The major influences on Thailand's climate are its location in the tropical monsoon zone of mainland Southeast Asia and certain topographic features that affect the distribution of precipitation. Beginning in May, the warm, humid air masses of the southwest monsoon flow northeastward over the region from the Indian Ocean, depositing great quantities of precipitation; rainfall reaches a maximum in September. The wind pattern is reversed between November and February, when the northeast monsoon brings cool, relatively dry air masses in a southwesterly flow to create a seasonably cooler climate for much of the country. Stagnant air in March and April is associated with a distinct hot and dry intermonsoonal period.
Local relief acts to modify these general weather patterns. Topographic effects are most noticeable on the peninsula, where Ranong on the west coast receives approximately 160 inches (4,000 millimetres) of precipitation annually, while Hua Hin on the east coast receives less than 40 inches. Similar but less pronounced rain-shadow effects occur along the western margins of the Central Plain and on the Khorat Plateau. Songkhla, at the southern end of peninsular Thailand, has its rainy season during the cool season, the result of moisture picked up by the northeast monsoon winds while passing over the Gulf of Thailand; in this area a true tropical rain-forest climate prevails.
Nationwide, temperatures are relatively steady throughout the year, averaging between 77° and 84° F (25° and 29° C). The greatest fluctuations are in the north, where frost may occur in December at higher elevations; conversely, maritime influences moderate the climate in the south. The cooler, drier air of the northeast monsoon produces frequent morning fogs that generally dissipate by midday in the north and northeast regions. - Britannica Encylopedia
Local relief acts to modify these general weather patterns. Topographic effects are most noticeable on the peninsula, where Ranong on the west coast receives approximately 160 inches (4,000 millimetres) of precipitation annually, while Hua Hin on the east coast receives less than 40 inches. Similar but less pronounced rain-shadow effects occur along the western margins of the Central Plain and on the Khorat Plateau. Songkhla, at the southern end of peninsular Thailand, has its rainy season during the cool season, the result of moisture picked up by the northeast monsoon winds while passing over the Gulf of Thailand; in this area a true tropical rain-forest climate prevails.
Nationwide, temperatures are relatively steady throughout the year, averaging between 77° and 84° F (25° and 29° C). The greatest fluctuations are in the north, where frost may occur in December at higher elevations; conversely, maritime influences moderate the climate in the south. The cooler, drier air of the northeast monsoon produces frequent morning fogs that generally dissipate by midday in the north and northeast regions. - Britannica Encylopedia
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