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What are the best and worst times of the year weather-wise for living in Lopburi and Nakhon Sawan, Thailand?
Weather in ThailandLiving in ThailandRetiring in ThailandClimate in ThailandVisa for ThailandThai Retirement VisaExpat Life in ThailandAdvice for Expats
Jul 23, 2024
2 years ago
Colin *********
ORIGINAL POSTERI'm planning to live in Thailand sometime soon after I retire and get my Australian Aged Pension next year. Most likely it'll be the middle of next year by the time I'll get there. I've lived in Adelaide for the past 53 years, where the climate is considered 'Temperate'. Maximum temperatures in winter can be as low as about 11C & summers can get into the 40C+zone, but usually only 2-5 days, if that. As I'm getting older, I'm really hating the winters here.
I visited Thailand for 3 weeks in November 2022 and spent most of the time there between Lopburi and Nakhon Sawan, so about 2-3.5 hours north of Bangkok. Temperatures during that time were pretty consistently around 29C to 32C and no rain.
My question for those that have spent a reasonable time in that part of the country, not too much further north or south; what time of the year would be the worst, in regards to temperatures and rainfall?
I have checked some climate websites for this and other parts of Thailand, but I'm looking for personal experiences. Anyone that's originally come from Temperate climate or cooler one would be great. I'm just wanting to get an idea of what time of year to be there to see if I can manage the consistently higher temperatures, rainfall and humidity. I am aware that Thailand had what was probably an extreme weather event in April this year, where there was 30 plus days over 40C, at least in most of the country. Thanks.
I visited Thailand for 3 weeks in November 2022 and spent most of the time there between Lopburi and Nakhon Sawan, so about 2-3.5 hours north of Bangkok. Temperatures during that time were pretty consistently around 29C to 32C and no rain.
My question for those that have spent a reasonable time in that part of the country, not too much further north or south; what time of the year would be the worst, in regards to temperatures and rainfall?
I have checked some climate websites for this and other parts of Thailand, but I'm looking for personal experiences. Anyone that's originally come from Temperate climate or cooler one would be great. I'm just wanting to get an idea of what time of year to be there to see if I can manage the consistently higher temperatures, rainfall and humidity. I am aware that Thailand had what was probably an extreme weather event in April this year, where there was 30 plus days over 40C, at least in most of the country. Thanks.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster (OP) is planning to retire in Thailand and is inquiring about the best and worst times of the year concerning temperatures and rainfall specifically in the Lopburi and Nakhon Sawan regions. Comments provided various perspectives on the weather, indicating that April to June usually features the highest temperatures, while June to September brings the most rain. April is noted for extreme heat, particularly in central regions, while personal anecdotes highlight experiences of living in both temperate climates in Australia and hotter regions in Thailand. Some users provided advice on acclimatization techniques and living conditions, highlighting the needs for air conditioning and the importance of staying hydrated.
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Bob *******
I come from Adelaide to and spend
*****
in Thailand Phuket have done for 20 years , June to September I spend in Phuket October to mid Dec in Australia in from Mid December till February I spend in Phuket March to May in Australia this schedule you get the best weather in both countries , I hate winters in Oz too time to avoid in Thailand March to May very hot and humid unbearable. If on pension you need to stay 6 months plus a little in Australia before your pension may be effected , check with Centrelink. Both countries are great and doing *****
is perfect for me . Now have 60 day entry exemption on entry to Thailand effective ****
/24 so this makes longer stays in Thailand less complicated , doing a visa run do and then to suit your stay . Good luck , I think the best long term stays are in Kamala beach Phuket , Ao Nang Krabi , and Hua Hin a few hours from Bangkok . Plenty of good videos on you tube on these localities and others to educate yourself where to base yourself . Avoid Patong , I stay Rawai , Phuket but better options now .Bob *******
If you intend living permanently overseas ok , but the longer you stay away the more you miss the home country. My intentions were the same as you but after 4 years in Thailand and having a son , I could see the benefits of living back in Australia for some of the time particularly for my son's benifit , and also my health having major surgery quadruple heart bypass and bowl surgery in recent years . I was self funded coming to Thailand and still am to a point only getting a part pension . Also your betting on a trouble free relationship , good luck , many sad story of guys who thought the same including me . Be very carefully about supporting family , all you will be is ATM . Living in Isan was not good outcome for all my mates who did same . Drank too much , everyone helping themselves to your food and possessions. Never lend anything you will never get it back . A few tips for you , but go ahead live your life and hope you are one of the exceptions .
Colin *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bob ******
it's funny, I originally asked only about the weather, but I'm getting financial advice, relationship advice, life advice every time I put up a post of my own. I can see that you're well meaning though, unlike many previously. Appreciate your well wishes 🙏I've had enough relationships over my life and one thing I've learnt is that you never can tell what will happen in the future. If I listened to everybody's advice on Facebook, I'd live a miserable life all on my own until I die. Can it get any sadder than that? You mentioned others you know, or 'mates' who's life or marriages in Thailand failed. Now you tell me they "Drank too much". It seems going by the way many speak or behave in these Facebook groups, that's a big problem for many Expats... stuff they bring upon themselves most likely. If I have a drink, it's maybe a couple of times a year, so that's not going to cause me problems. I have a hobby, photography and editing photos (mostly landscapes and nature). My fiancée and I have a very close relationship, communicating every day unless her hours of work are long and no time for much more than a greeting. She was introduced to me indirectly by a good Thai friend of mine who's lived in Adelaide for a decade or so, so it's not like she's someone I met online, or in one of those 'seedy' places in Thailand. She knows I'm not wealthy or anywhere close to it
As for missing Australia, I've already mentioned that. My only family is my siblings and none are that close to each other really.
Reply to
Colin *********
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Colin *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bob ******
myself, I don't have any intention to split my time/year between Thailand and Australia. Not planning to return to Australia at all actually. Neither am I planning to live in Phuket or any other place that's popular with tourists, only the occasional 'short holiday' to see different parts of Thailand. Beaches aren't my thing either, which if I'm correct, most, if not all the places you mentioned are coastal places. I'll be living in Nakhon Sawan, where my fiancée lives. I have no idea what you're saying about the pension and "stay 6 months plus a little". Maybe you would like to explain further. As I've only lived in Australia since I was 13 years old, portability isn't an issue if that's what you're referring to.
Bob *******
@Colin ********
talk to Centre link they can explain , also make sure you have Australian passport with several years before it expires as most countries need at least 6 months validity for entry , better to get renewed for 10 years if you do not want to come back . Had several mates who lived in Thailand for many years over pension age that had problems getting pension and had to wait for qualifying period before they got it . Do your research with the authorities Centrelink before you make any longterm decisions , many like me that have lived in Thailand , choose to return to Australia for many reasons mainly medicial but for me education for my young son . Never say never it's a long time .Colin *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bob ******
"never say never"? My parents brought the family to Australia from England when I was 13 years old, 53 years ago. My thoughts of returning to England... never!Passport was renewed for 10 years in the last quarter of 2022. Passports can be easily renewed via the Australian Embassy in Bangkok anyway.
Your mates who had trouble getting the pension... I'm guessing that they were already living outside Australia when they reached or were nearing retirement age, which makes it more of a headache getting the pension, because they'd likely have had to live in Australia for 2 years to get portability. That doesn't apply to me, as I've lived in Australia for over 5 decades. Your mates quite likely contacted Centrelink via their general offices or phone numbers. I've read that a lot of incorrect information is given via that route. Centrelink has an International Office based in Tasmania specifically for dealing with issues for those living, or wanting to live overseas. I'll definitely be contacting that office early next year when I get my pension. Still, I've never seen anything of "6months", not in these Thailand related Facebook groups or on MyGov or Centrelink websites when I've done research. 6 weeks, yes there is mention of that on government/Centrelink pages in relation to how pensions are affected when travelling overseas.
Stuart *********
@Colin ********
the 6 months is generally bought up because when you are living in Australia and receiving the pension you can apply to travel overseas for a holiday and continue receiving the pension for a maximum period of 6 months, when the 6 months is up you must be back in Australia or they will stop your pension payments until you return and reapply, consequently you frequently hear in conversations the phrase " but you can only leave the country for 6 months before they cut your pension off" this is true if you choose to reside in Australia in retirement, the general public are unaware that you can port your pension to another country and live there permanently 🙏😊Bob *******
@Colin ********
I can understand why you never want to go back England or anywhere in northern hemisphere, however Australia is different great country with 4 seasons , weather great apart from winter , still affordable if you own your own home , stable politics , no war etc.Reply to
Bob *******
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Stuart *********
@Bob ******
nice to see your comments , not sure if I understand your comment correctly " you need to stay 6 months plus a little in Australia before your pension may be affected " you are possibly correct but just a heads up to add to that, I live in Kamala beach ( thanks for the plug) permanently on the Australian pension, I love it here, might see you sometime? 🙏😊Bob *******
@Stuart ********
yes great spot everyone's favourite, many great YouTube videos .Stuart *********
@Bob ******
just had a quick look at your profile, I hope you don't mind, saw the fire show on the beach Feb 29, we have that at Smile restaurant every Friday and Saturday night from about 8:30, except it involves about 9 team members all in unison, I suspect that guy belongs to the troop, did the same moves.👍🙏😊Reply to
Stuart *********
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Lee ***********
I'm doing the same thing, central Thailand is the hottest part though, one day in April the car showed 49c, riding the scooter, the air burned your eyes and throat, aircon was a must, now in July it's still in the 30's, 2 weeks ago 39c. It's cooling now we're hitting rainy season and much more tolerable. Issue is there are extremes globally so was this year a one off or the new norm!
It beats the cold winters hands down.
I'm planning on staying myself.
Pm me if you have any on the ground questions.
A 10 day monsoon is due right now and the skies are dramatic 😃
It beats the cold winters hands down.
I'm planning on staying myself.
Pm me if you have any on the ground questions.
A 10 day monsoon is due right now and the skies are dramatic 😃
Colin *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lee **********
I have two weather Apps on my phone, one for my local weather, the other set for the closest I can get to where my Fiancée lives (a neighbouring village) During April & into May I saw how every day for, I think, close to 5 weeks, the maximum temperatures were between 40C & 46C 🥵 that's probably a one in one hundred year event. It's a bit like a summer here just a few years ago, 6 days I think, reached 40C+ including 3 I think that were 44-46C. In Adelaide, I can't remember anything like that in 53 years since we left the UK. In the 3-6 years since, we've hardly had any days go over 40C. I would much rather be where temperatures are in the 30's than maximums around 12-15C every day as it is now. It makes me shiver to think how I'd feel if I were back living in England.I'll PM you for sure.
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Colin *********
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Terary **********
My wife is from that area. She complains that it rains a lot, like most days. Here on the coast, it seems like we have less rain and the temperature seems to be about 5C cooler than inland.
Colin *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Terary *********
I 'chat' with my fiancée every day since I met her in 2022 and she occasionally mentions that a storm is coming, but she seems to mostly say that they don't get much rain out of it. I've got a weather App set to a location only ten minutes from her home and there never seems to be too much rain and I check it at least 2-3 times a week, sometimes daily for several days. Sea breezes may account for part of the cooler feel on the coast.Reply to
Colin *********
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Sue ******
I live in Adelaide Yorke peninsula, I’ve been in Thailand since April this year, Pattaya & Jontiem area, it was hot but really no different to Adelaide on hot days, the locals were telling us to be careful when going out! But I honestly didn’t notice any difference, long as your sensible and drink plenty, stay in the shade etc as much as possible, I’m sure you will be fine, I actually don’t mind the humidity better than the dry air on the peninsula where I struggle with breathing cause of dust etc Good luck your going to love your new life here 😊
Mark ********
i think now the law is you can leave australia for 6 weeks pensioners unemployed carers if you dont come back in 6 weeks it stops and they have you soon as you hand your passport in at customs in aus and the goverment will no when you arrive home and if you overstay the 6 weeks it will take you time to get it back
Wayne *****
It's always perfect living in paradise 😊
Wayne *****
@Mark *******
What a load of crap!!!!!!!Colin *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mark *******
thanks, but my question was the sentence with a question mark at the end of it... about the weather in the area of Thailand that I mentioned, not about pensions.Reply to
Colin *********
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Philip **********
I'm from Adelaide but have been in Thailand the past 3 months May1- and arriving back in Adelaide Aug 2. I have a Thai wife and have been staying in a room 6x4m next to her sister's family. The living conditions are not optimal. Winters can be cold as you know but we don't get many of them and then it starts warming up again. I figure when its cold you can always add another layer of clothing. Not many options when its hot and humid. A cold shower works but the affect only lasts a few minutes once you get out. I don't know what sort of accommodation you were staying in but you really do need air con at least in the sleeping area. I find its at night when the body feels sticky and itchy. Calamine lotions works well for the itch. During the day its not too bad, can always escape into a shopping mall, duck into a 7 11 or visit a bigC. Any interests/hobbies you have in Adelaide you need to see how they can continue, or find new ones. Living as Thai people do it can be considerably cheap to live here. Visas are a hassle. I would try living it out here from April-July, the hottest months and see if you can hack it. Going by another post there aren't that many good month in a year to stay!!
Ralph *******
I find the north hottest in April. Have experienced 43° temperature.
Mark ********
@Ralph ******
yes im in the northeast armnat choreon for 6 weehs ot the year its 50s mountins around and its like melbourne in the winter and colder lived there for 15 years hotter than melb colder than melb i noRalph *******
@Mark *******
50°? That’s crazy.Reply to
Ralph *******
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Frank-Steven ***********
Worst (highest) temperatures between April and June. Worst air quality between February and May. Most rain between June and September. Optimal conditions between October to January.
Colin *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Frank-Steven **********
is that a general Thailand overview? As far as I know, there's some variations between north and south Thailand, though not big.Frank-Steven ***********
@Colin ********
This covers the northwest area that you mentioned. Conditions are quite different in the south. That is why quite some expats migrate within Thailand to get ideal seasons.Colin *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Frank-Steven **********
thanks. One can check out numerous climate and weather websites, but they're only numbers. Foreigners may feel the Thailand weather in different ways, whether it be the high temperatures or the humidity, or a combination,therefore my request for personal experiences.Frank-Steven ***********
@Colin ********
Gutcha. What I mentioned is my personal experience.Reply to
Frank-Steven ***********
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Frank-Steven ***********
I would not mind the rainy season, much - mostly only short but strong rainfalls and nice weather in between. But the excessive heat and the air pollution can be hard to bear for some.
Ralph *******
@Frank-Steven **********
Yes air pollution is a problem in the northwest.Reply to
Ralph *******
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Rok ********
The most important question is really: when is the burning season (when you will have to go into exile more south near the sea). It has been terrible this year.
Chris *******
Good luck, Thailand is a wonderful place to live! You won't escape rampant bureaucracy but you will feel much happier on a daily basis. 😁
Colin *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Chris ******
thanks mate. Yeah, being in 3-4 Thailand related Fb groups, I've read plenty about the bureaucracy. No shortage of that anywhere I guess.Chris *******
@Colin ********
yeah it's no party in Australia these days either. But at least beyond a couple of days every now and then Thailand is a very sweet place to be 😊Reply to
Chris *******
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Stuart *********
Hey mate, I retired here in November 2022, on the Australian pension, applied for and got the Non O retirement Visa, did it all myself, I live in Phuket and feel I have found a way to acclimatise that certainly suits me, pm me and I will video call you and fill you in on any pitfalls you might not have answers for.🙏😊
Philip **********
@Stuart ********
why don't you post your ideas here. I'm sure others may be interested.Stuart *********
@Philip *********
yeah, good point Phil but I have done this before and although some people are well meaning I find you also get a lot of ill informed comments or comments from people who didn't pass English at school and can't comprehend the basic meaning/intension of the subject matter set out by the law/immigration officer and subsequently have their own interpretation and can't be convinced otherwise, does my head in trying to reprogram their minds, don't get me wrong because there is genuine people out there whom don't understand and they are easy to spot and help, eg one of the hardest things to get across is the fact that you can live in Thailand and receive the Australian pension without having to return to Australia ( every 6 weeks/ 6 months) people generally are grossly misinformed on this subject, I am retired and don't need the stress but I still want to help if I can🙏😊Philip **********
@Stuart ********
thanks for that. My first thought was you are trying to sell something. Is it Amway 555 :)Reply to
Philip **********
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Colin *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
thanks, I'll message you tomorrowKel ********
@Stuart ********
Hi Stuart, I’d also be interested in learning how you’ve acclimatised. I’m in Hua Hin, please pm me too if you would?Philip **********
Quick question. How do you get your pension money to Thailand. ATM's the 220 baht fees is ok but they charge 5.5% commission as a low exchange rate. Using credit card works well and you get a good exchange rate but still cash handy.
Stuart *********
@Philip *********
Wise money transferColin *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Philip *********
that is 'way off' the topic of my post. Could you create your own post pleasePhilip **********
@Colin ********
I thought it may have been another thing you may not have considered. Also in Thailand most (make that all) vendors take qr code payments. I may have got this wrong but have you only spent 3 weeks in Thailand or was this one of many trips?Colin *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Philip *********
you're correct in that I've only spent 3 weeks on one trip to Thailand. I'm not going on to too many personal details, but I have been in 3 or 4 Thailand related groups pretty much since I got back from that holiday, reading many posts and comments in an effort to learn as much as possible in preparation for the move. As for the pension, getting it to Thailand, I've got the "Wise" App on my phone, which seems to be the best and most popular way to transfer money to Thailand.Reply to
Colin *********
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Stuart *********
@Kel *******
yes, I have messaged youReply to
Stuart *********
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David ***********
Wow. Really? I loooved Adelaide when I lived there. The 15 minute city. I lived on Halifax street opposite that lovely Greek restaurant.
Colin *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@David **********
I dare say it's been some years since you were in Adelaide. "15 minute city", when was that and from where to where? It was a good city to live in, but for the past decade, it's become more like Melbourne or Sydney for getting from point to another.David ***********
@Colin ********
oh dear, I was there from 2000 to 2012. I was back five years ago and notice the traffic lights at every bloody junction! Still a great spot though,I reckon.Reply to
David ***********
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Philip **********
@David **********
The fear I have is the news will spread and everyone will want to come to Adelaide. If you own your own home with a reasonable backyard why wouldn't you want to stay.David ***********
@Philip *********
I agree, we had a lovely place just off King Willy street at Unley Park before we shifted to Halifax Street. SA is very special - loved Gouger St and the Central Market.Philip **********
@David **********
I fear the OP is going to come down me hard for chatting in his thread. Unley Park wow must have been a mansion. We own a prefab portable one of the few left in the NE suburbs. Less than 15 minutes to the city.Colin *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Philip *********
I'm a polite and respectful person, unless someone is rude to me, so I'm not 'going to come down hard' on you. It would be preferable though, if you could keep in topic... the personal experiences of the weather in the lower north of Thailand.Reply to
Colin *********
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John ***********
You want to check how easy it is to start your pension and move OS straight away.
Colin *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John **********
I was asking about the weather, but I know when I can get the pension and will be moving as soon as possible after everything is organisedAndrew *******
@Colin ********
I think you have to stay in Oz for 2 years after you get the pension before it's allowed to be portable . Not sure about this but worth checking .Wayne *****
@Andrew ******
FFS, he asked about the weather!!!!Colin *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wayne ****
correct and everyone thinks that's a licence to offer financial advice, relationship advice, life advice. All to someone who's in perhaps their last 20-25% of their lifetime. Then you get the real idiots, who have nothing to offer in their comments but sarcasm, or a warped sense of humour, but nothing else... unbelievable 🤷🏼 Fortunately, I have a lot of patience which overrides my temptation to be rude, unless they really deserve it.John ***********
Well if it's the weather you're after, my advice would simply be to avoid April and May. I am in Bangkok now and the skies are largely grey and the temperature not too hot. Rain is intermittent but rarely heavy. I have the aircon turned off in the room much of the day and evening. There's still something not ideal about it but it beats being in Melbourne.
Colin *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew ******
if you've been living outside Australia for a few years, then yes, there is a two year qualifying period where one has to live in Australia, that can be before or after reaching retirement age which is currently 67. I though, as I said in my original post have "lived in Australia for the past 53 years".Reply to
Colin *********
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Bradley *********
Just be very careful. You won’t know what to do when your life gets 1,000,000% better by living in Thailand. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. Hope you experience the same.
You’re probably not gonna be working out in the sun and will be in the air-conditioning most of the time. If you’re by the ocean, I’ve noticed it could be 90°F or even hotter, but there’s a nice breeze all the time.
You’re probably not gonna be working out in the sun and will be in the air-conditioning most of the time. If you’re by the ocean, I’ve noticed it could be 90°F or even hotter, but there’s a nice breeze all the time.
Colin *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bradley ********
will be retired, so I'm definitely not going to be working out in the sun. No intention to work, other than maybe housework or a little gardening. Hopefully, I won't be relying on a/c too much. Being about 3 hours north of Bangkok, I won't be around the ocean, apart from perhaps the odd short holiday to visit the beautiful coast of Thailand.Reply to
Colin *********
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James **************
Well 'cool' is what he's looking for....
Jon **********
@James *************
I read the first paragraphReply to
Jon **********
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Jon **********
Cool story thanks for sharing
Reply to
Jon **********
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