Weather Guide

  • This is a “General” Weather guide. Each country has more specific information on the dedicated country guide.


    Weather can shape your adventure — but it doesn't have to control it. Here's how to plan your trip around sunshine, festivals, and affordability — not downpours and washed-out roads. This guide helps you avoid the worst of the rainy seasons, while also showing why off-season travel might be your new best friend.

    General Tips:

    • Check monthly travel weather calendars per country (we’ll be adding these soon).

    • Use your flexibility as a backpacker to follow the sun (or avoid the floods).

    • Remember: Bad weather makes good stories, and the rainy season isn’t as bad as it sounds — most days still offer adventure.

  • Backpackers love Southeast Asia — and for good reason: It’s affordable, vibrant, and built for adventure. But the monsoon seasons can be tricky to navigate.

    Dry Season:

    • Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam (South): Nov–April

    • Indonesia: May–September

    • Northern Vietnam: Also has cooler, drier months Dec–Feb

    Wet Season:

    • May–Oct (mainland SEA), Oct–April (Indonesia)

    How to Avoid the Rain

    • Start your trip in Thailand or Cambodia from November to February, then head south to Indonesia by May as rains begin elsewhere.

    • Switch islands in Indonesia — while Bali is rainy Dec–Feb, Sumatra or parts of East Indonesia (e.g. Flores) are often drier.

    • Philippines tip: Travel December–March, avoiding August which often brings typhoons.

    Off-Season Bonus:

    • Less crowded beaches and tours.

    • Easier to find last-minute rooms and deals.

    • Lush rice paddies and waterfalls come alive in the rainy season.

  • With two coasts and highlands, Central America offers year-round travel options if you plan smart.

    Dry Season:

    • Nov–April across Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama

    Rainy Season:

    • May–October, peaking in Sept

    How to Avoid the Rain

    • Start north in Guatemala from Nov–Jan, then head south to Costa Rica & Panama by Feb–April.

    • If traveling during rainy season: stick to highland towns (like Antigua or San José) which can feel fresher and less soggy than coastal zones.

    Off-Season Bonus:

    • More authentic, local vibe with fewer tourists.

    • Great surf and green jungles.

    • Accommodation prices often drop 30–50%.

  • The continent is huge and diverse, so you can almost always find good weather somewhere.

    Andes (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador):

    • Dry: May–Sept — best for trekking

    • Wet: Oct–April

    Route Tip: Start in Peru (May–June), explore Bolivia in July, then hit Ecuador by August–September.

    Amazon:

    • Hot and humid year-round. Wettest Dec–May, but rivers are high — great for jungle boat tours.

    You’ll never fully avoid humidity here, but June–Oct is more manageable.

    Southern Cone (Chile, Argentina):

    • Best months: Dec–Feb (summer)

    • Winter: June–Aug (cold, good for skiing)

    Start in Chile/Argentina in summer, then head north to Brazil or Colombia as southern weather cools.

    How to Avoid the Rain in South America

    • Avoid the Andes during their wet months (Nov–March) by exploring Patagonia or the coastlines instead.

    • Flip hemispheres: When the south is wet/cold, Colombia, northern Brazil, and Ecuador are in dry season.

    • Mix climates — travel lowlands in rainy season (e.g. Amazon by boat), then ascend to the mountains as things dry out.

    Off-Season Bonus:

    • Machu Picchu with fewer crowds.

    • Cheaper domestic flights and buses.

    • Locals often have more time to chat and connect in low season.