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Many would argue that Southeast Asia is great to visit any time of the year. True, perhaps. But with such diverse weather patterns affecting the region—with some varying wildly within the same country—there are best and worst times to travel. Browse this gallery for a useful guide to high and low seasons in some of Southeast Asia's most popular vacation spots.

▲Hot and humid year round, Malaysia's weather patterns depend on which part of the country you end up in. Generally speaking, the best times to go are January to March and June to September. It's still stifling, but these months have the lowest rainfall.

▲Sadly, there are only two places in the world to see wild orangutans: the Malaysian island of Borneo, and Sumatra (in Indonesia). Head for Borneo between March and October, during the dry season, for the best chance of admiring these noble creatures.

▲Penang remains a favorite with visitors. Get there between August and November for pleasant average temperatures. But remember: October is often the wettest month of the year!

▲Anchored off Malaysia's west coast, the Langkawi archipelago is best appreciated between November and April, when the weather is a good balance of sunshine and light rainfall. Humidity levels, however, remain high.

▲Most of the best dive and snorkeling spots are located on the eastern peninsula, off islands that include Kapalai, Lankayan, and Sibuan. Plan your visit between April and September.

▲Sri Lanka's weather is dictated by two key monsoon seasons. If you're heading for the south and west coastlines, October to March is the best time to travel.

▲October to November is the off-peak tourist season throughout the country. This is when accommodation in the capital, Colombo (pictured), is cheaper.

▲The fishing village of Weligama sits on the south coast. The area is famous for its stilt fishermen. For calm, tranquil seas, visit from January to March.

▲The "Maha" monsoon season hits the eastern and northern areas from around November to March. Trincomalee, on Sri Lanka's northeast coast, is famous for its decorative Pathirakali Amman Temple. Visit this area of the country from April to September.

▲Arrive in Sri Lanka at the beginning of March to see blue whales. For other whale species, head there from October to April.

▲January is a fantastic time to be in Cambodia. In fact, most tourists visit the country from November to March.

▲Cambodia's wet season runs from May to October; November to March marks the dry season. For a cultural wake-up call, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh (pictured).

▲Battambang province, with its waterways and many temples, makes for a hugely rewarding diversion. Beware though: heavy rains in September and October can close unpaved roads.

▲If you're heading for the beaches at Kep or Sihanoukville (pictured) on the country's south coast, travel between November and April for endless sunshine, or December through June for the clearest water (the scuba diving here is superb).

▲This is the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, the capital. The best time to visit the city is from November to March, when temperatures are lower and there's little rainfall.

▲Throughout Nepal's summer monsoon season (June through September), more rain falls at night than during the day. Get out and about at first light for crisp, fresh mornings. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0)

▲Try and be in Kathmandu on Vesak Day, the birth anniversary of Buddha. It takes place late April or mid-May.

▲The best peak climbing and trekking time in Nepal is the spring season (March to May). Otherwise, fall (late September through early December) is the second-best time for peak climbing adventures.

▲Immerse yourself in local culture by timing a visit to Nepal with the "Bol Bom" (Say Shiva) pilgrimage in Kathmandu. Festivities begin late July and end during the third week of August.

▲Trekking in Nepal is a hugely rewarding experience. However, if you want to avoid the "crowds," head to the Himalayan areas of Manang (pictured), Mustang, or Dolpho.

▲Weather-wise, the best times to visit China are spring (April to May) and fall (September to October). These periods offer up pleasant tourist-friendly weather.

▲If possible, avoid traveling anywhere in China during the country's Golden Week Holiday period (usually the first week in October). This is when 1.4 billion people enjoy seven days off, and traffic chaos ensues.

▲China in spring sees cool temperatures and dry weather in the north of the country. The south can be wetter, but regions like the Karst Mountains of Guilin (pictured) are actually enhanced by rainfall.

▲Spring months can see the arrival of the dreaded "Asia Dust" meteorological phenomenon. These intense dust storms can blanket entire cities, and Beijing (pictured) is no exception.

▲Arrive in the country in January and you can join in the Chinese New Year celebrations that take place across the nation, anywhere from the biggest cities to the most remote of villages. The first day of Chinese New Year begins on the new moon that appears between January 21 and February 20.

▲True outdoor adventurers can head north to this vast, dry wilderness. But note: the Gobi is an overall cold desert. Average winter minimums are a cold −21 °C (−6 °F), while summertime maximums are a warm 27 °C (81 °F). Winters in general are harsh in China: this is low travel season for most tourists, when prices drop and crowds are thin on the ground.

▲On the whole, the best time to visit Indonesia is between May and September, when the days are dry and sunny.

▲Plenty of sunshine and blue skies characterize the islands of Nusa Tenggara during dry season (April to September)—an ideal outdoors climate!

▲During the wet season, temperatures remain high despite intense tropical downpours that occur in short, heavy bursts, and needn't ruin your trip.

▲One of the most popular destinations in the country, Bali is best appreciated in May, June, and September. Idyllic weather conditions and low visitor numbers mean that even destinations like Seminyak beach are pleasantly uncrowded.

▲Bali, of course, is not just a beach destination. Pictured is the water temple of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. Even during the wet season (October to March), this is a very special place to spend time in.

▲The world's largest Buddhist temple is located at Borobudur, in Central Java. Come here anytime between May and September and explore under clear, dry skies.

▲Like Malaysia, Singapore's weather patterns remain fairly constant throughout the year. June to August are the driest months, but also expect especially suffocating humidity and flash thunderstorms.

▲There are two main monsoon seasons in Singapore: Northeast Monsoon Season (December to March) and the Southwest Monsoon Season (June to September).

▲Sightseeing can be enjoyed throughout the year. While certainly wetter, the winter months may better suit those less tolerant to heat.

▲Unless you're an avid F1 petrolhead, it's best to avoid the destination mid-September when the city hosts the Singapore Grand Prix. Hotels are full and the place is heaving with race fans.

▲Thailand's world-class beaches include Railay Beach (pictured). For beach and island goers, December to the end of February is when to go bare-footin' in the sand.

▲Plan your trip sometime between the end of November and the end of April, during the cool (by Thailand standards) and dry season.

▲The majority of visits to Phuket take place between November and February, the so-called "cool season." March to May is scorching, while the rainy season kicks in from May to October.

▲One of the most in-demand destinations in Southeast Asia, Thailand sees a variety of different weather patterns due to its proximity to both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.

▲Choose to shop at Thailand's world-famous Damnoen Saduak floating market in January, February, or March. The area is fanned by refreshing winds, and there's little rain to dampen spirits.

▲When to visit this small, landlocked country largely depends on your weather preferences; the temperature differs from north to south, and there are two very distinct seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the wet season (May to October).

▲November and December are ideal months to visit the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls. Don't bother during the rainy season: rivers everywhere are swollen and the falls resemble the color of milky tea.

▲The northern, central, and eastern regions of Laos are at a higher altitude than those in the south allowing for cooler, fresher temperatures.

▲Traveling in the south of the country is to brave considerable heat and humidity, especially during March and April. But it's worth the discomfort to explore cultural attractions like the ruined Vat Phou Khmer Hindu temple complex in Champasak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

▲Vietnam has three distinct climates. In the north, places like Hanoi (pictured) can get very chilly during the winter months, although it does get hot and clammy in summer.

▲At the other end of the country, Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate. Expect balmy days year-round and afternoon downpours from May to November.

▲If visiting Central Vietnam and places like the Da Nang marble mountains (pictured), plan to go between January and May.

▲Likewise, if you're seeking a little R&R on a beach in Hue, January to May is the driest time of the year. June to August is also good, but by then the mercury has risen considerably.

▲Hot and humid best sums up the Philippines' climate. The country has a wet season, from May to October, and a dry season, from November to April.

▲The best time to visit the country is during the dry season. Despite the lack of rainfall, natural wonders like the Tinago Falls remain in full flow. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

▲January and February are the coolest months, and good for traveling around. This is also a great time to explore the capital, Manila (pictured).

▲If you like it hot, the destination positively broils in March, April, and May. A good enough reason, perhaps, to head for Boracay (pictured), known for its upscale resorts and pristine beaches.

▲Myanmar is notorious for its intense heat, and intense rain. The capital, Naypyidaw, escapes neither, but at least it has lots of cultural distractions, including the Uppatasanti Pagoda (pictured).

▲The drier winter months of October to March are pleasant enough, though it still gets hot during the daytime. The highlands are chilly (places like the pictured Lapdaung mountain region in Sarlingyi township).

▲Bagan and Mandalay in central Myanmar are the hottest, driest regions. But Mount Popa (pictured) and other outstanding landmarks make these areas certainly worth exploring, even in sweltering April and May. What's more, there are less crowds, and prices are lower.

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The wet season from June to September heralds brief yet heavy downpours, but rarely affects touring and sightseeing, so it's also worth getting to see the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, or Golden Rock, in Mon State (pictured).