Last updated: January 18, 2025
Nakhon Phanom, located in northeastern Thailand, experiences a distinct climate classified under the Koppen-Geiger system as Aw, characterized by a tropical savanna pattern. The region's temperature fluctuates significantly throughout the year, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) recorded in January, peaking at a scorching 41°C (107°F) in April. The average temperature hovers around 26°C (80°F), illustrating the warm and humid conditions typical of this vibrant locale. Such climatic diversity contributes to both the ecological richness and the agricultural practices in the area.
Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year, transitioning from cooler to warmer conditions. January marks the coldest month, with minimum temperatures dropping to 7°C (45°F) and average temperatures around 23°C (73°F). As winter fades, February and March experience a gradual warming, with March reaching a peak average of 27°C (81°F) and maximum temperatures soaring to 40°C (104°F). April stands out as the hottest month, where daily highs can reach an extreme 41°C (107°F). The onset of the rainy season in May brings slightly cooler evenings and persistent warmth, maintaining averages around 29°C (84°F). From June to September, temperatures stabilize, with daily highs hovering between 36°C (97°F) and 38°C (100°F), while nights become notably warmer. With the arrival of October and November, temperatures begin to drop, signaling a gradual retreat from the heat, culminating in December's crisp air where minimum temperatures return to 8°C (47°F). This seasonal rhythm not only influences local weather patterns but also shapes the ecological and agricultural landscape of the region.
That Phanom experiences a significant temperature range throughout the year, with January seeing a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and April peaking at a maximum of 40°C (104°F). This variation highlights the region's climate extremes, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to prepare for both cool and hot conditions. For more detailed monthly temperatures, you can visit monthly temperatures in That Phanom.
Nakhon Phanom experiences a diverse precipitation pattern throughout the year, with a distinct wet season that significantly impacts local weather. January and February are characterized by minimal rainfall, with January receiving only 6 mm (0.2 in) and February slightly increasing to 13 mm (0.5 in). By March, rainfall begins to intensify, accumulating 44 mm (1.7 in), and April further escalates the wetness with 67 mm (2.6 in), setting the stage for the heavy monsoon months ahead. As the rainy season arrives in May, precipitation surges dramatically to 188 mm (7.4 in), leading into an even wetter June with 253 mm (10.0 in).
The peak of the rainy season occurs in July, when Nakhon Phanom receives an impressive 449 mm (17.7 in) of rain over an average of 27 days, illustrating the region’s tropical characteristics. August follows closely with 424 mm (16.7 in), making these two months the wettest of the year. September sees a decline to 277 mm (10.9 in), while October receives 135 mm (5.3 in) as the rainy season begins to wane. By November and December, rainfall drastically drops, with November registering just 18 mm (0.7 in) and December a mere 5 mm (0.2 in), indicating a return to the dry conditions typical of the cooler months.
Nakhon Phanom enjoys a varying number of sunshine hours throughout the year, showcasing a clear seasonal trend. Starting from January, the region experiences 256 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing as winter transitions into spring. February sees a notable rise to 295 hours, followed by March, which peaks at 321 hours, marking the sunniest month of the year. Even in April, the sunshine remains abundant at 315 hours, demonstrating the region's transition to a warm, sunny climate as summer approaches.
As the rainy season begins in May, the sunshine hours decrease slightly to 304 hours, yet the trend reflects the enduring presence of sunlight. June experiences a dip to 279 hours, likely due to increased cloud cover during the onset of monsoon rains. The subsequent months, July and August, bring about the lowest sunshine totals at 256 hours and 232 hours, respectively, reflecting the peak of the rainy season. However, as September transitions towards the latter part of the year, sunshine hours recover to 273 hours, and by October and November, the hours climb back up to 288 and 300 hours respectively, culminating in December with 311 hours. This cyclical pattern emphasizes Nakhon Phanom's vibrant seasonal dynamics, balancing between abundant sunshine and the rains typical of its tropical climate.
In Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, the UV Index exhibits significant variations throughout the year, reflecting the region's tropical climate and its associated sun exposure risks. Starting at a UV Index of 9 in January, categorized as very high, residents and visitors are advised to take precautions with a burn time of just 15 minutes. However, as the year progresses into February, the index escalates dramatically to 12, entering the extreme exposure category and reducing the safe burn time to just 10 minutes. This trend continues to intensify, peaking in April with an astonishing UV Index of 15, where caution is paramount as the likelihood of skin damage becomes immediate.
The extreme UV levels persist through the summer months. In May, the index remains high at 14, closely followed by July, which mirrors April's peak at 15. Even the tail end of the rainy season in September maintains an extreme UV Index of 14, indicating that despite cloud cover, UV rays can penetrate. As the year winds down, October shows a slight decline to 12, and November dips to 10, transitioning back to very high levels, while December returns to 9. This yearly pattern underscores the importance of sun safety in Nakhon Phanom, particularly during the peak months when protective measures are crucial to prevent harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
In Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, daylight duration exhibits a relatively consistent pattern throughout the year, influenced by its tropical latitude. January and February each receive about 11 hours of daylight, establishing a solid foundation for the year’s light cycle. As the seasons progress into March and April, daylight increases slightly to 12 hours, reflecting a gradual transition towards longer days as the region approaches the peak of summer. May maintains this daylight average, ensuring ample sunlight for both ecological processes and local activities.
The trend continues to ascend during the mid-year months of June and July, where daylight extends to 13 hours—the longest of the year. This peak period of daylight corresponds with the overall warmth and moisture typical of the rainy season. Following this high point, August and September see a slight decrease back to 12 hours. As autumn approaches in October, the duration of daylight decreases further to 11 hours, a pattern that persists through November and December, as the region transitions back to shorter days during the cooler months. This cyclical daylight pattern emphasizes Nakhon Phanom's seasonal variations, providing a stable rhythm for both its natural ecosystems and community life.
That Phanom, Thailand experiences a tropical climate with a distinct warm season from March to May, where temperatures frequently peak above 37°C (99°F). The wettest months are typically May through July, with July seeing an average precipitation of 394 mm (15.5 in). Sunshine is abundant, especially in February and March, with over 295 hours of sunlight each month. Cooler and drier conditions emerge from November to February, making it a more pleasant time to visit. For more detailed information, see That Phanom climate.
In conclusion, Nakhon Phanom's climate presents a dynamic interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours, collectively shaping the region's environmental and social rhythms. The hot months, characterized by extreme UV exposure and abundant sunlight, are balanced by the monsoon season that brings essential rainfall, critical for agriculture and local ecosystems. Understanding these seasonal variations is vital for residents and visitors alike, informing safety measures against intense UV radiation, optimizing agricultural practices, and enhancing the overall enjoyment of outdoor activities. As climate patterns evolve, ongoing awareness of these factors will remain essential to fostering resilience and promoting sustainable practices in Nakhon Phanom.