Laos is a mountainous and thickly forested country with a tropical savannah climate. Temperatures are high throughout the year and the humidity level is influenced by the monsoons. Though countries in the region are typically characterised by two seasons, Laos locals often refer to three seasons: rainy, cool and hot.
The southwest monsoon brings the rainy season from May to October, and with it occasional floods and landslides. During this time of year, temperatures average a muggy 84°F (29°C), with August being the wettest month.
The northeast monsoon brings the dry season, which comprises two periods: the cool dry period from November to February and the hot dry period from March to April. The cool dry period sees the temperature drop to an average of 73°F (23°C) and as low as 55°F (13°C) on cool January nights. The average temperature of the hot dry period is similar to that of the rainy season, but with lower lows and April highs reaching up to 104°F (40°C).