Living here in Southern Thailand from the West where it gets below 20°C, we have a perspective on the heat of Southern Thailand that might be similar to yours. If you come from a cold European or North American country, how will you deal with the heat in Southern Thailand? Is it bearable?
For most visitors to Southern Thailand, the weather is not too hot to enjoy it. There are millions of visitors welcomed each year and though some find the heat oppressive, most can overlook it and avoid direct sunlight for most of their activities.
Read on to find out if the southern provinces of Thailand are too hot and you should avoid them!
Southern Thailand is famous for its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and crystal-clear waters, but there’s one thing visitors always ask – “Is it too hot?” The answer depends on what you consider “hot.” If you’re picturing a dry desert heat, think again. Southern Thailand, including Krabi, Phuket, and Ko Samui, serves up a different kind of warmth – a tropical, humid, sometimes sticky heat that wraps around you like a warm blanket. Let’s break it down so you know what to expect.
Southern Thailand Temperatures – How Hot Does It Get?
In Southern Thailand, temperatures stay consistently warm year-round. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Cool Season (November – February): 24°C – 32°C (75°F – 90°F). Nights can get even chillier at around 22°C during some nights in January and February. This year we had an extended cool season that lasted until early February. We had many cool days and cooler nights. January is the IDEAL month to visit Southern Thailand during most years.
- Hot Season (March – May): 27°C – 36°C (80°F – 97°F) At night the temperature can dip down a few more degrees to around 25°C, but the daytime is hot-hot-hot! We don’t even like to be outside much during this, the hottest time of the year for the south.
- Rainy Season (June – October): 25°C – 34°C (77°F – 93°F), with higher humidity. Though the temperatures can be high and even scorching during the days in June, July, and August, when a rain storm blows through it lowers the daytime temperatures dramatically for 1-2 hours. If it comes at the end of the afternoon, it’s ideal because the nights will be much cooler too!
Even during the “cool” season, it’s still warm by most standards. But what really makes the difference isn’t just the temperature – it’s the humidity and breeze (or lack of one).
Humidity – The Real Feel Factor
Humidity levels in Southern Thailand are high year-round, often ranging from 70% to 90%. This makes the heat feel more intense than what the thermometer shows. Unlike dry heat, where sweat evaporates quickly to cool you down, humidity keeps the air heavy and damp, making you sweat more – and that sweat stays put. If you’re not used to humid conditions, it might feel overwhelming at first. But your body does adjust after a few days.
Breeze – Your Best Friend or Worst Enemy in Thailand?
Coastal areas like Phuket, Krabi, and Ko Samui often benefit from ocean breezes, especially in the evening. Beaches are the best places to cool off, with constant wind flow making the heat more bearable. However, if you venture inland or into the jungle, the air gets stagnant, and it can feel like you’ve walked into a sauna.
If you’re staying in a city area or deep in the jungle, be prepared for little air circulation. Walking through humid streets with motorbike exhaust in Phuket Town or Ao Nang, Krabi, can feel suffocating. But step onto the sand at Railay Beach or Chaweng Beach in Ko Samui, and the difference is noticeable.
How Each Southern Destination Feels
- Phuket – The busiest island, Phuket has a mix of breezy beaches and hotter, more stagnant urban areas. Patong Beach and Kata Beach usually have some wind, but Phuket Town can feel stuffy.
- Krabi – With its towering limestone cliffs and lush greenery, Krabi gets humid fast. The beaches, like Ao Nang and Railay, are more comfortable with a constant sea breeze.
- Ko Samui – One of Thailand’s more laid-back islands, Ko Samui has steady winds, especially along the eastern coast. However, areas away from the water, like the jungle in the island’s interior, can feel oven-like.
How to Handle the Heat in Southern Thailand?
If you’re planning a trip, here are some quick tips to stay comfortable:
- Hydrate Constantly – You’ll sweat a lot, so drink more water than usual. We usually drink 2 liters of water or other non-caffeinated drinks during the day to stay hydrated.
- Dress Smart – Light, breathable fabrics like quick drying sports shirts and light linens help. Don’t wear cotton t-shirts, they don’t allow the sweat to evaporate quickly and it just builds up and makes you miserable. This is a common mistake among visitors who usually wear t-shirts at home then come to Thailand and do the same. Even nylon is cooler than thick cotton t-shirts.
- Plan Outdoor Activities Wisely – Early morning is the best time to get out and do something. By the time the evening comes, everything has soaked up the sunshine heat and is radiating it. After a rainstorm is also usually an ideal time to get out. Midday sun can be brutal.
- Use Air-Conditioning – A good hotel or café with AC is a lifesaver when you’re on the verge of overheating.
- Seek the Breeze – Stick to open areas near the ocean where air moves freely. In the middle of Phuket Town, Krabi Town, and the center of Ko Samui – the air doesn’t always move as much as it does nearer the ocean.
- Visit Water Attractions – Phuket and Ko Samui have water parks you can visit. All places have cool waterfalls with natural freshwater. There are some natural spring-fed pools of water in Krabi that you can visit – Crystal Pool is a top attraction.
Final Verdict – Is It Too Hot?
For some, yes. If you hate humidity and sweating, Southern Thailand might feel like a steam room you can’t escape. But for most travelers, the heat is just part of the tropical experience. As long as you prepare and embrace the climate, you’ll find that the warmth, combined with the stunning scenery, makes for an unforgettable trip. Plus, that ocean is always there to cool you off!
More Krabi Weather Info >
