Where to find the best of the autumn weather in September, October and November
The Indian Ocean is enticing at this time of year
Very few countries are off-limits weatherwise at this time of year, particularly in Southeast Asia as the wet season comes to an end for most places.
Exceptions include Bali (which is about to head into the rainy season), Koh Samui (also in wet season) and also Malaysia where monsoonal weather brings rain and rough seas.
September is particularly delightful in the Seychelles and the Maldives is also turning dryer and hotter.
Cambodia
October marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season in Cambodia. September’s hot temperatures and heavy downpours give way to clear skies and cooler temperatures in October. With fewer crowds and dramatic post-monsoon scenery, autumn is a great time to visit.
The improved conditions continue into November with better travel conditions to rural areas and more opportunities for sightseeing, hiking and beach holidays.
Indonesia
Bali is beginning to move into the wet season in autumn so while September is usually hot and dry still and considered ‘beach season’, expect an increasing number of showers as the country moves into October and November. It’s still warm, with humidity hovering around 70%.
By November, the wet season really starts to kick-in, with heavy rainfall throughout the country. However, there can be dry patches in Bali, Java and Sumba while Sulawesi and Sumatra tend to receive the brunt of the rainfall. In contrast, Raja Ampat experiences little rainfall and calm seas through November.
Laos
September sees the tail-end of the rainy season while October is considered the best time of year to visit Laos. Temperatures hover around the comfortable mid-20s in both Vientiane and Luang Prabang, making this an ideal time of year for sightseeing.
The great weather continues into November. From now until March, things remain dry and warm. It can be a little cooler in the mountainous north, however, especially overnight.
Malaysia
Autumn is a wet time of year for Malaysia. During October and into November, the north-east monsoon starts to gather momentum creating windy, often rough conditions on the east coast across Tioman Islands and Perhentian Islands.
Over on the west coast, destinations such as Penang, Malacca and Langkawi are experiencing some of the wettest weather of the year. In fact, this region sees its heaviest annual rain during September and October.
Cameron Highlands is wet from September to November, although it does mean the scenery is at its most lush at this time.
Maldives
Hot, dry weather returns to the Maldives in October as the wet season comes to an end. Visitors can anticipate long days of sunshine with temperatures as high as the low 30s.
October can still see a few last rainy days, but things become dryer and more settled as the country moves into November, the month which is considered the official end to the rainy season.
However, don’t arrive too early in the autumn as September can be one of the wettest months of the year.
Philippines
Autumn in the Philippines runs from September to November with the monsoon season running from May to October. Dry season, when temperatures cool off a little, officially starts in January.
September is one of the wettest months in the country, but October is considered a good time to visit the Philippines, albeit with one or two rain showers remaining. In November the weather improves again with less rain and temperature sitting in the low 30s.
Seychelles
It’s spring in the southern hemisphere Seychelles with stable conditions and very little wind. October and November are considered to be one of the best times of the year to visit the Seychelles as this is a calm period between trade winds.
September and October are dry months with rains beginning in November. September also sees warmer temperatures as winter comes to an end, so if you’re looking for a beach break, this is the time to go.
Sri Lanka
Rainfall remains high on the coast as the south-west monsoon begins to end and temperatures are much lower than their annual peak. Rain is also prevalent in the Tea Country. October can be one of the wettest months of the year and cyclones can also occur at this time.
The weather starts to improve in November and the sunshine returns. However, temperatures can be chilly in the hills and there is still plenty of rain in the north.
Thailand
The weather is changing in Thailand as the rainy season comes to an end, with fewer showers and falling humidity. October marks the beginning of what is considered to be ‘winter’ in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and northern Thailand.
Down south on the beaches, rainfall is highest around the islands of Koh Chang and Koh Kood in October, but by November sunshine prevails. Sunnier conditions can be expected earlier in Phuket, Khao Lak and Krabi on the west coast and better still in November.
Avoid Koh Samui at this time of year as they are considered to be in wet season.
Vietnam
Following the rainy season, things are beginning to improve in the north of Vietnam with clearer skies, fewer showers and a break in the humidity.
However, in the centre of the country it’s a different story with high rainfall and the chance of the odd storm.
In the south, the weather is starting to come good, with less rainfall and summery days returning.
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