Southeast Asia
The tropics have no four seasons, only two shifts — dry and rainy: the dry season, from November to April, is the golden window, when islands are good for swimming, ancient cities for cycling, and temples for touring — all of it pleasant; the rainy season (May–October) brings afternoon thunderstorms, and in return waterfalls at their fullest, rice fields at their greenest, and the friendliest prices. Near the equator, Singapore and Malaysia are summer all year; planning by the sky mostly means watching the clouds. Festivals follow the religious calendars: the Water Festival / Songkran in April, Ramadan and Eid, Loy Krathong (the Festival of Lights), and the Nine Emperor Gods Festival are gateways into the local spiritual world.
Places and connections ↗