Climate and monthly weather forecastPakse, Laos

The climate of Pakse

In Pakse, Laos, the predominate climate is classified as Aw according to the Köppen climate classification. This designates a tropical wet and dry or savanna climate, characterized by significant seasonal variations in precipitation. Pakse, known for being a gateway to Laos's Champasak Province, boasts an annual procession of weather patterns, each with its own distinct traits.

A line graph of Pakse's temperature throughout the year shows a steady and gradual rise from 16.3°C (61.3°F) to 24.9°C (76.8°F) for the low temperatures, and a peak at 34.8°C (94.6°F) for the high temperatures before a gradual downward trend towards the close of the year. Despite the significant differences in day and night temperatures, the heat is a constant companion to the residents of Pakse and the visiting tourists.

Rainfall, on the other hand, displays a pronounced biphasic pattern. The dry season lasts from November to mid-March, with minimal rainfall ranging from 2mm (0.08") to 20mm (0.79"). The lack of precipitation during this time gives way to a marked increase from April to October. It's noteworthy that August records a staggering rainfall amount of 524mm (20.63"), signaling the peak of the rainy season in Pakse.

The humidity levels in Pakse generally follow the pattern of rain with a slight degree of variability. Relative humidity increases significantly from May to September, reaching a high of 85%. This increase coincides with the tremendous rise in precipitation during these months. From October onwards, there is a gradual decrease in humidity level, returning to around 62% by the end of the year.

The best time to visit Pakse

Considering humidity, temperature, and rainfall patterns, November to February emerges as the optimal period to visit Pakse. During this period, the temperature is significantly more tolerable, resting between 16.3°C (61.3°F) and 30.2°C (86.4°F), and the city experiences less rain. The reduced rainfall, from 3mm (0.12") to 20mm (0.79"), contributes to the pleasant weather, reducing the overall humidity to levels below 70%. This period also boasts longer daylight hours, specifying an average between 11.4 hours and 12.5 hours.

The worst time to visit Pakse

The most challenging period to visit Pakse is from March to October, especially during the peak of the rainy season in August. Rainfall ranging from 76mm (2.99") to 524mm (20.63"), combined with high temperature reaching up to 34.8°C (94.6°F), increases the discomfort levels in these months. Humidity is also at its highest, ensuring a physically demanding climate for everyday activities. If planned visits aren't specific to observing or participating in the wet season's various cultural or natural attractions, this period is best avoided.

Spring weather in Pakse

Spring season in Pakse, from March to May, can be quite challenging due to a combination of high temperatures and increased rainfall. The temperatures during March to May range from 24.5°C (76.1°F) to 34.8°C (94.6°F), which can get uncomfortable for sightseeing or other outdoor activities. Relative humidity during this period starts to rise, transitioning from dry to wet season by May, where it reaches 75%.

Summer weather in Pakse

Summer, from June to August, signifies the onset of the rainy season and high humidity levels. With temperatures varying from 24.9°C (76.8°F) to 32.9°C (91.2°F) and rainfall increasing from 420mm (16.54") to a high of 524mm (20.63") in August, life in Pakse adapts to the wet terrain. This is also the period when the city receives the least amount of sunshine, with just 4 hours to 4.7 hours daily.

Autumn weather in Pakse

Autumn or fall, from September to November, experiences a slow but steady drop in temperatures, moving from 23.7°C (74.7°F) to 22.4°C (72.3°F) in the lows and a high of 30.8°C (87.4°F) to 30.5°C (86.9°F). Rainfall decreases drastically after the intensities of summer, coming down from 298mm (11.73") to 19mm (0.75"), and giving respite from the persistent rains.

Winter weather in Pakse

Winter in Pakse, from December to February, is characterized by reduced rainfall and relatively cooler temperatures averaging highs of 30.2°C (86.4°F) in December to 31°C (87.8°F) in February and lows of 19.7°C (67.5°F) to 21.4°C (70.5°F). The significant drop in rainfall amounts down to just 2mm (0.08") to 3mm (0.12"), coupled with increased daylight hours reaching up to 12.5 hours, makes the winter months some of the most pleasant for locals and tourists alike.

Weather in January

January in Pakse, Laos, presents a relatively cool climate, compared to the following months. The dropping temperatures make evenings and nights pleasant providing relief from the typical tropical weather. There is a minimum occurrence of rainfall with only 2mm (0.08") recorded, making it one of the driest months. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February brings a slight shift in the climate of Pakse, Laos as temperatures begin to rise. The rise in temperature marks the onset of a warmer period compared to January. Rainfall amounts show a noticeable increment in February, yet it remains a dry month overall. Weather in February »

Weather in March

Transitioning into March, Pakse, Laos experiences a continued warming trend with further heightening of average temperatures. However, the noteworthy rise in rainfall from 8mm (0.31") to 20mm (0.79") reveals the incoming wetter season for the region. Weather in March »

Weather in April

The weather pattern undergoes significant changes as Pakse, Laos enters April. Marked by a drastic increase in rainfall from 20mm (0.79") to 76mm (2.99"), April signifies the approach of the monsoon months. The UV index remains consistently at its peak despite the escalating rainfall. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May signals the onset of true monsoon weather in Pakse, Laos as evidenced by the substantial rise in rainfall to 223mm (8.78"). The change is complemented by a small decline in average high temperatures, to a more comforting level. Weather in May »

Weather in June

Weather conditions in June continue from May's established pattern in Pakse, Laos. The highest annual precipitation is registered in this month, at a staggering 420mm (16.54"), showcasing the intensity of the monsoon season. With the soaring rainfall also comes a further drop in sunshine hours, despite the length of daylight remaining high. Weather in June »

Weather in July

The month of July in Pakse, Laos continues with the established monsoon pattern, although rainfall dips slightly from the peak experienced in June. July's weather does show a slight decrease in daylight hours, indicating the gradual shift towards the ending phase of the monsoon season. Weather in July »

Weather in August

As Pakse, Laos moves into August, the weather pattern witnesses a subtle change. In tandem with declining daylight hours and a slight decrease in temperature, rainfall reaches its annual peak at a significant 524mm (20.63"). Interestingly, the prevalent humidity touches new heights, creating an enriched tropical environment. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September brings a marked change in Pakse, Laos's weather conditions with a dramatic decrease in rainfall to 298mm (11.73"). This decrease in rainfall indicates the retreat of the monsoon season. Despite the subsiding rainfall, humidity manages to stay at a high level. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October signifies a more profound shift towards the dry season in Pakse, Laos. Rainfall continues its decline, the weather slowly turning more bearable. However, humidity levels remain at upper levels, gradually starting to drop towards the end of the month. Weather in October »

Weather in November

In November, Pakse, Laos sees further transition towards the dry season. Rainfall dwindles dramatically, flagging the end of the rainy season. Even though the humidity gradually subsides, it remains at reasonably high levels. The decreasing daylight hours coupled with the declining temperatures make November one of the cooler, more pleasant months. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December arrives with the commencement of the dry, cooler spell in Pakse, Laos. There is a scant 3mm (0.12") of rainfall, reflecting the typical weather pattern of the region’s dry season. Humidity also reaches its annual low, contributing to the dry and pleasant atmosphere. Weather in December »