Temperature
– Known for its high temperatures and humidity levels
– Average temperatures range between 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C)
– Countries near the equator (Indonesia, Malaysia, and parts of the Philippines) have consistent equatorial climate with high temperatures and rainfall year-round
Wet Season (May to October)
– Typically occurring during the summer months and varies slightly by region
– Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are common
– Some parts are prone to tropical cyclones (known as typhoons) which bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding
Monsoons
– Timing of the monsoons also vary from country to country, but generally, they occur all wet season (May to October)
– Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam typically experience a monsoon climate with distinct wet and dry seasons
– Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, have more complex weather patterns due to their archipelagic nature and geographic diversity
– Brunei, Singapore, and East Timor (Timor-Leste) have relatively consistent rainfall throughout the year, with no pronounced monsoons
Typhoons and Cyclones
– The Philippines is one of the most typhoon-prone countries in the world, with the most active period occurs from June to November (The eastern and northern parts are particularly vulnerable)
– Coastal areas of Vietnam, especially the central and northern regions, are prone to typhoons, particularly during the typhoon season from May to November
– Southern coastal areas of South Korea
– East coast of the Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo, can be affected by typhoons
– Indonesia is not a primary typhoon-prone area, but can experience the effects of cyclones in its eastern regions
Dry Season (November to April)
– Lower rainfall and more consistent, sunny weather
– In some urban areas, air quality can be a concern with haze and smog from agricultural burning and forest fires
– Haze and smog in traffic congested areas like Jakarta, Manila, and Bangkok
– Forest fires and agricultural burning in some countries, such as Indonesia and parts of Malaysia
Variations by Altitude
– Some areas with higher elevations, such as the mountainous regions of northern Vietnam and northern Thailand, temperatures are cooler and the climate is less humid
