Thailand experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and humidity throughout the year, with three main seasons: summer, rainy, and winter.
Summer March to June
Temperature: Average daily highs can reach up to 40°C (104°F), with typical temperatures around 37-38°C (98-100°F) during the day. Nights remain warm, averaging around 28-29°C (82-84°F)
Humidity: High humidity levels contribute to discomfort, making this season particularly challenging for travelers
Rainy Season July to October
Temperature: Daily highs remain around 30-34°C (86-93°F), but the increased humidity can make it feel hotter
Rainfall: This period sees significant rainfall, particularly in September and October, with daily thunderstorms often occurring in the afternoons or evenings. While it rains heavily, mornings are typically sunny
Winter November to February
Temperature: This season is considered the most pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 30-35°C (86-95°F) during the day and cooler nights dropping to about 20-22°C (68-72°F) in northern areas
Humidity: Humidity levels decrease significantly, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities
Regional Variations
Northern Thailand: Experiences cooler temperatures at night during winter and can see lows of around 10°C
Southern Thailand: Has less distinct seasons; generally hot and humid year-round. The rainy season varies between the east and west coasts, typically from May to October on the west and September to December on the east
In summary, Thailand's climate is predominantly hot and humid year-round, with distinct seasonal variations primarily influenced by monsoon patterns, making it essential for travelers to plan according to their preferences for weather conditions.
Monthly Averages
Month
Avg Temp (°C)
Rainfall (mm)
January
24
28
February
25
23
March
28
41
April
31
86
May
29
184
June
28
178
July
28
197
August
27
219
September
27
253
October
26
192
November
25
125
December
24
58
Currency
The official currency of Thailand is the Thai baht, abbreviated as THB and symbolized by ฿. The baht is subdivided into 100 satang. The Thai baht has a rich history, originally linked to a unit of mass equivalent to 15 grams of silver, and it has evolved into a fiat currency managed by the Bank of Thailand.
As of now, the approximate exchange rate for the Thai baht compared to the US dollar (USD) is about 33.81 THB for 1 USD. This means that if you exchange 100 USD, you would receive roughly 3,381 THB. Exchange rates can fluctuate, so it's advisable to check for real-time rates before making any transactions
Tipping
Tipping in Thailand is not mandatory but is generally appreciated as a gesture of gratitude for good service. Here’s a breakdown of the tipping customs you might encounter.
General Tipping Guidelines
Not Required: Tipping is not expected in Thailand, unlike in some Western countries where it is customary. However, it is welcomed, especially in tourist areas.
Service Charges: Many restaurants and hotels include a service charge (usually around 10%) in the bill, so check your receipt before deciding to tip additionally.
Who to Tip and Recommended Amounts
Restaurants: If no service charge is included, a tip of about 10% of the total bill is appreciated. In higher-end establishments, consider tipping an additional 3-5% if a service charge is already applied.
Tour Guides and Drivers: For guided tours, a tip of 100-200 THB per person for half-day tours and 200-400 THB for full-day tours is standard. For drivers, rounding up the fare or adding 10-20 THB for short rides is common.
Taxi Drivers: While not obligatory, rounding up the fare to the nearest ten baht or giving a small tip (10-20 THB) for short trips is a nice gesture.
Hotel Staff: For bellhops and porters, a tip of 20-50 THB per bag is customary. Housekeeping staff appreciate daily tips of about 20-50 THB, and concierges can receive 100-200 THB for exceptional service.
Spa and Massage Therapists: A tip of around 10-20% of the total bill is appropriate if you receive excellent service.
Street Vendors and Markets: Tipping is not expected; however, rounding up your bill or leaving small change for friendly service can be a nice touch.
Cultural Note: In Thai culture, showing appreciation through tipping can enhance your interactions with locals. While it's not obligatory, thoughtful tipping can reflect your gratitude for good service received during your travels. Always use Thai baht for tips to ensure that your gratuity benefits the recipient directly
Electricity
Voltage and Frequency: The standard voltage in Thailand is 220V, with a frequency of 50Hz. This is compatible with devices from many countries, particularly those in Europe and Australia. However, travelers from countries using 110V (like the U.S.) will need a voltage converter or transformer to use their appliances safely.
Plugs and Sockets: The most common socket types in Thailand are Type A (flat parallel prongs) and Type C (two round pins). Many establishments also have Type B (three-pin) sockets available.
Internet Access
you can expect to have easy access to reliable internet services throughout Thailand, whether through mobile data or fixed broadband connections. This extensive connectivity supports both locals and tourists in staying connected during their travels. Here are key points regarding internet access in the country:
Internet Speed and Quality Thailand ranks highly for fixed broadband speeds, with a median download speed of around 205.63 Mbps, making it one of the fastest in the world. While the mobile internet speeds are also robust, with median speeds reaching approximately 37.85 Mbps.
Availability of Services Internet services are widely available through various providers, including both mobile and fixed broadband options. Major providers offer a range of plans that cater to different needs, from casual users to businesses requiring high-speed connections. Public Wi-Fi is commonly found in urban areas, including cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers, making it convenient for travelers to access the internet on the go.
Emergency Numbers
General Emergency Services: 191 This number is equivalent to 911 in the U.S. and connects you to police, fire, and ambulance services for life-threatening emergencies.
Tourist Police: 1155 This service provides assistance in English and is particularly helpful for tourists who may need help navigating emergencies.
Ambulance Services: 1669 For medical emergencies, you can call this number for ambulance services across Thailand.
Fire Brigade: 199 Use this number specifically for fire-related emergencies.
Additional Important Numbers Highway Police: 1193 Crime Suppression Department: 1195 Tourism Authority of Thailand: 1672
What to Do in an Emergency
When calling these numbers, remain calm and provide clear information about your location and the nature of the emergency. If language is a barrier, the Tourist Police (1155) can assist you in English.
It's advisable to keep these numbers accessible during your travels in Thailand for quick reference in case of emergencies.
Seven Seas Travel Thailand
114 Moo 10 Ban Pom, Muang Pranakorn Sri Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya 13000 Thailand