Hot, Humid and Sunny: Enjoying Thailand Without Getting Burned

Thailand's heat is more than a number on the thermometer

If you are coming from Israel, you probably think you know heat. Then you step out of the hotel at noon, and ten minutes later your shirt is stuck to your back and your head is pounding. The culprit is humidity: your body sweats, but sweat barely evaporates in wet air, so natural cooling works less well.

The good news is that a few simple habits solve most of it. This is not a scare guide, just organized common sense, and it complements our guide to staying healthy on your trip, which covers the other medical basics.

Sunscreen: a constant habit, not a one-time ritual

UV radiation in the region is high for most of the year, and even under cloud a large share of it gets through. In the rainy season you can burn without ever seeing the sun, which is exactly when people get caught out.

Apply before you leave, then again after swimming, sweating and towel-drying. Do not forget the back of your neck, ears, tops of your feet and your hairline. If you are going snorkeling, a long-sleeved swim shirt is usually the simplest and most effective protection, and it saves sunscreen too.

Around reefs, pick a sunscreen labeled reef-friendly and read the ingredient list, because the term is not standardized between brands. More about the water in our snorkeling guide.

Plan your day around the sun

The simple rule: early morning for outdoor things, midday for shade and air-conditioning, and late afternoon back outside. Temples, open-air markets and long walks work best in the comfortable hours, while a slow lunch, a shower and a rest suit the scorching ones.

In Bangkok this is especially easy, with plenty of air-conditioned malls, cafes and museums to save your afternoon. In Phuket the classic mistake is lying on the beach when the sun is at its peak. Move beach time to the morning or late afternoon and rest in the shade in between.

Even on long day trips, check ahead whether there is shade and how much walking to expect. Acclimatizing takes a few days, so do not overpack your arrival day.

Drinking and dressing: the small details

Drink before you feel thirsty, and all day long. On a heavy sweating day you can add a drink with electrolytes, and remember that coffee and alcohol tend to dehydrate. For drinking, most people use bottled water rather than tap water.

Clothing: light, breathable fabric, a loose cut and pale colors, plus a hat and good sunglasses. A bonus: long, light clothes also work for visiting temples, where shoulders and knees should be covered, as covered in our etiquette guide.

Warning signs: when to stop and when to see a doctor

Mild sunburn looks like redness, pain and warm skin. Get out of the sun, cool down, drink plenty and moisturize. If you see widespread blisters, fever, chills or severe pain, it is worth seeing a doctor.

Unusual tiredness, dizziness, nausea, headache and muscle cramps are signs to stop in a cool, shaded place, drink and rest. Confusion, fainting, or hot, dry skin that has stopped sweating needs urgent medical help, so call for help immediately.

This is general information, not medical advice. If you have a medical condition or take regular medication, talk to a doctor before you fly.

Summary: what to do tomorrow morning

Sunscreen in the bag, water bottle in hand, a plan that keeps the midday hours relaxed and a hat on your head. That is more or less the whole secret, and it works for the entire trip.

If you have not packed yet, our packing list for Thailand will help, and the packing list generator will tailor it to your trip.