Best (and Worst) Times to Visit Bangkok 2025

Bangkok is a vibrant city year-round, but the experience can differ dramatically depending on the time of year. To help you make the most of your trip, here's a breakdown of the best and worst times to visit based on weather, crowds, and prices.

Quick Guide:

• The Best Time to visit Bangkok: November to February – Cool and Dry
• The Worst Time to Visit Bangkok: April to May – Scorching Heat; September – Wettest
• The cool season: November to February
• The hot season: March to May
• The rainy season: May to October

Best Time to Visit Bangkok

The best time to visit is during the cool season, from November to February. With mild temperatures (22°C/72°F at night, 31°C/88°F during the day) and lower humidity, it's ideal for sightseeing, exploring markets, and enjoying boat tours on the Chao Phraya River.

Additionally, this period coincides with major festivals, such as Loy Krathong (November), Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year (usually January/February), offering vibrant cultural experiences. Expect colorful parades, traditional performances, and riverfront celebrations.

However, it's the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. To avoid crowds, visit top attractions like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho early or late in the day, and book hotels and tours well in advance.

Worst Times to Visit Bangkok

While Bangkok is a year-round destination, there are certain times when the weather and crowds can make your trip less enjoyable. Here's what to consider when deciding when not to visit:

April to May – Scorching Heat

• April is the hottest month in Bangkok, with daily highs reaching 35°C (95°F) and humidity levels that make it feel even hotter. If you're not used to intense heat, this might be a difficult time to explore the city. While the Songkran Festival (Thai New Year) in mid-April is exciting, the intense heat and water fights can be overwhelming.
• May is a transition month when the rainy season begins. The mix of heat and humidity can leave you feeling drained. It's still fairly hot, and the weather can be unpredictable.

Tip: If you do visit during this time, consider indoor activities like visiting museums, cooking classes, or enjoying a relaxing Thai massage.

September – The Rainiest Month

• September is statistically the wettest month in Bangkok, with heavy monsoon rains occurring almost daily. If you're not a fan of unpredictable showers, this can definitely be the worst time to visit. Flooding in certain areas can also disrupt travel plans.

Although rain is a bit of a nuisance, it usually rains in the late afternoon or early evening. So, it wouldn't affect your whole visit.

Bangkok Weather: Three Distinct Seasons

The weather in Bangkok can be divided into three seasons: cool, hot, and rainy.

The Cool Season: November to February

This is the most popular time for tourists. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C (72°F to 88°F), with low humidity and very little rainfall. Expect sunny days and cool nights.

• November: The start of peak season, with pleasant weather and clear skies. The Loy Krathong Festival adds to the charm with floating lanterns and riverfront celebrations.
• December and January: The coolest months, with highs around 31°C (88°F) and lows of 22°C (72°F). This is the most festive time, with Christmas, New Year's, and Chinese New Year celebrations.
• February: Slightly warmer than January but still pleasant, with an average temperature of 33°C (91°F) during the day.

Tip: While the weather is perfect for outdoor sightseeing, it's also the high season, so expect higher prices and larger crowds.

The Hot Season: March to May

From March to May, Bangkok experiences its hottest weather of the year, with daily highs reaching 35°C (95°F) or higher. Humidity is also intense, making it feel even hotter.

This period is considered the low season, except for the Songkran Festival (April 13–15).

• March sees a gradual increase in temperatures. Early March is still suitable for sightseeing, but by the end of the month, it can get extremely hot.
• April is the hottest month, with highs reaching 35°C (95°F) and humidity making it feel even hotter. This month hosts the famous Songkran Festival, which attracts large crowds.
• May is the transition to the rainy season, still hot, but with the occasional afternoon shower. Tourist crowds thin out, and it's one of the cheapest times to visit.

The Rainy Season: May to October

The rainy season brings heavy showers, especially in the late afternoon and evening. Humidity is high, and thunderstorms are common, particularly in August and September, which is the peak of the monsoon season. Temperatures during this period range from 26°C to 33°C (79°F to 91°F).

If you don't mind the rain, this season can be a great time to visit Bangkok on a budget and avoid the crowds.

What to Pack for Bangkok

• Dry Season (November-February): Light layers for daytime, a jacket for cool evenings, sunscreen, and a hat.
• Hot Season (March-May): Cool fabrics, sunscreen, water bottle, sunglasses, and a fan.
• Wet Season (May-October): Waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothing, an umbrella, and waterproof shoes for slippery conditions.

Bangkok is a city full of shopping opportunities, so pack light to leave room for the souvenirs and clothes you'll likely pick up during your trip!

Bangkok Festivals

Bangkok is a city full of vibrant festivals that celebrate Thai culture, traditions, and the country's rich history. Here's a guide to the key festivals you shouldn't miss:

1. Songkran (Thai New Year) - April

Songkran is one of the most famous festivals in Thailand, marked by epic water fights in the streets! Locals and tourists alike celebrate the New Year with water splashing, street parties, and traditional rituals like visiting temples to pay respects to elders.

2. Loy Krathong - November

This enchanting festival celebrates the end of the rainy season. People float small, beautifully decorated boats (krathongs) on rivers and lakes, symbolizing the release of negative energy. The riverfront offers the best views.

3. Chinese New Year - January/February

Bangkok's Chinatown comes alive with colorful parades, dragon dances, and food stalls.

4. King's Birthday - December 5

A national holiday with royal ceremonies, parades, and displays of national pride. The Grand Palace and temples often have special events, so it's a great time to visit.

5. Royal Ploughing Ceremony - May

A traditional event marking the start of rice planting season, held at Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace. It involves symbolic rituals performed by the King or a royal representative.

If you're planning to visit Bangkok during a festival, be sure to book accommodations early as these events can attract large crowds. Many festivals are accompanied by street food stalls, performances, and other cultural activities, so get ready for an immersive experience!

Bangkok Weather By Month

Here's a quick overview of Bangkok's weather by month, to help you plan your visit:

FAQ about Bangkok Weather

1. What is the wettest month in Bangkok?
September is the wettest month in Bangkok, with frequent heavy rains and a higher risk of flooding. It's best to prepare for sudden downpours if you're visiting during this time.

2. What are the coolest months in Bangkok?
December and January are the coolest months in Bangkok, with temperatures ranging from 22°C (72°F) at night to 31°C (88°F) during the day, offering a more comfortable climate for sightseeing.

3. What are the hottest months in Bangkok?
March to May are the hottest months in Bangkok, with temperatures regularly exceeding 35°C (95°F) and high humidity, making outdoor activities challenging.

4. What are the most expensive months to visit Bangkok?
November to February, especially during major festivals like Loy Krathong, Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year, tend to be the most expensive months due to high tourist demand.

5. What are the cheapest months to visit Bangkok?
May to October, during the rainy season, are generally the cheapest months for accommodation and flights, as fewer tourists visit during this period.

6. What are the best months for outdoor activities in Bangkok?
The best months for outdoor activities like temple visits, market exploration, and boat tours are from November to February when the weather is cooler and drier.

7. Is it safe to visit Bangkok during the rainy season?
Yes, visiting Bangkok during the rainy season (May to October) is generally safe. Although heavy rains are common, they are typically short-lived and don't affect the entire day. Just be prepared with an umbrella or raincoat, and plan indoor activities for rainy afternoons.

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Or you may want to use one of our popular itineraries as a starting point:

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