What's the Weather Like in Thailand?

Q: I am going to Thailand at the end of September and I would like to find out about the weather at that time. I would also like to understand the value of the currency compared to ours. - Thabiso Paatjie

A: You don't say which part of Thailand you will be visiting. However, wherever you intend visiting, there will be a fair chance of rain. Bangkok will have a humidity of around 90 percent and an average temperature of 29 degrees Celsius. It is the month with the highest rainfall (around 350mm), with October in second spot (270mm). In the northern city of Chiang Mai, it will be a little cooler than Bangkok, with an average of around 26 degrees, but chance of high humidity and rainfall are strong, The popular beach resorts in the south of Thailand really only have two seasons - the wet and the dry. While these run at different times on the west coast (which covers Phuket and Krabi) and the east coast (which covers Koh Samui), both areas are rainy in September. The west coast's rainy season lasts from May to October, while the east coast has the heaviest rainfall from late September to December. In the most popular beach destination, Phuket, rainfall is highest in September (over 400mm), followed by October. While this may sound terrible, the reality is not that bad. It remains warm and, on most days, it will only for rain for an hour or two at a time. Budget-wise, it is a great time to book a holiday as prices are at their lowest and can be 50-70 percent cheaper than during the peak season. Thailand's currency is the baht, and the exchange rate is roughly four baht to one Rand. Thailand is considered by most tourists. South Africans can find great bargains on clothing and gifts. A meal will cost you 100-600 baht (R25-R150). Here is a sample of convenience store prices for everyday goods: a tin of Coke 12 baht (R3), a bottle of mineral water 7 baht (R1.75), a Mars bar 26 baht (R6.50) and a Heineken beer 45 baht (R11). (3/4/11)