Southeast Asia has dry and rainy seasons that roughly correspond to high and low tourism seasons. The rainy season results in rougher seas, causing some beaches, islands, and roads to shut down depending on the weather. Sights are often less crowded, and there are fewer services—however, guesthouses and airlines frequently offer reduced prices. Generally the best time to visit the region is between November and February, when most of the region experiences drier, cooler weather. As you move closer to the equator, the weather becomes hotter and there is less variation among seasons. Sumatra, for instance, is rainy the majority of the time, with June and July being the driest months. The weather in Southeast Asia is hot and humid; temperatures hover around 27°C (80°F) year-round everywhere except in the extreme uplands of the mainland, where nighttime temperatures can fall to near freezing. For a rough conversion from °C to °F, multiply by two and add 30.
Also keep an eye on public holidays and festivals, as these generally contribute to the influx of tourists. Particularly between December and February, when most of the region celebrates a succession of holidays including the Chinese New Year, Thaipusam Festival, Hari Raya, and the Muslim New Year, it is a good idea to make travel plans early.
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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