How to Prepare for Thailand’s Rainy Season Golfing

28 May 2025

Golfing during Thailand’s rainy season might sound like a challenge at first. But like in golf itself, your mindset is everything. Just as a great round requires patience, focus, and a sense of humor, so does planning a golf holiday during the wetter months. Rain doesn’t mean your trip is ruined, it just means it might look a little different. And often, those differences bring the most memorable moments.

In Thailand, we say “sabai sabai”, take it easy, go with the flow. Don’t rush your round. If a shower rolls in, take a break under the clubhouse roof, enjoy a drink with your friends, and let the rain pass. The country’s famous hospitality doesn’t disappear when the skies open. It simply shifts location. Maybe you’ll spend less time sunbathing and more time laughing in a cozy beach bar or bonding at a scenic clubhouse with panoramic views.

And let’s not forget the perks: cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and fairways that glow green under misty skies. The courses are stunning this time of year, and for those who stay flexible and positive, Thailand’s rainy season can be one of the most rewarding times to play. At Fairways of Eden, we’re here to help you embrace the season and not avoid it. With smart planning, the right gear, and a bit of sabai sabai spirit, your golf holiday can be just as amazing, rain or shine.

When Is Thailand’s Rainy Season?

Thailand’s rainy season typically runs from May to October, driven by the southwest monsoon. While this period is associated with increased rainfall, it doesn’t mean it rains all day every day. In most regions like Bangkok or Hua Hin, the rain often comes in short, powerful bursts, particularly in the afternoon or evening. Mornings tend to remain dry, offering an excellent window for early tee times.

However, regional variations are important to understand. Phuket, for instance, has recently experienced longer and more persistent rain stretches, especially between July and September. Unlike central Thailand, where rain passes quickly, Phuket can see full-day downpours or prolonged showers that return several times a day. This makes planning and flexibility even more essential when golfing in southern regions.

Meanwhile, Pattaya and Hua Hin experience relatively lighter and more predictable rainfall. Courses in these areas generally dry out quickly and are ideal for golfers who prefer more stable weather during their stay. Bangkok tends to mirror Hua Hin’s pattern but can be more humid due to the urban environment.

No matter the destination, knowing these local patterns will help you choose the best tee times and locations and ensure you get the most from your golf holiday during the rainy season.

Essential Gear for Rainy Season Golf

Success in rainy weather starts with having the right equipment. Here’s what we recommend packing — with some handy product suggestions if you’re shopping before your trip.

☔ Lightweight, breathable rain gear: Choose golf-specific rain jackets and pants like the FootJoy DryJoys Tour LTS or Adidas Rain.RDY. These keep you dry without restricting your swing. Avoid bulky options — breathability and stretch matter.

👣 Waterproof golf shoes with grip: Look for shoes like the ECCO Biom H4 or Adidas Tour360. These offer traction and comfort even on soaked fairways. Keeping your feet dry helps your game and your focus.

🛌 A large, wind-resistant umbrella: Don’t settle for a travel-sized umbrella. A double-canopy golf umbrella such as the GustBuster Pro Series or Titleist Tour Umbrella protects both you and your gear.

🛋 Extra gloves and towels: Bring at least 2–3 pairs of all-weather gloves, like the FootJoy RainGrip or TaylorMade Rain Control. Multiple microfiber towels will help you keep grips dry and clubfaces clean.

👣 Spare socks and a small dry bag: Invest in quick-drying socks made for performance. Brands like Darn Tough or Swiftwick are great options. A compact dry bag keeps wet clothes separate from your gear and is ideal for quick changes.

These items don’t take up much space in your bag but make a world of difference in comfort and performance. With the right rainy season golf gear, you’ll be ready to play through whatever Thailand’s weather brings. Success in rainy weather starts with having the right equipment.

How to Adjust Your Technique for Wet Conditions

Rain changes how the course plays and how your body feels.

🌫️ Take smoother swings: A slower swing keeps you balanced and in control. Overswinging leads to slips and mishits.

🧼 Mind your footing: Widen your stance slightly and prioritize a steady base over distance. Stability beats power on wet turf.

🔳 Club up: Expect shorter carry distance and almost no roll. Take one extra club and swing easy, trust the loft.

🪜 Dry your grip often: Even the best grip is useless if your glove or club is wet. Use towels often and switch gloves mid-round if needed.

🎯 Focus on precision: Target smaller landing zones and accept shorter shots that keep you in play. Rainy rounds reward strategy.

Best Time to Play During the Rainy Season

Despite the name, it doesn’t rain all day in Thailand. There’s a rhythm to the rain and knowing it helps.

⏰ Aim for early morning tee times: Most rain falls later in the afternoon or evening. A 7:00–8:00 AM tee time often means dry skies for the front nine and sometimes the full round.

📊 Check forecasts – and don’t panic: Local apps like the Thai Meteorological Department, Windy, or even Google’s radar can be surprisingly accurate hour by hour.

🛍 Flexible bookings are your friend: We always help clients rebook or shift tee times where possible. Our partner courses are golfer-friendly and understand that tropical storms are part of the deal.

And when it does rain during your round? Don’t rush yourself. Sit back, take cover, have a drink, and wait. As the Thais say: “sabai sabai.” You’re here to relax and the rain will pass.

Choosing the Right Golf Courses

Some golf courses drain better than others. Knowing which ones recover quickly makes all the difference.

🏜 Look for hilly or elevated courses: These naturally drain faster, especially in destinations like Hua Hin and Pattaya.

🚑 Avoid low-lying flood-prone layouts: Certain inland courses in flat areas can become unplayable after heavy rain.

Fairways of Eden recommends the best rainy-season courses in each location. Whether you’re staying in Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, or Bangkok, we’ll match you with the most weather-resilient layouts.

Rainy Day Alternatives When Golf Isn’t Possible

Sometimes, the weather really doesn’t cooperate and that’s okay. Your golf time won’t go to waste.

🎮 Indoor golf simulators: We partner with premium indoor golf venues in every destination. If your round is rained out, we’ll arrange a private 2-hour simulator session for you with transport included.

🛏 Spa and wellness days: Reboot your body with Thai massage, hydrotherapy, or an afternoon in a luxury onsen.

🍷 Distillery or wine tastings: Sample locally crafted rum, gin, or wines with tours that keep you dry and entertained.

🏫 Cultural activities: Visit temples, try a cooking class, or explore museums – all great ways to enjoy your trip, even without golf.

You’re never stuck. Our concierge team is ready to pivot your day with alternative experiences that keep the spirit of your trip alive.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Fear the Rain

Thailand’s rainy season is part of the rhythm of life here and with the right mindset, it adds character to your journey.

We’ve had guests tell us that their most memorable rounds happened during a light shower on a jungle-lined fairway, the mist hanging over the hills of Hua Hin or Pattaya. One group even celebrated a surprise hole-in-one in the rain, with cheers echoing through the wet greenery of Blue Canyon in Phuket. It’s these moments — spontaneous, unscripted, and deeply local — that become the highlight of your trip.

Embrace it. Play through it. Pause when you need to. Laugh, dry off, and tee it up again. This is what golf in Thailand is all about: flexibility, beauty, and a good story after the round.

If the skies don’t open up for golf, don’t worry. We’ve already planned for that too. From simulator golf lounges with drinks and snacks to wellness escapes and cultural experiences, we’ve got rainy days covered.

At Fairways of Eden, we’re always one step ahead of the weather helping you plan, adapt, and still get the most out of every swing. Because a little rain should never ruin a great golf holiday.

→ Explore golf in Thailand with us and let’s plan a trip that flows with the season.