If you want to explore Bangkok’s Grand Palace, temples and riverside on foot, plan your trip for November–February. Rainfall drops sharply from November after the wet months of September and October, and December and January have mean temperatures of around 27°C, making them less hot than April. Average daytime highs still exceed 32°C, though. Visit temples in the morning, walk by the river towards sunset, and leave time between them for meals and a break indoors.
The figures below are 1991–2020 climate normals from station BANGKOK METROPOLIS. Actual weather at beaches, mountains and accommodation may differ. Scroll the table horizontally.
| Month | Mean temperature | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27.4°C | 32.7°C | 23.4°C | 23.6mm | 2.6 days |
| February | 28.6°C | 33.7°C | 24.8°C | 21.4mm | 2.5 days |
| March | 29.7°C | 34.7°C | 26.4°C | 51.0mm | 4.1 days |
| April | 30.7°C | 35.7°C | 27.2°C | 93.3mm | 6.5 days |
| May | 30.3°C | 35.1°C | 26.9°C | 216.8mm | 15.0 days |
| June | 29.7°C | 34.1°C | 26.4°C | 198.5mm | 16.4 days |
| July | 29.2°C | 33.5°C | 26.1°C | 189.7mm | 17.2 days |
| August | 29.0°C | 33.3°C | 25.9°C | 227.1mm | 19.1 days |
| September | 28.6°C | 33.2°C | 25.4°C | 335.9mm | 21.4 days |
| October | 28.4°C | 33.0°C | 25.2°C | 288.7mm | 17.0 days |
| November | 28.4°C | 33.1°C | 24.7°C | 44.6mm | 5.0 days |
| December | 27.3°C | 32.3°C | 23.2°C | 11.6mm | 1.5 days |
The station table used is on PDF page 57. Rainy days are averages and do not mean rain throughout the day.
Opportunities and cautions are itinerary suggestions based on climate data. Check your day’s weather and whether marine activities are operating separately before departure.
What suits this month
Explore the Grand Palace and temples in the morning, then walk beside the river before sunset. With less rain than in the rainy season, it is a good time to discover Bangkok on foot.
Things to consider
Even with little rain, midday can be hot and showers are possible. Bring a hat and a light umbrella.
What suits this month
Leave time for meals and café breaks between temple visits. Rainfall is relatively low, but the days are hot, so do your walking in the morning.
Things to consider
Even with little rain, midday can be hot and showers are possible. Bring a hat and a light umbrella.
What suits this month
Visit the Grand Palace and temples in the morning, and take a break in a shopping centre or café during the hot part of the day. Return to the river for a walk as the sun drops.
Things to consider
Long walks in the midday heat can be tiring. Carry water and stop in the shade between journeys.
What suits this month
Finish temple visits in the morning, then have lunch indoors and rest at your accommodation. Spread out the places you want to see so you are not walking for long in the hottest hours.
Things to consider
Long walks in the midday heat can be tiring. Carry water and stop in the shade between journeys.
What suits this month
When planning temple visits, find a nearby restaurant or café too. If a shower starts, you can rest indoors before carrying on.
Things to consider
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives, rather than filling the day with outdoor plans.
What suits this month
Take the train to shopping centres and stop at a café. When the rain eases, explore a nearby neighbourhood on foot and find somewhere to eat.
Things to consider
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives, rather than filling the day with outdoor plans.
What suits this month
Rest in a shopping centre or café during heavy rain, then visit a nearby market or the riverside when it eases.
Things to consider
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives, rather than filling the day with outdoor plans.
What suits this month
Rather than crossing the city to several distant attractions in a day, enjoy sightseeing and meals in one neighbourhood. It is easier to find shelter nearby when rain starts.
Things to consider
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives, rather than filling the day with outdoor plans.
What suits this month
If you plan to visit markets and temples, include some indoor time too. Wait out heavy rain over a meal nearby.
Things to consider
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives, rather than filling the day with outdoor plans.
What suits this month
Spend rainy spells in a café or shopping centre and walk around the neighbourhood when the rain eases. Leave enough space in your day to change the timing of visits.
Things to consider
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives, rather than filling the day with outdoor plans.
What suits this month
As rainfall decreases, it is a good time to plan temple and market visits. Start in the morning and take a midday break in a shopping centre or café.
Things to consider
Even with little rain, midday can be hot and showers are possible. Bring a hat and a light umbrella.
What suits this month
Visit temples in the morning and walk beside the river in the evening. Rest during the midday heat while enjoying Bangkok’s different views.
Things to consider
Even with little rain, midday can be hot and showers are possible. Bring a hat and a light umbrella.
Plan Walks around the Grand Palace and temples for the morning or around sunset. Meals and rests at midday avoid long walks in the hottest hours. On rainy days, try taking the train to cafés and shopping centres.
Bring light clothes, a hat and umbrella, and rest in shade or indoors between outdoor journeys. Have a plan to wait nearby indoors during sudden rain rather than travelling far.
For walking between temples and markets, November–February is a good choice. December and January average around 27°C, with low monthly rainfall of 11.6mm and 23.6mm respectively. Think of this as a way to avoid April’s intense heat and the wetter rainy months, rather than a cool winter holiday.
Look at average highs and lows too. Mean temperature is not the temperature at a particular time of day. Prepare separately for midday walks and morning or evening outings.
No. Rainy days are a monthly average, not a measure of when rain falls or how long it lasts. Use the hourly forecast for your actual travel dates to adjust outdoor plans.
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