The Meteorological Department announced that Thailand will enter the winter season starting 9 November 2026, ending around late February 2027. This year, the cold is expected to be milder than usual due to the influence of El Niño, with January 2027 predicted to be the coldest month.
At 10:00 a.m. on 9 November 2026, Mr. Natthawut Dandi, Deputy Director-General of the Meteorological Department, acting Director-General, held a press conference on Thailand entering the 2026 winter season at the Weather Forecasting Operations Center, 11th floor, 50th Anniversary Meteorological Building. He explained that Thailand beginning the winter season on 9 November 2026 does not mean that cold weather will immediately spread nationwide. Rather, it signifies a change in wind systems and weather patterns toward winter characteristics. The extent of temperature drops depends on cold air masses from China that occasionally extend over the country.
Therefore, early in the winter season, weather conditions may vary across regions, with some areas experiencing cool weather while others remain warm during the day or may have rainfall.
For the 2026-2027 winter season, although Thailand has entered winter, the cold may not be as intense or familiar to many, especially early in the season when weather remains variable. This is due to several factors affecting temperatures, including the El Niño phenomenon, which tends to raise temperatures, and global warming, which causes a long-term rise in overall temperatures. Nonetheless, there are still chances for periodic cold spells, especially when strong cold air masses from China move over Thailand.
It is expected that the coldest period will be in January 2027. In the upper northern and northeastern regions, temperatures may drop to around 10-13 degrees Celsius. Chiang Rai province could see lows of 9-11 degrees Celsius. Mountain peaks and highlands may experience very cold weather and frost. In Bangkok, the lowest temperature is forecast at about 19-21 degrees Celsius.
In the metropolitan area surrounding Bangkok, temperatures are expected to be around 18-20 degrees Celsius. Regionally, the north and northeast will experience cool to cold weather intermittently. The central and eastern regions, including Bangkok and its vicinity, will have some cool mornings at times.
Meanwhile, the southern region will continue to have frequent rainfall, especially the eastern side of the south, which may experience heavy rain due to the northeast monsoon bringing moisture over the Gulf of Thailand into the south. Thus, it is typical during winter for northern Thailand to be cool while the south still experiences rain at the same time.
Mr. Natthawut added that the Meteorological Department determines the start of winter based on several meteorological factors combined: temperatures in the north and northeast dropping to cool levels, a change in wind direction with winds at about 1.5 kilometers altitude shifting to east-northeast or east winds, and winds at around 10 kilometers altitude turning westerly, along with a decrease in rainfall amount and distribution in upper Thailand, signaling the transition into winter.
Regarding coldness levels, the daily minimum temperature is used: 16.0-22.9 degrees Celsius is classified as cool weather; 8.0-15.9 degrees Celsius as cold weather; and below 8.0 degrees Celsius as very cold weather.
However, although Thailand has entered winter, weather risks vary by region. Upper Thailand sees reduced rain and drier conditions, requiring caution for drought, forest fires, and dust accumulation. The south remains at risk for heavy and accumulated rainfall, potentially causing flash floods, landslides, and river overflows. The public is advised to take care of their health during temperature changes and to monitor weather forecasts continuously via www.tmd.go.th, the Meteorological Department's Facebook page, or by calling the 24-hour hotline at 1182.