Planning a trip around Southeast Asia, there's one mistake you really don't want to make: assuming the whole region has the same seasons.

Thailand might be enjoying glorious sunshine while Bali is getting drenched. Vietnam can have completely different weather in the north and south, and the Philippines has its own little quirks to contend with...

Getting your timing wrong can mean you end up having to rearrange plans, sweating through ridiculous heat whilst trying to sightsee, or paying peak-season prices for a trip that just doesn't hit quite right.

You don't necessarily need perfect weather to have an incredible time, but you do need to know where to go, when to go, and what to expect when you get there.

We've broken down the best time to visit Southeast Asia month by month, with country-by-country advice in our most recent article.

Thailand

• Best months: November to February
• Good shoulder months: October and early March
• Best for: Beaches, temples, street food, backpacking, and island hopping.

Vietnam

• Best months: Varies heavily by region, there's no generic best time to visit Vietnam
• Good shoulder months: March, April, and October
• Best for: Food, culture, motorbike trips, mountains, beaches, and cities.

Cambodia

• Best months: November to February
• Good shoulder months: October
• Best for: Angkor Wat, history, temples, and beaches.

Laos

• Best months: November to February
• Good shoulder months: October
• Best for: Slow travel, mountains, waterfalls, and nature.

Indonesia

• Best months: May to October
• Good shoulder months: November
• Best for: Beaches, snorkelling, surfing, diving, volcano hikes, and island hopping.

The first time I travelled to Southeast Asia, I spent a good chunk of the trip watching tropical downpours roll in, rearranging plans, and wondering why everyone seemed to have a different answer about the best time to visit.

Don't overthink the weather, but don’t ignore it either. Find all the information you need for Southeast Asia, including planning notes and things to look out for in each country:

Travel far. Spend less. Live more.​
- The Broke Backpacker