Thailand is located in the Southeast region of Asia, stretching from Myanmar’s border in the north to the Malaysian border south of the Gulf of Thailand. It comprises a mainland region and the peninsular stretch that divides the Andaman Sea and the seas of the Gulf of Thailand. Its official language is Thai and it’s a good idea to learn Thai when visiting.
Thailand’s landscape consists of towering mountains in the north and a low-altitude plain in the center. Doi Inthanon, at 2,565 meters (8,415 feet), is the highest point, and the Gulf of Thailand is the lowest at sea level.
This travel guide will address the commonly asked question, Does it snow in Thailand? There is also plenty of valuable information regarding the country’s climate and ideal destinations to help all those who want to gain a better understanding of Thailand.
Climate In Thailand
Thailand naturally has a humid subtropical and tropical climate, with a constant average yearly temperature of 30 degrees. The tropical environment is characterized by varying winds and air currents that affect the weather throughout the year’s seasons; since the country is located in Southeast Asia’s tropical monsoon zone, where monsoons are predominant.
For instance, the rainy season starts when the winter trade winds replace the summer monsoon. Due to the moisture they pick up from the sea, the currents in the northern hemisphere blow from the south, causing heavy rainfall.
On the other hand, the winds in the winter are usually dry since they originate from inland areas. The country occasionally experiences tropical storms caused by cyclones from the Bay of Bengal and typhoons from the South China Sea.
Seasons In Thailand
The nation experiences three distinct seasons due to its tropical climate, which is impacted by the monsoon’s cyclical activity.
March, April, and May make up the three-month-long, warm, and dry summer. If you choose to visit the nation during this period, you should carry loose cotton clothing and plenty of sunscreens and try to avoid the midday sun at all costs. The summertime heat may seem harsh for first-time Thailand visitors since the temperatures usually vary between 30 and 37 Celsius (86 and 98.6 F).
Next comes the four-month rainy season, which lasts from June through September. The downpours are typically very heavy, with September and October being the wettest months.
The final five months, from October to February, are known as the “cold” or “cool” season. It is the busiest period in the country’s tourism sector since the temperature drops to about 27 °C (79 °F) and, on rare occasions, even lower.
When Does It Snow In Thailand?
Since Thailand lacks the atmospheric moisture required for snow to form, the country does not experience snowfall. However, according to Thailand’s government weather archives, the nation did experience snow once in Chiang Ra during the 1955’s winter season.
Thailand experiences an average wintertime air temperature of 27 °C (80.6 °F), but there are rare periods when it may fall below freezing point. These occurrences only occur in the Northern part of the country, where the temperature may drop low enough to produce frost but not snow. The coldest month is December, with an average air temperature of 26 °C (78.8 °F).
The Sakhon Nakhon‘s -1.4 °C reading from January 2, 1974, is the lowest temperature ever officially recorded in Thailand. The air in Bangkok dropped to 15.6 °C on January 23, 2014, which was the coldest they had experienced in thirty years. Sadly, 63 people from the city lost their lives due to the cold.
Where Does It Snow In Thailand?
Sakon Nakhon, a mountainous province in the northeast of the country, is the coldest location in Thailand. According to numerous sources, Sakon Nakhon holds the title of being the coldest place in Thailand thanks to a record-breaking low temperature of 29°F (-1.4 degrees Celsius) in 1974.
Chiang Mai, a northern Thai province, is another area regarded as the coldest region in the country. During winter, temperatures can drop as low as 16 degrees Celsius (60 degrees Fahrenheit). It is also the only place in the country believed to have experienced snowfall.
Enjoying The Snow & Cold Air in Thailand
Thailand is most likely associated with its stunning islands and white sandy beaches. Fortunately, there are several destinations in the country where one may also enjoy a fantastic winter holiday. Below are four great places you should consider visiting for an unforgettable winter getaway in Thailand.
The Indoor Ski Center Ski365
One wouldn’t anticipate seeing people engaging in winter sports like skiing or snowboarding in Thailand since it is among the world’s warmest countries. However, this indoor ski center is a must-visit as it makes it possible for locals as well as tourists to enjoy such activities.
There are three types of treadmill ski machines called SkiMachine that can accommodate nine skiers simultaneously. Therefore, you can take your skiing skills to the next level, compete against your friends in an interactive game, or maintain your fitness by engaging in activities specifically related to skiing at the center.
Chiang Mai
The cool air and stunning scenery of Chiang Mai, which is surrounded by rolling hills and majestic mountains, make it the ideal location for anyone wishing to enjoy a memorable cold-weather vacation.
Doi Inthanon National Park is an ideal place to take advantage of the chilly weather in the city. You can participate in a hike of Doi Inthanon, the tallest mountain in Thailand, and bask in the breathtaking limestone cliffs’ scenery. Since temperatures may drop as low as 18°C as you ascend higher, you can anticipate seeing some frost at the summit.
Chiang Rai
Another location where you won’t have to worry about sweating the entire trip is Chiang Rai, which is tucked away in the foothills of the northern Thai highlands.
The Mae Fah Luang Garden is a well-known destination in Chiang Rai that you must visit to see the stunning flower scape. It comprises of exotic blossoms from the gardens full of dahlias, tulips, and roses.
It would be best if you also considered visiting the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai to add some historical flavor to your journey. You’ll see why the Buddhist temple is one of the city’s top attractions with just one look at its distinctively constructed building.
Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) is an all-white structure with mirror fragments embedded throughout the building. To access the main chapel (ubosot), you’ll need to cross the bridge that runs across a pool of hands stretching out. These hands represent all the suffering victims who failed to enter paradise.
Khao Kho
While popular with locals, Khao Kho is a little-known tourist destination, making it the ideal getaway from the country’s scorching heat. Khao Takhian Ngo is the best mountain to climb if you’re hoping for a hike that will leave you with a lasting memory of the fresh, chilly air.
Final Thoughts
Although it does not snow in Thailand, the tropical nation offers an ideal getaway that will spice up your wintertime experience. However, it is vital to note that you’ll probably find the country’s winters much warmer than where you came from since the average winter temperatures are 27 °C.
Therefore, during your vacation, always stay hydrated and remember to carry enough sunscreen. If you really want to get the full experience while traveling, you can book one of the best Thailand tours.
