WHEN TO VISIT THAILAND

Best time to visit Bangkok

For walks around Bangkok’s Grand Palace, temples and riverfront, plan a trip in November–February. Rainfall drops sharply from November after the wet months of September and October. December and January average about 27°C, making them less hot than April. Average daytime highs still exceed 32°C, so visit temples in the morning, walk beside the river around sunset, and leave time for meals and indoor breaks in between.

Bangkok: monthly temperatures and rainfall

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

Monthly average temperatures, highs, 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 days are averages and do not mean rain all day.

What can you enjoy each month?

The suggestions and cautions are editorial itinerary advice based on climate figures. Check the day’s weather and marine activity operations separately before setting out.

January Relatively drier months

What to enjoy this month
Visit the Grand Palace and temples in the morning, then walk beside the river before sunset. With less rain than in the wet season, it is a good time to explore Bangkok on foot.

What to bear in mind
Even with less rain, midday is hot and showers are possible. Pack a hat and a light umbrella.

February Relatively drier months

What to enjoy this month
Leave time for meals and café breaks between temples. Rain is relatively light but afternoons are hot, so visit places that require walking in the morning.

What to bear in mind
Even with less rain, midday is hot and showers are possible. Pack a hat and a light umbrella.

March Hot season

What to enjoy this month
Explore the Grand Palace and temples in the morning, then rest in a shopping mall or café during the hot afternoon. Head to the river for a walk as the sun gets lower.

What to bear in mind
Long walks around midday can be tiring in the heat. Carry water and take breaks in the shade between outings.

April Hot season

What to enjoy this month
Finish temple visits early, eat indoors and rest at your accommodation during the afternoon. Spread sightseeing out so you are not walking for long in the hottest hours.

What to bear in mind
Long walks around midday can be tiring in the heat. Carry water and take breaks in the shade between outings.

May Rainy season

What to enjoy this month
When visiting temples, find a nearby restaurant or café where you can stop. If rain arrives suddenly, take a break indoors and continue sightseeing afterwards.

What to bear in mind
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives, rather than filling the day with outdoor activities.

June Rainy season

What to enjoy this month
Use the rail network to visit shopping malls and take café breaks. When rain eases, walk around a nearby neighbourhood and find somewhere to eat.

What to bear in mind
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives, rather than filling the day with outdoor activities.

July Rainy season

What to enjoy this month
Rest in shopping malls or cafés during heavy rain, then explore a nearby market or the riverfront when it eases.

What to bear in mind
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives, rather than filling the day with outdoor activities.

August Rainy season

What to enjoy this month
Enjoy sightseeing and meals within one neighbourhood rather than crossing between far-apart attractions all day. It is easier to find a place to rest when rain arrives.

What to bear in mind
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives, rather than filling the day with outdoor activities.

September Rainy season

What to enjoy this month
If you plan to visit markets and temples, leave some time indoors too. Have a meal nearby while you wait out heavy rain.

What to bear in mind
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives, rather than filling the day with outdoor activities.

October Rainy season

What to enjoy this month
Spend rainy spells in cafés or shopping malls, then walk around nearby streets when rain eases. Keep the day flexible so sightseeing times can change.

What to bear in mind
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives, rather than filling the day with outdoor activities.

November Relatively drier months

What to enjoy this month
As rain decreases, this is a useful time to plan temple and market visits. Start in the morning and rest in a shopping mall or café during the afternoon.

What to bear in mind
Even with less rain, midday is hot and showers are possible. Pack a hat and a light umbrella.

December Relatively drier months

What to enjoy this month
Visit temples in the morning and walk beside the river in the evening. Take breaks during the midday heat while enjoying Bangkok’s different views.

What to bear in mind
Even with less rain, midday is hot and showers are possible. Pack a hat and a light umbrella.

Plan the different parts of your day

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

Pack light clothes, a hat and an umbrella, and rest in shade or indoors between outdoor journeys. Keep a nearby indoor place in mind for waiting out sudden rain rather than travelling far.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Bangkok?

Choose November–February for walks around temples and markets. December and January average about 27°C and receive 11.6mm and 23.6mm of rain respectively. Think of this as a way to avoid April’s intense heat and the wetter months, rather than a cool winter.

Is average temperature enough to decide what to wear?

Look at average highs and lows too. The mean is not the temperature at a particular hour. Prepare separately for midday walks and outings in the morning or at night.

Does a rainy day mean rain all day?

No. Rainy-day counts are monthly averages and do not say when or how long it rains. Use the hourly forecast for your actual dates to adjust outdoor plans.

Keep planning your trip

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