best time to travel...

It used to be easy to decide when was the best time to go to South East Asia to avoid the rains and the high humidity.  However these days like many destinations it is getting harder to pin point when the rains are going to start or finish.  However here is some information that you may wish to use as a rough guide to climates in the regions we travel to.

Bali...

With its warm, tropical climate, Bali can be enjoyed any time of year but the best time to hit the beaches is during the dry season, from April to October. The rest of the year is more humid, with more overcast days and a higher chance of rainstorms. The busiest times are June, July and over the December period and school vacation time in Australia.

Bhutan...

The summer months – June, July and August - are monsoon season in Bhutan; a time of very heavy rain when, over three months, half a metre of rain falls in Thimpu, up to a metre falls in the eastern hills, and the mountains become obscured by thick cloud. The peak months of September, October and November are the busiest, and flights may be booked up far in advance – to see Bhutan in glorious autumnal colours, it’s best to book early. March and April are a wonderful time to see Bhutan in bloom - temperatures are pleasant and the valleys are abundant in nature. Although May brings higher humidity, this attracts fewer visitors, so prices as well as crowds. The rhododendrons are still in bloom too, making this a picture-perfect time for photographers and nature lovers.  December is a cold month in Bhutan, but the skies are blissfully crisp and clear and the valleys are sunny with far-reaching views across the Himalayas – well worth it for those who can brave the chill.

Cambodia...

The best time to travel is November to early March when it is the cool, dry season. From March onwards, it gets fairly hot before the rainy season that stretches from May to October. Please note that it is still possible to travel during the rainy season, as it generally only rains for a period of time during the day (usually in the afternoon) and this has the positive effect of cooling down an otherwise hot and oppressive climate.

Laos...

The best time to travel is November to early March when it is the cool, dry season. From March onwards, it gets fairly hot before the rainy season that stretches from May to October. Please note that it is still possible to travel during the rainy season, as it generally only rains for a period of time during the day (usually in the afternoon) and this has the positive effect of cooling down an otherwise hot and oppressive climate. Note it can get quiet cool in the north and Luang Prabang over the months of December and January.

Vietnam...

Vietnam’s climate tends to vary from the North to South and also varies according to altitude. Southern Vietnam experiences only two seasons, wet and dry. The wet season lasts from May through to November while the dry extends from December through to April. February, March and April are typically hot and humid. Coastal central Vietnam is characterised by coastal lowlands and unlike the other regions of Vietnam, the most significant amounts of rainfall are experienced between the months of December and February. Dalat in the central highlands experiences cooler temperatures due to its altitude. From November to March daily highs range from the low to mid twenties, (Celsius) while evening temperatures drop significantly lower.  Northern Vietnam experiences cool to cold temperatures from November through to March while hot conditions predominate from May through to October. February and March are typically characterised by constant drizzle.  There really is no ’best’ time to travel as good weather conditions can be experienced in a certain part of the country all year round.