This is the high season for tourists and probably the most comfortable period for trekking and other activities. Warm clothing is needed in the nighttime, especially at higher elevations.

Hot season. During the hot dry season daytime temperatures approach 40 degrees C. In the nighttime they fall down to about 22 degrees C. The hottest month is April. During the hot season forest fires are common and fields are burnt off to prepare for next seasons planting, resulting in a dusty ground and low visibility due to the smoke.

In the hot season trekking is exhausting because of the heat, on the other hand it is easier to advance, since the undergrowth is not dense. Bamboo rafting may not be possible due to the low water level but it is a perfect time for caving or enjoying a waterfall. The vegetation is dry and many trees have no leaves, but most orchid species are flowering at that time.

Rainy season. In the rainy season the temperatures in the lowlands are around 32 degrees C in the mid-afternoon, falling to a minimum of around 23 degrees C at night. It rains on most days but rarely continuously. The rain usually comes in brief (1-2 hours) but heavy downpours, sometimes producing flashfloods. The wettest months are August and September, during which typhoons may occur, with heavy rain, thunderstorms and high winds.

The rainy season is when the north is at its greenest and many animals can be observed. Trekking may be difficult because of the wet ground and dense vegetation and unpaved roads may be impassable. Leeches wave friendly at the passing tourists when walking along smaller streams and mosquitoes are abundant.