SEA Monsoon Calendar
If you’re already looking at long weekends in Singapore 2024, we don’t blame you. After all, who wouldn’t want to squeeze in a quick beach getaway to destinations like Phuket or Bali?
But before you book that flight, knowing when the monsoon season starts in each destination is important. We’ve curated a handy SEA monsoon calendar to refer to when you’re planning your overseas trips in 2024.
Table of Contents
When is the monsoon season in Thailand?
Thailand is a popular destination amongst Singaporeans for good reason, with flights as short as 1.5 hours. But before you go, know that monsoon season in Thailand can get quite rabak especially if you’re taking a boat to the islands.
Bangkok, Phuket & Krabi
Best months: November-March
For central and southern Thailand such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Krabi, November to March brings in the cool and dry season, and it even sometimes extends to April. It’s ideal for exploring beaches and cities with temperatures from around 29°C-34°C.
And if you’re looking for things to do in Bangkok, we’ve got you sorted with 50 different ideas to choose from.
Worst months: June-October
You can still admire Bangkok’s cityscapes during monsoon season.
It goes without saying, but you’d want to avoid going to beach destinations like Phuket and Krabi during the rainy season, lest you end up having to spend your vacation indoors. Additionally, monsoon season can result in choppy seas. Not to mention, potential flooding can also happen in some areas.
Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai & Pai
Best months: November-February
Northern Thailand is one of the coldest places near Singapore, especially from November to February. Temperatures in the day range from around 23°C-28°C, and nights can drop to as low as 10°C – so don’t forget to pack a jacket if you’re going there.
Worst months: February-April
However, keep in mind that the season right after that is the burning season, where farmers in Northern Thailand and Laos use a traditional practice to cut down and burn their remaining vegetation from the previous harvest. The result is bad air quality that can be hazardous to health. Similarly, you should also avoid visiting from February to April if you’re heading to Laos.
When is the monsoon season in Vietnam?
Vietnam is split into 3 separate regions with differing climates, so it’s best to check for your specific destination before heading there.
Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Halong Bay
Best months: March-April (Spring) & September-November (Autumn)
If you’re planning a Northern Vietnam trip, Spring and Autumn are the best times to go. From March to April, temperatures are neither too hot nor cold. Plus, you’ll get clear blue skies, too – perfect for sightseeing.
Meanwhile, Autumn from September to November marks the end of a long rainy season and brings about cooler temperatures and lower precipitation. If you want to escape Singapore’s heat, plan a visit from December to February – it’s also a perfect time to go to theme parks such as Sun World Halong Complex.
Worst months: May-September
May to August brings about the wet season with heavy rainfall, high humidity, and the possibility of typhoons happening. That said, this can also be the cheapest time to visit North Vietnam – especially if you’re looking for a city vacation, with plenty of things to do in Hanoi.
Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hue & Hoi An
Image credit: @ngoanh1988 via Instagram
Best months: January-July
For cities in Central Vietnam like Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hue, and Hoi An, January to July boasts milder temperatures of about 25°C-35°C. You’ll be able to enjoy the sights without sweating too much.
Worst months: October
If you’re hoping to take in scenes of Central Vietnam’s beaches or go to amusement parks, then you might want to avoid going in October, as there’s a higher risk of typhoons and violent storms.
Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc & Da Lat
Ho Chi Minh City.
Image credit: Jet Dela Cruz via Unsplash
Best months: November-April
From November to April, the weather in South Vietnam is dry and pleasant, so you’ll be able to explore Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, and Da Lat without the need for a raincoat or umbrella. Tet, which coincides with Chinese New Year, is also a vibrant time to visit Ho Chi Minh City.
Worst months: May-October
The rainy season in Southern Vietnam lasts from May to October; and you might even experience flooding in some areas. Come prepared with umbrellas, raincoats, and waterproof shoes if you visit the area then.
When is the monsoon season in Indonesia?
It’s hard to pinpoint an optimal time to visit Indonesia, especially with it being the largest country in Southeast Asia with 7 main regions – the most popular ones being Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, and the Lesser Sunda Islands, with the latter being home to islands like Bali and Lombok.
Bali & Lombok
Best months: May-September
If you’re looking to chill out on the beach and go on hikes in Bali and Lombok, the dry season is from May to September. Temperatures are highest, averaging from 27°C-28°C, with humidity as low as 60%, perfect for outdoor activities and conquering Bali’s hiking trails.
Worst months: November-April
The wet season runs from November to April, which brings about heavy rainfall and a higher chance of storms. If you’re heading to Bali or Lombok, avoid getting on a boat to the offshore islands. If you need ideas, read our exhaustive guide on the best things to do in Bali.
Riau Islands – Batam & Bintan
Waterparks in Batam? Count us in.
Best months: February-August
Whether you’re looking to have a resort getaway at a Bintan resort or things to do outside the city centre in Batam, February to August have the best temperatures of 26°C-27°C. However, the Riau Islands share a similar climate to Singapore, receiving precipitation throughout the year.
Worst months: November-February
November to February brings in the wet season of around 23 rainy days a month. But don’t worry, you can always check out plenty of megamalls like the Grand Batam Mall, which has plenty to do like arcade games and a kiddy amusement park for the young ones.
Java – Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya
Best months: April-October
Java, home to cities like Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya, has warm temperatures all year. Think average daily temperatures of 28°C-30°C. However, the dry season from April to October marks the best time to go, with dry and sunny weather. This is especially so if you’re planning to trek up mountains like Bromo, one of the most popular mountains near Singapore.
Worst months: November-March
The rainy season in Java falls from November to March – although, it usually only rains in the late afternoon.
Sumatra – Padang, Medan, Palembang
Best months: April-October
Sumatra has a similar climate to Java, with April to October also marking the dry season in cities like Padang, Medan, and Palembang, know that April to October marks the dry season in Sumatra. Word of advice, though, high season from June to August brings about crowds and may result in higher hotel rates.
Worst months: November-March
Similar to Java, November to March sees the highest rainfall in Sumatra. The monsoons here can also make roads inaccessible due to flooding.
When is the monsoon season in Malaysia?
Our neighbouring country is split into 2 parts, West and East Malaysia. West Malaysia, separated from Singapore by a Causeway, has a similar climate to Singapore. East Malaysia, on the other hand, has weather that is more similar to Java and Sumatra in Indonesia.
West Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh
Best months: December-February
December to February marks the dry season in Malaysia, which makes it the best time to go there – just in time for Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. Not to mention, there are also plenty of things to do around KL for day trips.
Worst months: April-October
April to October is when there’s heavier rainfall, with some areas experiencing floods. So if you’re planning a road trip to Johor or other parts of Malaysia, do remember to check the weather forecast first.
East Malaysia – Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Miri
Best months: March-October
Peninsular Malaysia may be experiencing heavy rainfall from April to October. But if you do want to travel then, consider states like Sabah and Sarawak instead. It receives daytime temperatures of 29°C, with minimal rainfall and light winds. For ideas on what to do while you’re there, we’ve got articles on things to do in Kuching, outdoor activities in Miri, and our Sabah guide.
Worst months: November-February
Monsoon season takes place from November to February, with a high chance of heavy rainfall and high humidity.
When is the monsoon season in the Philippines?
Whether you’re going island hopping in Philippine islands like Boracay, Siargao, and Cebu, walking through rice terraces in the mountains of Banaue or partying it up in Manila, the archipelago boasts a diverse range of landscapes to choose from.
Bantayan Island.
Image credit: Queen City Cebu via Facebook
Best months: December-February
For those looking to escape Singapore’s humidity, December to February is when temperatures are the coolest, ranging from 24°C-31°C.
Worst months: June-October
If you’re visiting the islands, we’d recommend avoiding typhoon season from June to October, as it sees an increased risk of storms and heavy rainfall. It’s not uncommon for Filipinos to stay inside their homes during this period because of the bad weather.
When is the monsoon season in Cambodia?
Tomb Raider fans would probably have Angkor Wat at the top of their bucket lists. But besides the historical treasure of Cambodia, pop by other places of interest like Ta Prohm Temple or the Royal Palace.
Best months: November-March
If you’re looking for dry and comfortable weather to visit the temples of Cambodia, November to March marks the dry season with temperatures of around 30°C. After all, it’s one of the most underrated destinations with short flights from Singapore.
Worst months: June-October
Conversely, the monsoon season from June to October brings about frequent heavy rains and potential flooding in Cambodia.
Keep this SEA Monsoon Calendar handy
If you’re starting to plan your overseas trips for this year, make sure to keep this SEA Monsoon Calendar handy. You’ll thank us later. After all, it’d be a bummer for you to plan a beach holiday to a destination, only to realise it’s rainy season.
More guides to destinations in Southeast Asia: