WHEN TO VISIT THAILAND

Best Time to Visit Bangkok

If you want to walk around Bangkok’s Grand Palace, temples and riverside, consider November–February. Rainfall drops sharply from November after the wetter months of September and October, and average temperatures in December and January are around 27°C, more comfortable than April’s heat. Average daytime highs still exceed 32°C, so visit temples in the morning, walk by the river near sunset and leave time in between for meals and indoor breaks.

Bangkok monthly average temperatures and rain

The figures below are 1991–2020 climate normals. The observing station is BANGKOK METROPOLIS; actual conditions at beaches, mountains or your accommodation can differ. Scroll the table sideways.

Monthly average temperature, average highs and lows, rainfall and rainy days
MonthAverage temperatureAverage highAverage lowRainfallRainy days
January27.4°C32.7°C23.4°C23.6mm2.6 days
February28.6°C33.7°C24.8°C21.4mm2.5 days
March29.7°C34.7°C26.4°C51.0mm4.1 days
April30.7°C35.7°C27.2°C93.3mm6.5 days
May30.3°C35.1°C26.9°C216.8mm15.0 days
June29.7°C34.1°C26.4°C198.5mm16.4 days
July29.2°C33.5°C26.1°C189.7mm17.2 days
August29.0°C33.3°C25.9°C227.1mm19.1 days
September28.6°C33.2°C25.4°C335.9mm21.4 days
October28.4°C33.0°C25.2°C288.7mm17.0 days
November28.4°C33.1°C24.7°C44.6mm5.0 days
December27.3°C32.3°C23.2°C11.6mm1.5 days

The station table is on PDF page 57. Rainy-day numbers are averages and do not mean all-day rain.

What can I enjoy each month?

Benefits and cautions are itinerary suggestions based on climate data. Read the actual day’s weather and marine activity operating decisions separately before leaving.

January Relatively dry period

What works well this month
Visit the Grand Palace and temples in the morning, then walk by the river before sunset. With less rain than during the wet season, this is a pleasant time to explore Bangkok on foot.

What to keep in mind
Even with little rain, midday can be hot and showers remain possible. Pack a hat and a lightweight umbrella.

February Relatively dry period

What works well this month
Build meals and café breaks into your temple visits. Rain is relatively light, but the days are hot, so see the places you want to walk around in the morning.

What to keep in mind
Even with little rain, midday can be hot and showers remain possible. Pack a hat and a lightweight umbrella.

March Hot season

What works well this month
See the Grand Palace and temples early, then take a break in a mall or café during the hot part of the day. Return to the riverside for a walk as the sun drops.

What to keep in mind
Long walks at midday can be tiring. Carry water and rest in the shade between outings.

April Hot season

What works well this month
Finish temple visits in the morning, eat indoors at midday and rest at your accommodation. Divide sightseeing into shorter outings so you are not walking for long during the hottest hours.

What to keep in mind
Long walks at midday can be tiring. Carry water and rest in the shade between outings.

May Rainy season

What works well this month
On a temple sightseeing day, find a nearby café or restaurant where you can stop. If rain arrives suddenly, wait indoors before continuing your visit.

What to keep in mind
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives instead of packing your day with outdoor plans.

June Rainy season

What works well this month
Ride the train to shopping malls and take a café break. Once the rain eases, walk through a nearby neighborhood and find somewhere to eat.

What to keep in mind
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives instead of packing your day with outdoor plans.

July Rainy season

What works well this month
Spend heavy rain in a mall or café, then visit a nearby market or the riverside when it eases.

What to keep in mind
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives instead of packing your day with outdoor plans.

August Rainy season

What works well this month
Rather than crossing the city between distant attractions, spend the day sightseeing and eating in one neighborhood. It is easier to find a nearby place to rest when rain arrives.

What to keep in mind
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives instead of packing your day with outdoor plans.

September Rainy season

What works well this month
If you plan to see markets and temples, allow time indoors too. Wait out heavy downpours over a meal somewhere nearby.

What to keep in mind
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives instead of packing your day with outdoor plans.

October Rainy season

What works well this month
Spend rainy spells in a café or mall, then walk around the neighborhood when the rain eases. Keep your day flexible so you can change sightseeing times.

What to keep in mind
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives instead of packing your day with outdoor plans.

November Relatively dry period

What works well this month
As rain decreases, this is a good time to plan temple and market visits. Start sightseeing in the morning, then take a midday break at a mall or café.

What to keep in mind
Even with little rain, midday can be hot and showers remain possible. Pack a hat and a lightweight umbrella.

December Relatively dry period

What works well this month
Visit temples in the morning and walk along the river in the evening. Take a break from the midday heat while enjoying different sides of Bangkok.

What to keep in mind
Even with little rain, midday can be hot and showers remain possible. Pack a hat and a lightweight umbrella.

Break up your day

Plan Grand Palace and temple walks in the morning or around sunset. Set aside midday for meals and rest to avoid long walks in the heat. On rainy days, consider Riding the train between cafés and shopping malls.

Pack light clothing, a hat and umbrella. Rest in shade or indoors between outdoor journeys. Have a plan to wait nearby indoors if a downpour arrives, rather than traveling far through it.

Frequently asked questions

When should I visit Bangkok?

For walking between temples and markets, November–February is a good choice. December and January average around 27°C, with relatively little monthly rain: 11.6 mm and 23.6 mm respectively. Think of this as a way to avoid April’s intense heat and the rainy season’s heavier downpours rather than a cool winter.

Can I choose clothes from the average temperature alone?

Look at average highs and lows too. The average temperature is not a reading at one particular time of day. Prepare separately for midday walks and for mornings or evenings outside.

Does a rainy day mean rain all day?

No. Rainy-day counts are monthly averages, not the hours or duration of rainfall. Read the hourly forecast for your actual travel dates and adjust outdoor plans.

Continue planning your trip

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