Thailand has officially entered its annual cool season following weeks of delay, but forecasters expect temperatures to remain higher than average across the country.
Delayed Cool Season
The Thai Meteorological Department confirmed the seasonal transition on 9 November. Persistent heat delayed the official announcement by several weeks, meaning expatriates hoping for rapid relief from tropical humidity will find conditions notably milder than normal. Bangkok will record overnight lows near 20°C. With daytime highs still touching 35°C, household electricity expenditure on air conditioning will probably remain high through December. Northern provinces will see cooler mornings, although upland frost will be rarer than in past years. The lowest temperatures will not arrive until January 2027.
Southern Travel Disruptions
Severe rainfall continues across southern Thailand. Provinces such as Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Songkhla face daily downpours alongside flash-flood warnings, directly affecting popular coastal destinations and transit corridors. Between 10 and 15 provinces report intense rainstorms each morning. British nationals travelling for holidays or immigration appointments should check transport schedules, as rain regularly delays domestic ferries and regional flights. Surface water also creates hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Local authorities advise motorists against entering flooded lanes where hidden potholes present serious damage risks.
Bangkok and Central Conditions
The capital faces a calmer outlook. Bangkok remains largely overcast, with scattered light showers and gusty winds replacing the severe storms observed earlier in the autumn. Localised surface water still affects pavements and low-lying roads during rush hour. Expats living in ground-floor flats or parking in basement facilities should verify that building staff keep drainage pumps clear. Looking ahead, settling weather will cause seasonal smog levels to rise across central Thailand, making domestic air purifiers a sensible purchase for apartment dwellers before January.
Source: thethaiger.com
Reviewed by the Thailand Guide Editorial Team • Last reviewed: 14 November 2026
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