October, with typhoons being likely from September through October.
- What to expect: Rains dampen the beaches and some roads may become impassable. Floods, mudslides, and typhoons occur regularly. You can enjoy fewer crowds and lush, green scenery.
- Best destinations to visit: The areas around Cebu stay dry for most of the days in June and July. The Banaue rice terraces are at their greenest between April and July.
Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore
While June to October is the wet season in the above countries, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore mostly experience a dry season. If you want to escape from rainy weather, you can visit some places in these three countries.
The Pros of Traveling in Southeast Asia During the Monsoon Season
- Less travelers: Monsoon season is often the low tourist season in Southeast Asian countries. Popular sights and attractions are less crowded. You may have famous landmarks all to yourself.
- Cheaper price: The price of accommodation is often cheaper. You probably don't need to book in advance.
- Green and lush scenery: The rainy season is also the green season in Southeast Asia. If you are looking for lush green rice fields, colorful flowers, and bright green jungles, the rainy season is the time to go.
- Fun local festivals: This season is a festive and joyous time in Southeast Asia! There are many festivals you can experience, such as the Rocket Festival in Laos and Buddhist Lent in Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand.
- Cooler weather and cleaner air: The rain brings relief from the heat of the day and helps clean the air of dust particles and pollution.
The Cons of Traveling in Southeast Asia During the Monsoon Season
- More cancelations and delays: Heavy rains can cause roads to be flooded and flights and ferries to get canceled.
- Less choices for hotels and restaurants: Some hotels and restaurants are seasonal, particularly in the islands. You may have less options in terms of food and stay.
- Inconvenient or unsafe for some outdoor activities: Some outdoor activities such as hiking become difficult or dangerous.
- More mosquitoes and more diseases: More standing water on the ground means more places for mosquitoes to breed. There is a higher risk of catching illnesses such as dengue fever.
Tips for Traveling in the Rainy Season in Southeast Asia
1. Be ready for travel delays
Planes and ferries are more likely to be cancelled. Before you travel, verify that your comprehensive travel insurance plan has the coverage you may need for possible delays and interruptions.
2. Arrange a relaxed schedule and flexible itinerary
As your itinerary might be affected by heavy rains and cancellations of transportation, you should allow plenty of waiting time in your travel itinerary.
3. Keep an eye on the local weather forecast
To ensure your safety, check the local weather, especially if you are going to hilly regions. There may be mudslides and landslides during heavy rainfall.
4. Try alternative indoor activities
When you plan your travel, add some indoor activities to your itinerary, such as a cooking class, an arts and craft workshop, a Thai massage, or a yoga class. This way, you will still have ample things to do when it rains.
5. Pack waterproof and quick-drying items
The weather in the monsoon season can be hot and humid, so wear light and loose clothing to keep you cool. Here are some things you should consider packing:
- A waterproof jacket, an umbrella, or a raincoat
- A waterproof bag
- Quick-dry clothing
- Flip flops or plastic sandals
- Some medicines and insect repellants
Touring Southeast Asia with Us
It is advisable to travel with a travel expert like us if you are going to visit Southeast Asia during the monsoon season. We can help you arrange a flexible trip and monitor the weather condition in each place. Contact us if you would like to have an enjoyable monsoon trip in Southeast Asia.
Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)
- Save Your Time:
- Less research, more enjoyment!
- Real-time 1V1 expert planning
- Maximize Your Flexibility:
- Personal local guide and ride
- Explore at your own pace
- Celebrate Your Journeys:
- Specially-crafted family adventures
- Celebrate milestones with style!
- 12-Day Best of Thailand and Cambodia Tour
- 12-Day Cambodia and Vietnam Highlights Tour
- 12-Day Essential Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
- 2-Week Vietnam-Cambodia Tour with a Luxurious Mekong Cruise
- 13-Day Private Singapore and Bali Journey of Discovery
- 14-Day Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour
- 14-Day Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos Itinerary: Premium Private Tour
- 14-Day Vietnam and Cambodia Family Tour—Quality Time Journey
- 14-day Thailand and Vietnam Family Tour
- 15-Day Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
- 19-Day Highlights Tour of Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam
- 3-Week Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour for Couples
- 10 Days in Southeast Asia: Top 5 Itineraries (with Maps & Prices)
- 2 Weeks in Southeast Asia: Top 6 Itineraries for 2024/2025
- Southeast Asia Itinerary for 3 Weeks: Best 5 Ideas in 2024
- 4 Weeks in Southeast Asia: Itinerary & Planning Tips 2024
- How to Plan a 2024 Trip to Southeast Asia With Itinerary & Cost
- How to Plan a Thailand and Vietnam Trip (2024/2025): 10 Days, 2, 3 Weeks Itineraries
- How to Plan a Trip to Thailand and Cambodia (2024/2025)
- How to Plan a Trip to Cambodia and Vietnam 2024: Itinerary, Best Times, Expert Tips
- How to Plan a Trip to Singapore and Bali 2024/2025
- How to Plan a Trip to Singapore and Thailand 2024/2025
- How to Visit Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam 2024: 10, 14 and 21-Day Itinerary Ideas
- How to Plan a Trip to Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore 2024
- Southeast Asia Weather in January, Where to Go
- Southeast Asia Weather in February, Where to Go
- Southeast Asia Weather in March 2024, Where to Go
- Southeast Asia Weather in April 2024, Where to Go
- Southeast Asia Weather in May 2024, Where to Go
- Southeast Asia Weather in June 2024, Where to Go
- The 6 Best Places to Visit in Southeast Asia in July (2024)
- The 6 Best Places to Visit in Southeast Asia in August 2024
- Southeast Asia Weather in November 2024, Where to Go
- Southeast Asia Weather in December 2024 & Best Places to Go
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
Our guide lele is a wealth of information, Lele is very professional and very attentive to our needs. Lele is amazing. Lele got everything spot on. It probably helps that Guilin is a brilliant place to visit so Lele has great material to work with but that doesn't take anything away from how much Lele helped make it a great trip.
moreOur guide for Beijing was super knowledgeable and experienced and able to help us to achieve as much as we wanted within the time given. We had a fun time guided by him as he is also super humorous and you can see how he interacts with the vendors and people whom he comes by. Thank you for a very enjoyable time in Beijing and accommodating to all our needs!
moreOur China Highlight guide. Michael, was attentive, thoughtful and knowledgeable. He narrated many interesting historical events about Chengdu while touring around the city and having afternoon tea with us. He was thoughtful to provide us with snacks during long hikes at Leshan or walks around the city.
moreShe was very flexible and added extra time when we needed it and we felt extremely well taken care of. She also chose the best restaurants for us,
moreOur tour guide Helen, was excellent, she was very kind, professional and passionate for her work and she also loves Pandas! She will take you to take the best panda photos and to know more about Chengdu city. Our tour was great, she took us to all our destinations always with the best spots: Temples, pagodas, famous streets, theaters, pandas...you name it! Everything was great.
moreHe picked up our pre-booked boat/other excursions tickets so we were able to avoid all the long lines and chaos. He is knowledgeable of the places we visited, courteous, fun to travel with and well-versed in Chinese classics.
moreTom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none.
moreTom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none.
moreOur day trip to Hangzhou was phenomenal. Derek, our guide, was impeccable. By far the best guide we have had so far. He is extremely knowledgeable about the country’s history and geography and was always excited to share his insights.
moreXian es encantadora, el hotel Eastern house boutique muy buena elección por parte de la agencia, los desayunos muy completos para complacer todo tipo de gusto, lo recomiendo 100%, el itinerario fue muy acertado fueron 2 días en la ciudad xian, compartimos con la guía Susana, la atención, la amabilidad y sobre todo su profesionalismo fue lo que marcó la diferencia, sus detalles, estaba siempre en el lugar y momento correcto para hacer de xian un lugar inolvidable.
moreGet Inspired with Some Popular 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.