Most of Asia enjoys a tropical and sub-tropical climate but it is such a huge continent that climate conditions can vary enormously accordingly to geographical location and season.
High “summer” season on the South East Asian mainland countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Burma generally runs from November to March, when temperatures are comfortable and rains sparse. This is the time to head to Thailand, not just for its favorable climate, but also for its high season festivals such as Loi Krathong.
The best time to visit most of Thailand is between November and February, because it rains the least and it is not too hot. This period is also Thailand’s main season for festivals, like Loi Krathong. After this Northeastern and Central Thailand get too hot for comfort, although visiting Chiang Mai and the northern provinces is still an option. The rainy season kicks in from July to October but this shouldn’t rule Thailand out of the Digital Nomad’s itinerary as the rains are offset by the lush greenery of the landscape, lower prices and fewer crowds.
Vietnam offers greater variation still, with the far north prone to frosts and snow during the rains and temperatures in the far south rising to over 40°C in the dry season. Two monsoons means twice the trouble in Vietnam so to be sure of comfortable conditions whether you are in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, stick to April, May or October. Try too to avoid Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, which takes place in late January/early February. While the festivities sound intriguing in theory, in practice Tet brings big crowds, high prices and over-stretched infrastructure.
The Monsoon season really kicks in across much of the continent from June to August, when high temperatures, high humidity, high winds, typhoons and cyclones are the order of the day.
Thankfully Indonesia and Malaysia escape the monsoon then, making it a good time to travel to Indonesia or Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur provides some fun exploration while the Balinese towns and resorts continue to provide beach life, culture and a touch of glamour within affordable backpacker prices.
March is the best time to visit Kathmandu in Nepal as trekking in the foothills of the Himalayas is best at that time of year.