Best time to Visit Bangkok [Month by Month Guide]

Planning a vacation to Bangkok Thailand?

Great choice, although we may be biased because we have lived in Bangkok for months. The culture, food, nightlife and modern amenities are what make Bangkok such an interesting and dynamic city.

So now you want to know what is the best time to visit Bangkok Thailand? You’re in the right place because in this guide you’ll find out about Bangkok weather, temperatures and rainfall during each month of the year.

Bangkok has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year round. Basically there is 3 seasons: hot, humid and hot or rainy, humid and hot. So eitherway, the temperature is always on the higher end.

The best time to visit Bangkok is between mid November and end of March which are the peak months. During these months you can expect the best weather in Bangkok. These months experience the least rainfall in Bangkok. Days are nice and sunny yet temperatures are pleasant with daily averages of 26℃. Evenings are enjoyable with temperatures often dipping below.

You can still have an amazing holiday in Bangkok outside the peak months. In fact many tourists prefer low season for the fewer crowds and cheaper hotel prices. You just need to be prepared because days tend to be hotter and between May to October is rainy season in Bangkok. But don’t worry, it rarely rains more than an hour or 2.

This article covers everything you need to know about Bangkok weather. By the end you will know exactly what to expect and what are the best months to visit Bangkok.

When is the best time to Visit Bangkok?

The best time to visit Bangkok is during the dry season’s cooler months which is between mid November and March. During these months you can expect pleasant temperatures due to lower humidity levels and the least rainfall. This also makes it a popular time to visit Bangkok.

These months are the peak season, so you can expect larger crowds especially at famous attractions such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun. Hotels and tours are often booked in advance and any last minute bookings will always be at a higher price. Make sure to plan accordingly.

Bangkok between March and June

From the end of March to around May temperatures continue rising, sometimes reaching 40℃. Showers can also be expected which tend to come in heavy bursts lasting 1 or 2 hours and offer a spite of relief from the sweltering heat. Days still remain warm with an average of 30℃.

It is best to do any sightseeing such as temples and any outdoor activities in the morning. Doing so will help avoid the mid day heat and also any crowds. Always remember to drink lots of water and stop for frequent breaks in the shade or cool down in an air conditioned cafe.

April is the month when the Thai new year is celebrated and is a particularly interesting time to be in Bangkok. Thai new year known as a Songkran is a big holiday that is celebrated with a massive water fight to signify the cleansing of the past year and starting a fresh new year. It’s good way to cool down during these hotter days.

Bangkok between July and October

The low season in Bangkok is between July and October. Also know as the monsoon season, days during these months are unpredictable. While many think monsoon season means constant rain, that isn’t always the case. The days during these months are a combination of overcast, sunny and rainy patches. With rain usually coming in heavy bursts in the late afternoon or evening.

Visiting Bangkok during low season is an attractive time. Lots of hotels offer attractive deals. Restaurants will rarely require a reservation. And tourist attractions such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun and Ayutthaya and the River Kwai, just outside Bangkok will be more peaceful. I say, you just need to be prepared for unpredictable days, but rain should always be expected.

When should you not go to Bangkok?

August to October are the wettest months in Bangkok. These months experience the most rainfall in Bangkok with frequent showers and heavy downfalls and also flooding aren’t uncommon.

If you don’t mind the rain and not so much sun and are more interested in finding cheap accommodation and also cheap flights, then these months are the best.

Bangkok Dry Season & Bangkok Rainy Season

The weather in Bangkok has a similar pattern to most of the country (excluding the islands in East Thailand). Mid November to around April/May are considered the dry season with May being a sort of shoulder month with a mix of sunny and rainy days.

From April/May to October are the rainy months also referred to as monsoon season in Thailand. September and October tend to be the wettest months.

The islands in East Thailand which include Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui have different weather patterns and a shorter rainy season. The rainy months in this part of Thailand is between September and mid December. The rest of the year is mostly dry with nice sunny days and clear, calm waters. Mid December to February are considered the best months due to nice and cooler temperatures averaging around 25℃ during the day.

Bangkok in January – Best Time to Bangkok

Temperature: 21℃ – 32℃ | Dry Season: Yes

Bangkok weather in January is ideal. Wether you plan visiting temples, going on a tour outside Bangkok or experiencing Bangkok’s amazing food scene, January is one of the best months in Bangkok.

Bangkok temperature in January are a pleasant 25℃ on average during the day. While still warm, it’s bearable and sitting in the shade is enjoyable. January is particularly good for outdoor activities like cultural sites, visiting floating markets and train markets, and possibly even doing a day trip to the nearby Death Railway in Kanchanaburi or visiting the old city Ayutthaya and its ancient temples.

Bangkok in February – Best Time to Visit Bangkok

Temperature: 23℃ – 33℃ | Dry Season: Yes

Weather in Bangkok in February follows the same pattern as the previous month.

It can often be more appealing to visit Bangkok during February. The main reason is because most tourists visiting for Christmas will have already left which will reflect in less crowds especially at the most popular tourist spots in Bangkok.

While February is by no means the low season, there tends to be more accommodation on offer. Also places like restaurants and nightlife venues aren’t as busy as the previous month. If you want to try Bangkok’s famous street February is perfect.

Bangkok in March – Best Time to Visit Bangkok

Temperature: 25℃ – 34℃ | Dry Season: Yes

In March temperatures in Bangkok begin to rise and also humidity tends to increase making it feel even hotter. Densely populated and built up areas such as Sukhumvit road begin will begin to get rather hot especially during the day.

The end of March also marks the end of the cooler months.

But don’t worry, there is many ways to keep cool in Bangkok. Visit the many malls in Siam or the beautiful Icon Siam in the Silom area. Or book one of the many hotels with pool, possibly even a roof top looking over the city skyline such as The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon

Bangkok in April – Best Time to Visit Bangkok

Temperature: 26℃ – 35℃ | Dry Season: Yes

Temperatures gradually increase throughout April. How hot it feels often comes down to the levels of humidity which are always unpredictable. So while April is indeed one of the hottest months, it is the humidity that makes the days hot, stuffy and sticky. During the hotter months, the riverside neighborhoods near Silom and the old parts of Bangkok which are less developed, and also have less traffic tend to be slightly better.

April also marks the month of Songkran. This is the Thai new year and what better way to celebrate than a nationwide massive waterfight. Come here in April and have fun getting soaked from head to toe and consequentially also cooling off.

Tip: throwing water doesn’t quite cut it, so most locals make the water cold by adding ice.

Bangkok in May – Best Time to Visit Bangkok

Temperature: 26℃ – 34℃ | Dry Season: No/ish

Weather in Bangkok can feel unbearably hot in May. With average temperatures of around 33℃ and sometimes reaching highs of 40℃. High humidity levels also make it very unpleasant to go out during the day and any breeze is usually warm. Evenings aren’t much and usually still warm.

Make sure to stay hydrated and avoid spending excessive time out during the mid day heat.

Bangkok in June – Best Time to Visit Bangkok

Temperature: 26℃ – 33℃ | Dry Season: No

In June temperatures slowly start coming down yet still remain above the 30℃ mark during the day. Humidity levels also begin to drop and compared with the previous month of May which is always the hottest, June offers somewhat of a spite of relief.

Rainy and overcast days are expected in June. While rain means you may need to change daily plans, its usually a shower in the afternoon or evening. Mornings and early afternoons are often nice and sunny.

Bangkok in July – Best Time to Visit Bangkok

Temperature: 26℃ – 33℃ | Dry Season: No

July in Bangkok marks the start of the peak summer months. While not the best weather conditions, Bangkok is busier than previous months with tourists on vacation. Rainy days are expected throughout July.

Bangkok in August – Best Time to Visit Bangkok

Temperature: 26℃ – 33℃ | Dry Season: No

Up until August the weather in Bangkok is generally a mix of sunny days with a high expectation of rain. However, August marks the last months of these unpredictable weather patterns. Also by the end of August there is a lot less tourists due to any families with kids going back home in preparation for the school days.

Bangkok in September – Best Time to Visit Bangkok

Temperature: 25℃ – 32℃ | Dry Season: No

Weather in Bangkok in September is usually is usually one of the wettest months. While September does actually mark the start of the peak monsoon, it is still possible to have sunny days. However, my advice is to be prepared for mostly wet days at least at some part of almost every day.

Bangkok in October – Best Time to Visit Bangkok

Temperature: 25℃ – 32℃ | Dry Season: No

October along with September are wettest months. Visiting Bangkok in October expect a similar weather pattern as the previous month. Personally, we have experienced all types of weather in October. We have lived in Bangkok and while rain is frequent in October, we have also seen almost an entire week with the sun out.

However, for anyone visiting for a short vacation, maybe just a few days, it is better to prepare for a high possibility of rain.

Bangkok in November – Best Time to Visit Bangkok

Temperature: 24℃ – 31℃ | Dry Season: No/Yes

November weather in Bangkok sees a huge drop in the amount of rainy days compared to the previous months. The weather is nice and cool with some of the lowest and most pleasant temperatures during the year. November is the best time to visit Bangkok if you want a combination of favorable weather, fewer crowds, and also some good hotel deals.

For outdoor lovers, Bangkok’s surrounding natural landscapes will be lush and green after the rain. And the beautiful such as those in Erawan national park will be full and perfect as a day trip from Bangkok.

→Visit Erawan Falls as a day trip from Bangkok

Bangkok in December – Best Time to Visit Bangkok

Temperature: 21℃ – 32℃ | Dry Season: Yes

December weather is one of the best months to visit Bangkok. Days are nice and clear after rainy months. Temperatures are pleasant during the day and can be chilli at night. It’s the best time to visit Bangkok if you plan exploring all the temples and historical sites in the old part of Bangkok.

As with any destination, these favorable weather conditions does mean you can expect crowds at the major tourists spots. The Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pho are all famous tourist spots in Bangkok. But if your plan early it is possible to beat most of the crowds. The sites open at 8:00 am, great time to start the day while everyone is still having breakfast. →Or book a temple tour

Bangkok Travel Guide

How to get around Bangkok?

Bangkok is a modern city that is well connect thanks to its extensive public transport system.

Skytrain (BTS)

The BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit line (green line) connect the entire Sukhumvit area which includes popular neighborhoods such as Siam, Thonglor, Ekkamai, Asoke and Nana. The ‘Siam’ BTS stop (near all the malls) is also an interchange for the BTS Silom line (turquoise line) which goes to Silom, Sathorn and the riverside area close to exclusive riverfront hotels such as The Chatrium, Four Seasons Hotel and the popular Shangri-La Bangkok.

Underground (MRT)

The MRT in Bangkok is an underground system that connects areas outside the limits of the skytrain. It isn’t as popular as the BTS because the route doesn’t pass along the popular neighborhoods. The MRT Wat Mangkon is one of the popular stops as it is close to Chinatown, Yaowarat road.

Taxis

For shorter distances, regular metered taxis can be used. Just wave a taxi down, ask if the driver will use the meter, or you can also negotiate a fixed price which will always be higher than the meter fare. Meter taxis start THB35 for the first 1km and then increase by approximately 7THB for each extra km.

If you prefer an online taxi, download the GRAB app, it’s the equivalent of Uber and works the same way. Choose pick and destination, type of car (standard or luxury) and you’re good to go. GRAB is more expensive than taking a metered taxi.

Tuk-Tuk

Taking a tuk-tuk is a right of passage for any visiting Bangkok or Thailand. It’s this funky little 3 wheeled motorbike with seats fitted in the back. And they’re usually personalized with bright neon lights, cool wheels, loud exhaust pipes and even louder beat boxes under the seat. It’s fun, exciting and iconic to Thailand and is also one of the most expensive ways to move around the city. Prices must be negotiated beforehand. To get a fair price, check how much the ride would cost on GRAB, and try to get a similar price.

Where to stay in Bangkok?

Bangkok is a very big city and correctly choosing the right hotel in an ideal area that suits your travel plan will have a huge impact on your travel experience.

As the saying goes, ‘location, location, location’ that is the most important things to consider. That is unless you just want a really nice hotel that will cater to all your needs and has all amenities onsite such as Capella Bangkok. But if that’s not the case, below are 3 areas to consider with Silom/Sathorn being our favorite.

Old Bangkok

At a glance: temples, The Grand Palace, Khaosan road, Budget accommodation

The old Bangkok quarters comprises some of the cities most historical and important sites. The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun are the most popular. It’s a beautiful part of the city with charming neighborhoods home to old buildings. Some of the best streetfood is also found in Old Bangkok such as the popular street Yaowarat in Chinatown. And Khaosan the famous backpacker street is also here.

The best places to stay in Old Bangkok ⤵

Name	Price	Rating
→ Dewan Bangkok Hotel	$35	8.6/10
→ Chillax Resort	$42	8.6/10
→ Baan Tuk Din Hotel	$47	9.0/10
→ Vali Villa Bangkok	$49	8.7/10
→ House of Machine Boutique Hotel	$90	9.2/10

Sukhumvit

At a glance: everything, nightlife, restaurants, bars, clubs, BTS – Above → Jasmine 59 Hotel Bangkok

Sukhumvit is becoming a favorite area to stay among tourists. It’s important to not that Sukhumvit is the name of a main road that crosses through Bangkok and comprises of various areas popular areas such as Nana (red light district), Ekkamai – Thonglor (cool neighborhoods), Asoke and Siam the where all the shopping malls are. Its easy to get around all these areas thanks to skytrain.

All hotels I have listed below are within 5 minutes walk to various restaurants, bars and a decent nightlife scene and also the BTS in the Ekkamai and Thonglor area. I chose these areas because they spill into each other and personally I think you’ll find everything you need in a relatively compact area.

The best places to stay in Thonglor – Ekkamai ⤵

Name	Price	Rating
→ Ashley Hotel BKK	$70	9.0/10
→ Jasmine 59 Hotel Bangkok	$72	8.8/10
→ Oakwood Studios Sukhumvit	$75	8.4/10
→ Somerset Ekamai Bangkok	$79	8.5/10
→ The Salil Hotel Sukhumvit 57	$81	8.4/10

Silom/Sathorn

At a glance:

I grouped these 2 areas together because I am referring to 2 parallel street going west from Lumphini park. Silom and Sathorn are Bangkok’s business district. While it isn’t a popular area with tourists, there is a large expat community. There is also a very big local food scene which is often overshadowed by the more popular Yaowarat road which also happens to be close by.

This part of Bangkok is our personal choice because it’s in the middle of everything. River boats can be used to reach the old part of Bangkok and the BTS silom line connect to Sukhumvit. There’s also some of the most luxurious riverfront hotels, chic bars, rooftops cocktail bars and pretty everything fancy and high end can be found here. Yet if you’re on a budget, there is still quite a few places on offer

The best places to stay in Silom/ Sathorn ⤵

Name	Price	Rating
→ Chocolate box mint	$29	8.9/10
→ The Myth-Sud Sathorn	$37	8.8/10
→ Oakwood Hotel & Residence Bangkok	$49	8.3/10
→ Grande Centre Point Surawong Bangkok	$103	9.2/10
→ Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn	$125	9.2/10
→ Tower Club at Lebua Hotel (from hangover movie)	$135	8.8/10
→ Mandarin Oriental Bangkok	$530	9.2/10

→ Or read this guide: Most convenient place to stay in Bangkok