Songkhla has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The cooler dry season from January to April is the best time to visit — temperatures hover around 28–32°C and humidity is lower. March and April are particularly pleasant for walking the old town and swimming at Samila Beach.
The northeast monsoon brings heavy rain from October to December and occasionally into January. The gulf side of the peninsula (where Samila Beach sits) catches the full force of these rains, and seas can be rough. The lake side remains calmer. Flooding is occasionally a problem in the low-lying areas of the city.
May to September is the inter-monsoon period — warm and humid with intermittent showers, but generally manageable for travel. The old town, being walkable and largely shaded, is viable year-round. The Songkran festival in mid-April brings the usual Thai new year celebrations, with the city's Chinese and Malay communities adding their own character to the festivities.