When to Travel to Asia: Recommendations for 8 Popular Spots

Asia is full of diverse destinations — and not just in terms of cultures and customs. Each country also has its own distinct weather. That means, in addition to figuring out which places you want to explore (get some ideas here!), you also need to determine when it’s the best time to visit. After all, you don’t want the vacation you’ve been saving for to be ruined by rain or less-than-ideal temperatures.

To help, we’ve outlined the best months to visit some of our favourite spots, from Indonesia and Japan to Thailand, Malaysia and more. Read on to find out when you should travel to Asia.

• Indonesia
• Philippines
• Japan
• Thailand
• Hong Kong
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Vietnam

Indonesia experiences just two seasons: wet and dry. Unsurprisingly, the dry season (July to October) is considered the best time to visit this incredibly lush destination — but April is also a great option. Though the month is technically in the wet season, you’ll likely experience minimal rainfall and mild temperatures (approximately 24–34°C) during this time.

Philippines is another country with annual wet and dry seasons. This archipelago has fairly consistent temperatures all year round, but its proximity to the equator can contribute to some pretty unpredictable (and wild!) weather, such as typhoons — especially between June and November.

Visiting during January, February, March and April will guarantee the best conditions, but keep in mind that these months also coincide with high tourist numbers. Avoid travelling during the busy Holy Week (Easter) period if you can!

Since Japan experiences all four seasons, it’s the perfect place to visit again and again…and again. The possibility of viewing sakura in late March to early May makes spring one of the most popular times to travel to the “Land of the Rising Sun”, but Autumn (September to November) is just as incredible. If skiing is your thing, go for the soft white powder at the country’s top mountain resort areas — it’s usually less busy on the slopes in January.

The dry or cool season (November to February) is considered to be the optimal time for a Thailand vacation, but that doesn’t mean you should discount the hot and wet months! You can usually obtain lower hotel rates during these times. Not only that, but you’ll still get weather that’s good enough for most outdoor pursuits — before temperatures and humidity soar between March and June. 

If you’re visiting during Songkran (Thai New Year) in April, there will be plenty of ways to keep cool. The annual festival is known for its public water fights and ritual cleansings.

Located in a subtropical region, Hong Kong is an ideal year-round destination with four seasons. That said, typhoons are common in September…and the destination is usually subject to thunderstorms between May and November. 

But even so, the shoulder season (October to November) is a great time to visit. These months are characterized by dry, cool conditions and plenty of sunshine that’s perfect for wandering the streets. Alternatively, you can visit during January or February to experience the Chinese New Year in all its glory.

With uniformly warm and humid weather all year round, the mercury rarely dips below 20°C in Singapore. The dry season (February to April) strikes the perfect balance between rain, humidity and sunshine — go during this time if you’d like consistent and comfortable conditions. 

June, July and August are also popular months to visit, as this is when shopping and food festivals occur. Visiting during the wet season (September to February)? There are endless indoor attractions and Michelin-starred restaurants to fill your days and your stomachs. 

Like neighbouring Singapore, Malaysia has two distinct seasons (wet and dry) — but here, they’re split across two areas. While the west coast experiences monsoonal weather conditions in May to October, the east coast is at its best with long, hot and dry days. Conversely, when the dry season makes the west coast ideal for beach vacations, the east coast will have sudden downpours in the afternoon. June and July are the busiest months in terms of tourist numbers.

With four seasons in the north of the country and more humid conditions in the south — plus a monsoon season in the central regions — there’s a lot to consider when planning a vacation to Vietnam. While any time is fine to visit, the dry season is considered ideal, especially if you wish to visit Ho Chi Minh City or do a Mekong cruise. For Hanoi in the north, March and April bring pleasant spring conditions, and you’ll get to avoid any summer monsoon activity.

Now that you know when you should visit Asia, it’s time to book the trip! Check out our current flight, vacation package and tour deals or chat with a travel consultant about your options.