Every travel blog on the internet will confidently exclaim that the best time to visit Thailand is between November and April. These months are the dry season in Thailand, and sunny skies are nearly guaranteed. 

However, the endlessly sunny skies also mean peak season for tourists. Hotel rates, flight costs, and crowds all increase dramatically during these months. Those seeking a less crowded experience and more reasonable prices may want to visit Thailand in the rainy season. 

Fewer people means fewer tourist vans leaving for day trip destinations. With limited flexibility, a self-drive in Phuket and other Thai cities is a fantastic alternative. Even with your own car, however, you need to be ready for the weather.

How Rainy Is It?

As far as travel blogs are concerned, it rains all day, every day from the 1st of May until the 31st of October. The reality is far different, and it is highly dependent on where you are in Thailand. 

Each year, the mountains of Northern Thailand receive half the rain that Phuket does. In fact, Chiang Mai has more sunshine hours per year than Phuket. A bit of forethought and planning can help you avoid the rainiest times, so you can enjoy a less crowded vacation while enjoying cooler weather. 

No matter the location, September is universally the rainiest month of the year. August and October can also be heavier with rain. On average, there will be a few showers over the course of the day, each lasting twenty or thirty minutes. Just after dawn and in the latter half of the afternoons, rain is most common. Once the rain disappears, the fun starts again with the upside of lower temperatures. 

July is an excellent month to visit during the rainy season. There is less rain overall, but the weather is cloudy, so temperatures are more reasonable. The jungle is also stunningly beautiful and green during these months, as the mountains are covered in mist in the mornings and afternoons. It is an entirely different Thailand than many tourists get to see. 

Dressing for the Rainy Season

Dressing for the weather in Thailand is also highly dependent on where you’ll be travelling. No matter the time of year, light clothing is generally recommended.

Temperatures are typically around thirty degrees celsius in the rainy season, so expect it to be quite warm most of the time. 

Nighttime temperatures and mountain temperatures are a different story. Soon after dark, the temperature will cool during the rainy season. While most people won’t need a jacket, those travelling by tuk-tuk or motorbike may feel chilly, especially late at night after a rain. 

If a trip to the mountains is on your itinerary, a sweatshirt and a light rain shell should be on the packing list. A rain jacket is handy, but it can quickly make you sweat with the humidity. If your trip doesn’t involve heading to the mountains and you’ll be in town or at the beach, bring a small umbrella, instead. 

It should be noted that no matter what time of year you’re travelling, you should consider bringing more modest clothing. Thailand is a Buddhist country, and Thais somewhat conservative in their dress. 

You’ll typically see most Thais wearing pants, despite the heat. While foreigners aren’t expected to wear pants, certain sites may require modest outfits. At temples and government-affiliated buildings, men and women should wear shorts longer than the knee and keep their shoulders covered. Some sites may require pants, though they generally have some available to borrow for free.  

Escape the Rain With a Rental

One of the best ways to experience the jungles and mountains of Thailand and escape the tourist traps is to rent your own car. That way, you’ll be able to stay dry no matter the downpour, and no matter where you are. 

Drive Car Rental has cars available in Phuket and all over Thailand. You can even pick up a car at one location and drop it off at another. Book your rental today to lock in the best rates and enjoy your trip to the fullest!

Bangkok - Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK Airport) Bangkok - Donmuang Airport (DMK) Bangkok - Donmuang Office Bangkok - Srinakarin Office Bangkok - On Nut BTS Station Bangkok - BTS PHAHON YOTHIN 24 Bangkok - Phayathai BTS Bangkok - Sathorn Bangkok - Singha Complex Nonthaburi - MRT Muang Thong Thani Nonthaburi - Central Westgate Buri Ram Airport (BFV) (Partner Location) Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) Chiang Mai - Office Chiang Rai Airport (CEI) Pattaya Downtown Central Chonburi Chumphon Airport (CJM) (Partner Location) U-Tapao Airport (UTP) Krabi Airport (KBV) Khon Kaen Airport (KKC) Phuket Airport (HKT) Phuket - Patong Beach Khao Lak - PTT Station Hat Yai Airport (HDY) Hua Hin Airport (HHQ) Lampang Airport (LPT) (Partner Location) Loei Airport (LOE) (Partner Location) Nakhon Phanom Airport (KOP) Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST) Phitsanulok Car Rental (PHS) (Partner Location) Phrae Airport (PRH) (Partner Location) Phuket - Bang Rong Pier Ranong Airport (UNN) (Partner Location) Roi Et Airport (ROI) (Partner Location) Sakon Nakhon Airport (SNO) Sukhothai Airport (THS) (Partner Location) Samui Airport (USM) Samui - Bophut Office Surat Thani Airport (URT) Tak - Mae Sot Airport (MAQ) (Partner Location) Trang Airport (TST) Trat Airport (TDX) Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP) Udon Thani Airport (UTH)

Car Hire Bangkok Airport: Book Your Car Rental at Suvarnabhumi Airport | Drive Car Rental

自宅住所

The counter is located in the International Arrival Hall, between gates 7 and 8. Suvarnabhumi Airport (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4376 or +66 (0) 84 700 4380 for assistance),
Samut Prakan ,
タイ 10540

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4376 +66 (0) 84 700 4380

Opening Hours

Daily 24 hours

Car Rental Donmuang Airport: Make a Reservation at Donmuang Airport | Drive Car Rental

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Domestic Terminal (Building 2), 3rd Floor, Exit 11 (near the Information Counter). (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4378 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
タイ 10210

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4378 +66 (0) 2 044 7277

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00 AM - 11:30 PM

Bangkok – Donmuang Office

自宅住所

73 Choet Wutthakat Rd, Don Muang Office located next from Donmuang District Office 1 KM. (Nearby SRT Red Line Donmuang Station Exit 2) (please call +66 (0) 2 044 7277 or +66 (0) 84 700 4378 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
タイ 10210

電話

+66 (0) 2 044 7277 +66 (0) 84 700 4378

Opening Hours

Daily 8.00 am - 6.00 pm

BKK Car Rental: Bangkok Srinakarin Car Hire Office

自宅住所

727 Srinakarin Rd. Suanlang Office located in Nissan Showroom Srinakarin Road (Nearby MRT Yellow Line Kalantan Station Exit 1) (Between Thanya Park shopping Mall and Bangchak gas station) (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4375 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
タイ 10250

電話

+66 (0) 2 821 5992 +66 (0) 847 004 375

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sat-Sun: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Bangkok – On Nut BTS Station

自宅住所

Pick up instruction: Meet & Greet at Lotus Parking BTS On Nut Station (please call +66 84 700 4375 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
タイ 10110

電話

+66 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00 - 17.00 H.

Bangkok – BTS PHAHON YOTHIN 24

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: in front of Ratchayothin Hills A representative will meet you. please call +66 84 700 4378 for assistance,
Bangkok ,
タイ 10900

電話

+66 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00-17.00

BKK – Phayathai Car Rental

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai The Unicorn Building, Phaya Thai Road. A representative will meet you. (please call +66 84 700 4375 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
タイ 10400

電話

+66 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00 - 17.00 H.

Bangkok – Sathorn Car Rental Service

自宅住所

Pickup guidelines: Meet & Greet at Sathorn Thani Tower, North Sathon Rd. You are welcome to wait at the nearby Starbucks. (please call +66 84 700 4375 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
タイ 10500

電話

+66 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00 - 17.00 H.

Bangkok – Singha Complex

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at Singha Complex, New Phetchaburi Rd. A representative will meet you. (please call +66 84 700 4375 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
タイ 10310

電話

+66 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00 - 17.00 H.

Nonthaburi – MRT Muang Thong Thani

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at Bangchak Gas Station Chaeng Watthana 38 (1 station away from M1 station) A representative will meet you. please call +66 84 700 4378 for assistance,
Nonthaburi ,
タイ 11120

電話

+66(0)84 700 4378 

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00-17.00 h.

Nonthaburi – Car rental with Delivery service

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at the Bang Yai Market Station, MRT Purple Line, Exit 4. A representative will meet you. (please call +66 84 700 4378 for assistance),
Nonthaburi ,
タイ 11140

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4378

Opening Hours

daily 09:00-16:00 h.

Buri Ram Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Burirum Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, Flight number mandatory. please call +66 (0) 966 236 964 or +66 (0) 639 306 097 for assistance,
Burirum ,
タイ 31150

電話

+66 (0) 966 236 964 +66 (0) 639 306 097

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 17:00

Car Rental Chiang Mai: Rent Cars at Chiang Mai Airport

自宅住所

Arrival Hall Fl.,1 International Terminal between Gate 8-9, Chiang Mai Airport (Please call +66 (0) 8 4700 4384 for assistance),
Chiang Mai ,
タイ 50200

電話

+66 (0) 5 327 1293 +66 (0) 84 700 4384 

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Chiang Mai Office – Delivery service

自宅住所

Our office located in Bangchak gas station (Please call +66 (0) 8 4700 4384 for assistance) 218 Moo 10, Chiang Mai-Hang Dong Road, Pa Daed Subdistrict,. Mueang Chiangmai,
Chiang Mai ,
タイ 50300

電話

66 (0) 84 700 4384

Opening Hours

Open daily 08:00-17:00

Car Rental Chiang Rai Airport

自宅住所

Meet&Greet: Arrival Hall, Exit 2 Chaing Rai Airport (Please call +66 (0) 8 4700 4381 for assistance),
Chiang Rai ,
タイ 57100

電話

+66 (0) 5 379 3683 +66 (0) 84 700 4381 

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Pattaya Downtown

自宅住所

The office is located at 212/14-15 Moo 5, Pattaya-North Road, (Opposite Terminal 21 shopping mall). (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4385 for assistance),
North Pattaya ,
タイ 20150

電話

+66 (0) 3 841 6125 +66 (0) 84 700 4385

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Central Chonburi (Delivery / Pick up service)

自宅住所

Delivery and pick-up service,
Chonburi ,
タイ 20150

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4385

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00-17.00 H.

Chumphon Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Chumphon Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0) 854 739 885 or +66 (0) 813 677 956 for assistance,
Chumphon ,
タイ 86160

電話

+66 (0) 854 739 885 +66 (0) 813 677 956

Opening Hours

Daily: 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

Car Hire Services: Car Rental U-Tapao Airport

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: U-Tapao Airport A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, Flight number mandatory. (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4385 for assistance),
Rayang ,
タイ 21130

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4385

Opening Hours

Open daily: 8:30 - 17:30 H.

Car Hire Krabi Airport

自宅住所

The counter is located on the 1st floor of the Domestic Arrival Hall, Krabi Airport. (Please Call +66 (0) 8 4700 4383 for assistance),
Krabi ,
タイ 81130

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4383

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00 AM - 21:00 PM

Car Hire Services: Car Rental Khon Kaen Airport

自宅住所

Counter is located on 1st Floor Arrival Hall. Please call +66 (0) 94 980 1666 for assistance,
Khon Kaen ,
タイ 40000

電話

+66 (0)94 980 1666

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-19.00 H.

Car Hire in Phuket: Find a Car Rental, Phuket Airport Thailand | Drive Car Rental

自宅住所

The counter is located on the 1st Floor of International Terminal Arrival Hall Phuket Airport (Please call +66 (0) 8 4700 4387 or +66 (0) 8 4700 4389 for assistance),
Phuket ,
タイ 83110

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4387 +66 (0) 84 700 4389

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00 am - 12:00 am (midnight)

Car Rental Phuket Patong Thailand | Drive Car Rental & Hire

自宅住所

Holiday Inn Resort Phuket, Patong Counter located at Lobby Area 1st Floor (Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4386 for assistance),
Patong ,
タイ 83150

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4386

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Car Hire Khao Lak – PTT Station Car Rental

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at PTT station (PTT Khuk Khak) A representative will meet you. Please call +66 (0) 948189944 for assistance,
Phang Nga ,
タイ 23150

電話

+66 (0) 948189944

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Hat Yai Car Rental: Car Hire Services at Hat Yai Airport

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Hat Yai Airport A representative will meet you at the arrival hall Exit 7-8, Flight number mandatory. (please call +66 (0) 94 429 6688 for assistance),
Hat Yai ,
タイ 90115

電話

+66 (0) 94 429 6688

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Hua Hin Airport

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at Hua Hin Airport Location, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, meeting point. Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4375 for assistance ,
Hua Hin ,
タイ 77110

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily: 10.30 - 16.00

Lampang Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

490 Highway Lampang-Ngao Road, Tambon Phra Bat, Amphoe Mueang,
Lampang ,
タイ 52000

電話

+66 (0) 97 996 8499 +66 (0) 97 958 8798

Opening Hours

Daily 8:30 - 18:00

Loei Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Loei Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0) 944 573 222 for assistance,
Loei ,
タイ 42000

電話

+66 (0) 944 573 222 +66 (0) 883 271 940

Opening Hours

Daily: 24 hours

Nakhon Phanom Airport

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Nakhon Phanom Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0)81 970 6551 for assistance,
Nakhon Phanom ,
タイ 48000

電話

+66 (0)81 970 6551

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at Arrival Hall, A representative will meet you. Flight number mandatory Please call +66 (0) 94 684 5252 for assistance,
Nakhon Si Thammarat ,
タイ 80120

電話

+66 (0) 94 684 5252

Opening Hours

Daily: 8.00-18.00 H.

Phitsanulok Car Rental (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Please visit the "M Transport" counter situated in the arrivals terminal building. For any assistance, feel free to call +6681-348-5445.,
Phitsanulok ,
タイ 65000

電話

+66 (0) 81-348-5445

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-18.30

Phrae Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Phrae Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0) 86 421 6498 or +66 (0) 92 969 6159 for assistance,
Phrae ,
タイ 54000

電話

+66 (0) 86 421 6498 +66 (0) 92 969 6159

Opening Hours

Daily: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Phuket – Bang Rong Pier

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at Bang Rong Pier. A representative will meet you. please call +66 84 700 4389 for assistance,
Phuket ,
タイ 83110

電話

+66 (0) 8-4700-4387 +66 (0) 8-4700-4389

Opening Hours

Daily: 09.00-17.00 H.

Ranong Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Ranong Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0) 86 277 8501 for assistance,
Ranong ,
タイ 85000

電話

+66 (0) 862 778 501

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-17.00 H.

Roi Et Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Roi Et Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0) 966 236 964 or +66 (0) 639 306 097 for assistance,
Roi Et ,
タイ 45000

電話

+66 (0) 966 236 964 +66 (0) 639 306 097

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 17:00

Sakon Nakhon Airport

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Sakon Nakhon Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0)81 970 6551 for assistance,
Sakon Nakhon ,
タイ 54000

電話

+66 (0)81 970 6551

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 17:00

Sukhothai Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at Airport Location, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, meeting point 89/7 Moo4, Jarodviteetong rd. Thani, Mueang ,
Sukhothai ,
タイ 64000

電話

+66 (0) 828 521 732

Opening Hours

Daily: 06:00-19:00

Car Rental Koh Samui: Rent a Car at Samui Airport

自宅住所

The counter is located in the Arrival Hall at Samui Airport. (Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4388 for assistance),
Koh Samui ,
タイ 84320

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4388

Opening Hours

Daily 08:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Samui – Bophut Office

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4388

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Car Rental Surat Thani Airport- Great Value Car Hire

電話

+66 (0)81 970 5745

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-20.00 H.

Tak – Mae Sot Airport (Partner Location)

電話

+66 (0) 868 985 606

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 18:00

Trang Airport

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4383

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00-17.00 H.

Trat Airport

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4385

Opening Hours

Daily 11:00 AM - 15:30 PM

Car Rental Ubon Ratchathani Airport

電話

+66 (0) 94 848 4455

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-18.00 H.

Udon Thani Airport

電話

+66 (0) 81 970 6551

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

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