Generally, monsoons occur at the same time across the country, although that time may vary significantly from one year to the next.

Rainfall also varies regionally, with the highest amounts-- 3,700 millimeters (145.7 in) annually—recorded on the Bolovens Plateau in Champasak Province.

City rainfall stations have recorded that Savannakhét averages 1,440 millimeters (56.7 in) of rain annually; Vientiane receives about 1,700 millimeters (66.9 in), and Louangphrabang (Luang Prabang) receives about 1,360 millimeters (53.5 in).

Rainfall is not always adequate for rice cultivation, however, and the relatively high average precipitation conceals years where rainfall may be only half or less of the norm, causing significant declines in rice yields.

Such droughts often are regional, leaving production in other parts of the country unaffected.

Temperatures range from highs around 40 °C (104 °F) along the Mekong in March and April to lows of 5 °C (41 °F) or less in the uplands of Xiangkhoang and Phôngsali in January.