Should I Travel During the Rainy Season?
The answer: yes, you can. You can travel during the rainy season in Asia, but you need to go in with your eyes open. It depends a lot on where you’re going, when, how flexible you are, and how much you mind a wet day or two. Below is a breakdown of what you should know (and pack!) plus country-specific advice for Southeast Asia (including heavy-rain flood-risk zones and safer zones) to help you decide and plan.
Which Countries Have Heavy Rain and Flood Risks?
- Indonesia: The wet season is typically October to March (or thereabouts) for many parts (e.g., Bali’s wet season spans October–February. Its highest rainfall months are December-January). Flooding and landslides are recurring hazards during heavy rain. For example: there was a deadly landslide and flood in Java in Jan 2025.
- Thailand: Rainy season roughly mid-May to October/November for many parts. Floods are annual in many river/low-lying areas.
- Vietnam: Complex because climate varies a lot north to south. But broadly: rainy season begins April/May in the north, peaks July/August, ends Sept/Oct; central/north-central coasts also have heavy rain into October/November. The 2025 Northern Vietnam floods happened late October-November.
- Cambodia: Rainy season from May to October, dry season November to April. Heaviest rains usually September–October.
Note: If you pick, for example, central Thailand (Bangkok) in late Sept, or Indonesia in January, you are picking high-risk months for heavy rain/flooding.
What Can You Do to Prepare?
Packing & personal gear:
- Bring a good raincoat or waterproof jacket.
- A compact umbrella or poncho = very handy.
- Choose sandals/flip-flops + closed shoes (because puddles/mud).
- Clothes that dry fast (quick-dry fabrics) are ideal.
- A waterproof bag or rain cover for your day-pack.
- Mosquito repellent (rainy + humid = more insects).
- Always check local weather/shore-alerts/transport status.
Planning/trip timing:
- Consider rescheduling to the dry season if you want minimal rain and maximum ease.
- If you travel in rainy season: build in flexibility in itinerary
- Choose destinations that are less prone to floods or have good infrastructure for rain.
- Avoid low-lying flood-prone areas during peak rain if you are worried.
- Check local forecasts & infrastructure (transport, roads), heavy rain may delay flights/boats/trains.
Notes:
- Accept that you may have a rainy day or two but often you’ll still find sunny spells. (Many travellers note that rain comes in storms then the sun returns).
- And the bonus: fewer crowds, lower prices, lush green landscapes.
Which Asian Countries Are Less Affected by Heavy Rain During Their “Rainy” Period?
Some countries or regions have less intense rain or less serious flooding even during their designated rainy seasons. For example:
- Parts of the Philippines and East Asia may have rainy seasons but lots of indoor activities and good infrastructure to handle rain.
- Japan (non-tropical seasons) or South Korea (outside the typhoon period) can offer heavy rain but are less likely to have the kind of massive flooding seen in Southeast Asian monsoon regions.
- Smaller islands with good drainage and less terrain-risk (but always check local climate) may also offer more weather-resilience.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to travel during the rainy season in Asia?
Yes, but not on Christmas until New Year time. Many destinations offer lower hotel rates, cheaper flights, and fewer tourist surcharges because it is considered the off-peak period.
Will tourist attractions stay open during heavy rain?
Most attractions stay open, but outdoor activities like boat tours, hiking trails, and island-hopping may be postponed or cancelled for safety during storms.
How does rainy season affect transportation?
Flights, trains, and ferries can experience delays or cancellations due to bad weather, so it’s smart to allow buffer days between travel plans.
Should I use SIM card or eSIM for travel to multiple Asian countries?
eSIM is the best option. Eskimo eSIM offers you a continental data plan (Asia Pacific plan) that you can use in all 23 Asian countries without changing anything at all.
