The Best Time to Visit Bangkok

See Also

• Where to Lodge in Bangkok
• Best Accommodations for Families in Bangkok

When is the best time to visit Bangkok?

I enjoy visiting Bangkok at any time of the year. It`s busy throughout and always has much to do. If you get the chance to go, then I say just travel and figure out the weather upon arrival. Though for the best chances of fair dry conditions, I`d advise going between December and February. These months are ideal for sightseeing without the heat and moisture being bothersome.

When I Recommend Visiting Bangkok

• Ideal Time to Reserve Accommodations for Bangkok: The Best Hotels in Bangkok and the Best Hotels for Families in Bangkok should be scheduled 1 to 2 months beforehand. Except for late December and January when reserving 3 months before travel is suggested.
• Prime Moment for Sightseeing: Bangkok is busy throughout the year, which suggests no matter what season you arrive, you’re sure to have to deal with the crowds, even though there are times that are worse than others. One of my favorite annual events of the year is Songkran (Thai New Year), which occurs in mid-April, bringing notably lively crowds (my children love the water battles), while Christmas and the New Year holidays also see a big increase in visitors to the city. While it won’t make an enormous difference, late November and early December may be the best time to visit Bangkok, when the city is drying out from the monsoon season and experiencing a slight cool down, and the holiday crowds have yet to arrive. September and October are Bangkok’s (and Thailand’s) rainiest months. The best weather for Thailand’s beaches and islands are December to March, so if you’re combining Bangkok with a visit to one of the southern islands then this is best time for sunny, dry conditions. More crucial than time of year when visiting Bangkok, try to visit the most popular attractions early in the morning for the smallest crowds, coolest temperatures, and best experience.



• Optimum Season for Purchases: By far, the most beneficial time for shopping in Bangkok happens from mid-June through mid-August when the “Extraordinary Grand Sale” occurs. Retailers offer price cuts of 10 to an unbelievable 80 percent on items like apparel, electronic goods, jewelry and more, enabling customers to stock up on dream buys at a fraction of the usual cost. Regardless of when you visit the city, timing is crucial regarding shopping. Bangkok markets are preferable to explore in the morning or evening when it’s somewhat cooler and usually less frantic. Reserve the air-conditioned shopping complexes for the peak heat throughout the day. You might want to avoid traversing around the city during morning and evening rush hours, from 07:30 to 0:900 and again from 17:00 to 18:30.
• Most Suitable Time to Explore the Major Palace: Bangkok’s most famous attraction, the Grand Palace, welcomes millions of annual visitors, resulting in usually busy crowds; however, there are opportunities to experience it in relative calm. Your best strategy is arriving early in the heart of the wet season, roughly mid-June through mid-September. Aim to be at the entryway by around 8:15am, merely before the 8:30am opening to enter among the first. Begin at Wat Phra Kaeo prior to the renowned temple being packed with sightseers. If you cannot make an early appearance, another favorable option is mid-afternoon, after most groups and tourists exit around 2:30pm. The worst time is during peak periods such as Songkran in mid-April as well as Christmas and New Year breaks.
• Peak Time to Explore Chinatown: Chinatown is one of Bangkok`s most chaotic yet colorful districts, feeling almost like its own small city. Many feel the large crowds are what make it so exciting, and visiting around the Chinese New Year in late January or early February is when Chinatown is at its liveliest. The area hosts amazing dragon parades, fireworks displays and dancing in the streets. You`ll find plenty of energy here year-round, day or night, though after dark is more vibrant, with sidewalks transforming into outdoor restaurants, allowing you to sample some of the best street food on the planet.
• Peak Season (November through March): While Bangkok is busy and hot year-round, there are slight differences between the seasons regarding weather and crowds. Late autumn and winter bring somewhat cooler and drier conditions, while crowds are at their peak, especially around the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. It’s virtually impossible to explore the city without coming into close contact with fellow tourists during this time, and the outdoor beer bars will be packed with them. Expect prices to rise sharply and accommodation to fill up quickly. Booking ahead becomes essential during these months, which can take some of the spontaneity away from your vacation.
• Shoulder Season (April through June, September and October): While the throngs may not be as dense during shoulder season, April through June are Bangkok’s hottest months, with April decidedly the most unpleasant temperature wise, which signifies booking an air-conditioned room is truly necessary. September and October are somewhat cooler and wetter. The reward for visiting in any of these less-crowded months, is the best opportunity to spare a little on both room rates and airfare.
• Low Season (July and August): The low season occurs during monsoon season, which brings frequent though usually brief bursts of intense rain. Many feel this is a great time to visit the city, as it typically provides some of the best deals on accommodations and excursions. Weather outside the peak season isn`t unbearable, and the trade-off of substantial savings and more elbow room is likely to be worth the bit of discomfort. When it rains, tourists can enjoy the wide assortment of indoor activities, such as visiting temples, aquariums and entertainment complexes as well as the many shopping opportunities.

Bangkok Weather

• Bangkok Weather in January: This area of Asia experiences a tropical climate with hot, humid conditions throughout the year. While winter brings slightly cooler temperatures than other seasons, it still provides ample sunshine and warmness. The typical high temperature in January is 27°C, and little rain helps to cool things down as January is one of Bangkok’s driest months, with approximately just 10mm of rain falling over two days usually. At all times of the year in Bangkok, packing light clothing made from natural fibers like cotton, or moisture-wicking synthetics is advised. As protection from the sun is needed, and attire like shorts and tank tops aren’t suitable for the city, particularly in the temples and palaces, loose and light long pants and comfortable, short-sleeve tops are ideal. A wide-brimmed hat is crucial to avoid burning in the intense sunshine. As one will be going in and out of highly air-conditioned environments, including taxis, the Skytrain, malls and hotels, bringing a cardigan or something to wrap around the shoulders to avoid a chill is also advised. (Average Max Temperature: 27°C. Average Precipitation: 10mm.)
• Conditions in Bangkok throughout February: February is much like January, and considered the final “cool” month up until November, even though the average high temperature rises one degree Celsius to twenty-nine degrees. Rainfall remains minimal, with an average of just ten millimeters falling over three days that see precipitation. Pack similar to how you would for January, and always remember that the scorching temperatures, which are much warmer than most other areas worldwide during this time of year, can result in heat stroke. Be sure to drink plenty of water and duck into air-conditioned malls or other spots to take a break from the heat. (Average Maximum Temperature: 29°C. Average Precipitation: 30mm.)
• In March, Bangkok`s climate is slightly warmer than February, with average highs rising to around 30 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is still rare, though there is a bit more precipitation than the previous two months, averaging 30 millimeters over five rainy days. It is typically hot and humid, so avoiding extended time in direct sunlight is important to prevent dehydration or heatstroke. The heat can be oppressive during daylight hours, requiring indoor activities be scheduled for peak periods and air-conditioned lodging booked to find relief, especially for those sensitive to higher temperatures. (Average Maximum Temperature: 30°C. Average Precipitation: 30mm.)
• Bangkok Weather in April: April is the hottest month in Bangkok, with average highs averaging a scorching 32°C – and sometimes rising as high as around 37°C, making conditions especially miserable. With humidity averaging around 70%, it can feel extremely sticky and muggy when combined with the higher temperatures. Now more than ever, plenty of protection from the sun will be needed, including thoroughly applying high SPF sunscreen, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and taking regular breaks from the heat. Drinking plenty of water is also important, as this is the month when more people typically report suffering from fatigue and heatstroke. There is also slightly more rain in April, with around 70mm of rainfall spread over 10 days on average, but not enough to dampen plans or cool things off. (Average Max Temperature: 32°C. Average Precipitation: 70mm.)
• Bangkok Weather in May: May marks the beginning of the rainy season, providing some respite from the scorching heat of April. It will still be fairly hot, averaging 32°C, and paired with the rain, humidity can reach unbearable levels although rainfall helps cool things down to an extent. Precipitation averages 190mm over 17 days this month. Expect minor flooding in parts of Bangkok in early May as drains clogged by dry season debris tend to obstruct flow. Especially later in the month, rain has a tendency to come down in large quantities, but don`t bother bringing a raincoat as it will be too warm to wear. Instead, carry a small portable umbrella and be prepared to remove shoes and wade if necessary. (Average Max Temperature: 32°C. Average Precipitation: 190mm.)
• Weather in Bangkok for June: The monsoon rains have now started, with similar rainfall and temperatures to May, though the mercury falls around a degree to a typical high of 31°C. Prepare for scorching heat and moisture as you would for the past month, bringing ample loose, breathable and protective attire, along with a small umbrella. As with all year, packing a cardigan or something to wrap around your shoulders if indoor areas become too cool is also a wise choice. (Average Maximum Temperature: 31°C. Average Monthly Rainfall: 150 mm.)
• Weather in Bangkok during July: July marks the low season, a time when humidity levels are very high and rainfall is frequent. Temperatures see a small monthly decline, averaging 31°C during the day, though this remains quite warm. Rainfall averages 160mm over 19 days, increasing the chances of experiencing some precipitation while visiting this month. Light clothing and an umbrella are recommended due to occasional short but intense bursts of rain. (Average Maximum Temperature: 31°C. Average Precipitation: 160 mm.)
• The weather in Bangkok during August remains hot, nearly identical to July. Heavy rainfall often causes street flooding, so an umbrella is essential given the high humidity averaging 74%. This results in sticky, sweaty conditions though fewer crowds. Like before, you`ll need breaks in the shade from the intense sun and may occasionally remove shoes while wading after downpours. (Average Maximum Temperature: 30°C. Average Precipitation: 190mm.)
• Bangkok Weather in September: September is the wettest month of the year in Bangkok, with the majority of rainfall on average over a three week period falling as precipitation. While autumn approaches, you likely won`t feel cool, though the average high temperature is marginally cooler than August at around 29°C. Essentially, expect abundant rain, intermittent sunshine and uncomfortable humidity this month. The downpours are commonly heavy, but brief, allowing for refuge indoors until it passes. Pack loose, lightweight, protective clothing that dries rapidly, sunscreen with a high SPF and a portable umbrella, along with a lightweight cardigan for indoor areas with cooler environments. (Average Max Temperature: 29°C. Average Precipitation: 290mm.)
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• Bangkok Weather in November: The wet period has ended, and locals are now getting ready for the comparatively cool temperatures, with average highs of around 28°C, though the thermometer often hovers around the mid-20s Celsius. There is very little precipitation, with roughly 60mm falling on average over five days in November. This is when the city is frequently at its most pleasant, though you’ll still require defense from the sun in the form of sunscreen, as well as loose, lightweight attire. As the nights are relatively cool, with lows around a pleasant 22°C, there’s a lively nightlife too. (Average Max Temperature: 28°C. Average Precipitation: 60mm.)
• Weather in Bangkok in December: December is Bangkok’s driest month, with just 9mm of rainfall anticipated, meaning there is a good chance you won’t encounter any during your visit. This is the height of the tourist period, and the coolest time of the year with average high temperatures still at 27°C, though lows dip down to 20°C, creating particularly comfortable evenings as well as ushering in the peak of the city’s nightlife. As always, light, loose clothing and sunglasses as well as a cardigan for indoors will be needed, but you’re unlikely to require that umbrella. (Average Max Temperature: 27°C. Average Precipitation: 10mm.)

Bangkok Events and Festivals by Month

Bangkok Events in January

• New Year’s Day – New Year’s Day, January 1, is a public holiday in Thailand. While it may be slightly calmer as some locals visit their local temple to make merit, the shops and malls remain open and only government offices and banks will be closed.
• Childrens Day – Celebrated on the second Saturday of January, this day sees doors normally closed to the public opened, such as the Government House, Defence Ministry and inner Grand Palace. Zoos, theme parks and other attractions are free of charge, and there are many special events held for children.
• Bangkok Fringe Festival – Held annually between late January and early February, this performing arts festival staged at the Patravadi Theater showcases Thai and international artists who perform dance, music, theater, puppetry, film, and more.
• Chinese Lunar New Year’s Day – A seven day celebration ushering in the Chinese New Year in late January or February. This is a time for Thai-Chinese to relax and commemorate, so numerous businesses will be closed. Chinatown will be filled with lanterns, firecrackers, lion and dragon dances, Chinese opera and an even greater number of food stalls than usual.

Bangkok Events in February

• Valentine’s Day – February fourteenth, though not an official public holiday, offers an opportunity to express affection through exchanging cards or sharing a meal. This day centered around romance is celebrated in a manner akin to other countries, and businesses frequently host special events creating an increasingly extravagant atmosphere. Most top restaurants and bars in the city organize romantic evenings and themed activities for this occasion.
• Makha Bucha Day – This national holiday and important Buddhist lunar festival is observed throughout Thailand on the full moon night of the third lunar month. In the evening, Thai people join candlelit processions around temples to commemorate the day Buddha gave a sermon to 1,250 enlightened devotees. Foreign visitors are welcome to the observances that begin around sunset. Some of the best places to go in Bangkok include Wat Benjamabopit and the Golden Mount, where monks from the temple lead a procession up the mount.

Bangkok Events in March

• Bangkok Global Style Week – Held in mid-March, this five day occasion typically happens at the Impact Exhibition & Convention Center and shows a variety of goods, including clothing and cosmetics, jewelry, natural leather products, bridal, and crafts.
• National Book Fair – This annual international event brings together writers and publishers in all genres and is held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in late March and early April.
• Saint Patrick`s Day – While no parade takes place in Bangkok to celebrate Saint Patrick`s Day, the oldest Irish community in Bangkok, the Saint Patrick`s Society, typically arranges events on March 17th like the yearly Saint Patrick`s Day Shindig at the Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok. Festivities include plenty of Guinness, Irish coffee, music and cuisine. The city also has Irish pubs where you can raise a pint in honor of Saint Patrick while dining on Irish stew.

Bangkok Events in April

• Chakri Day – This important national event for modern Thailand is held annually on April 6, commemorating the founding of the Chakri Dynasty from which the current royal family originates. Banks, schools and government offices are closed on this day, though many other businesses remain open. Thai people often light incense and lay wreaths at prominent statues of King Rama I to honor this significant part of their history.
• Songkran – The Thai New Year celebration spans a three-day holiday, but the festivities can last all week long. During Songkran, most office buildings, banks, family-run shops and eateries shut down completely, though the big shopping malls usually remain open. At least half of Bangkok locals leave the city, traveling back to their hometowns during this time. Those who stay must prepare to get wet by dressing properly and protecting phones and wallets, with the celebrations including young people that arm themselves with high-velocity water guns, buckets and hoses to take part in massive water battles – tourists and businessmen are often top targets.

Bangkok Events in May

• National Labour Day – Also known as May Day, May 1 is an annual public holiday observed by private companies and banks, though usually not by government officials who instead observe mid-May’s Royal Ploughing Ceremony. While there have been May Day rallies in Bangkok in the past, today the focus is on employees taking a day to rest and spend time with their families.
• Day of Coronation – May 5th marks the anniversary of the coronation of Thailand’s current King Rama IX and is a public holiday known as Coronation Day. On this date, royal honors are presented to those making valuable contributions to the country, and the national anthem is played widely. Some rooms inside the Grand Palace usually closed to the public may be open for viewing.
• Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day – This profoundly ceremonial occasion is held annually at the Sanam Luang ceremonial site in Bangkok. It foretells a promising start to the new planting cycle. Presided over by a member of the Royal Family, the ritual strictly follows an agenda in which traditionally dressed Brahmin priests lead two sacred oxen in a plowing ritual around the Royal Field while disseminating rice seeds onto the ground. This public holiday takes place during the sixth Thai lunar month, but the precise date is not fixed, rather astrologers from the Bureau of the Royal Household announce it.
• Visakha Bucha – Observed on the sixth lunar month`s full moon, normally in May, this most sacred Buddhist holiday sees Thai Buddhists visiting temples to make merit and redoubling their commitment to Buddhist teachings like abstaining from alcohol. Some entertainment venues close for the public holiday, while those remaining open keep music low and serve drinks discreetly like pouring beer into tea cups.

Bangkok Events in June

• Amazing Thailand Grand Sale – Beginning in mid-June, this event provides shoppers opportunities to obtain some of the best prices all year on a diversity of goods and services as an assortment of stores, restaurants, hotels and resorts offer discounts ranging from 10 to 80 percent.
• Crab Festival – This fair held at Central Plaza Rama in mid-June gives the chance to taste fresh crab from Bang Khun Thian. It also features a number of exhibits, like international cooking demonstrations.

Bangkok Events in July

• Asana Bucha and Khao Pansa – These two critical Thai Buddhist vacations typically fall close together, typically in July. Asahara Bucha commemorates the day Buddha educated his first five disciples with his initial sermon, while Khao Pansa marks the onset of the Buddhist lent when monks start their intensive three-month rainy season retreat and alcohol is prohibited all day. Throughout their retreat period, monks utilize meditation more deeply, whereas lay people frequently employ this duration to foster more ascetic practices like abstaining from cigarettes, alcohol or meat. A Buddhist Lent Event takes place, including celebrants create substantial candles and parade them through the streets alongside floats portraying scenes from Buddhist and Hindu mythology.
• Pattaya Marathon – This annual event takes place throughout the nearby Pattaya region on the outskirts of Bangkok. Popular with runners from everywhere, the course offers coastal scenery and magnificent views along the route. In addition to the marathon, a variety of distances are accessible, like a 5k for kids, a 10.5k and 21k.

Bangkok Events in August

• Queen’s Birthday – On August 12th, which commemorates the birthday of Queen Cirkit born in 1932, it is customary to honor both the monarch and motherhood. As the Queen was born on a Friday, and light blue is a color linked to that day, people often dress in light blue to demonstrate their respect. In Sanam Luang, you’ll witness crowds holding candles, and you’ll also see illuminations on Thanon Ratchadamnoen as well as citywide shrines.”
• Short Film & Video Festival – Held annually in mid-August at the Bangkok Art & Culture Center, this festival features Thai independent films as well as some global and gay programming with a focus on short films, student films, documentaries, experimental and animated films.
• Chinese Ghost Festival – This commemoration occurs on the 15th night of the seventh lunar month in the Chinese calendar, usually August. Observed by Taoists, Buddhists, and believers in Chinese folk religion, the festival is thought to be when the gates of the underworld open allowing spirits to roam the earth in search of food and diversion. Ceremonies offering nourishment are organized at home to generate virtue, as well as to distribute sustenance and other necessities to those in need. The primary festivities are marked around major Chinese shrines in Thailand.

Bangkok Events in September

• Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival – Originating in China, this festival takes on new significance here. This is an exciting time for food connoisseurs, when culinary creativity abounds. Chinatown fills with food stalls showcasing mooncakes in every imaginable flavor, from roasted chestnut and green tea to coffee, ginseng and even ice cream.
• International Festival of Dance and Music – Bangkok`s premier yearly cultural event highlights prime or second-tier opera, classical tunes, dancing, ballet and jazz in a star-studded program that initiates in the second week of September and persists through mid-October.

Bangkok Events in October

• Awk Phansa – This occasion represents the end of the three-month period of Buddhist Lent. Monks are permitted to leave the temples, and people gather to provide them food and robe offerings in a ceremony known as Thot Kathin, which lasts for one month. Throughout Thailand, various activities and festivities are organized, and in Bangkok there is a royal ceremony that’s usually held at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
• Kin Jay Vegetarian Festival – For nine consecutive days every year amid the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar (generally late September/October), a huge part of Thailand’s populace exclusively eat plant-based nourishments as a type of internal purging in perception of the Chinese purification social event. Popular among veggie lovers and non-vegans similarly, eateries and road stalls crosswise over Bangkok raise yellow banners to declare their inclusion. While some serve non-vegetarian dishes, most completely serve plant-based dinners during the term of the event.
• Chulalongkorn Day – Annually on October 23, Thai people celebrate the life and rule of King Chulalongkorn on the anniversary of his death in 2010. On this public holiday, many people bring offering in front of his statues, or portraits, in hopes of having their prayers answered.
• Halloween – While Halloween is generally not celebrated by Thai people and is mostly overlooked outside of large tourist destinations; yet, in places like Bangkok where there are numerous foreign visitors and expats, you’ll find gatherings at numerous pubs, bars, and nightclubs throughout the city that offer the chance to dress up in costumes.

Bangkok Events in November

• World Film Festival of Bangkok – Held in early November, this festival screens more than 80 international movies, including works from the European Union Film Festival, Latin America, Asia and Southeast Asia and included short films, experimental films, documentaries and animation productions.

• Malt Drink Festival – This annual event in Thailand is comparable to Germany`s famous Oktoberfest celebration. November tends to mark the beginning of the country`s beer garden season when outdoor seating and entertainment are provided outdoors at various locations selling renowned brews on tap like Singha and Heineken. While nationwide, the capital sees the most vibrant festivities. Visitors can find food stalls, live performances and a seemingly endless choice of beers set up in plazas, bars and shopping centers like Central World.
• Loy Krathong Festival – One of the most picturesque festivals in Bangkok takes place on the first full moon day of November. In the evening, Thai people buy or make a krathong, which is like a small boat crafted from banana tree and banana leaves, with flowers and a candle in the center. They then gather around lakes, rivers and canals to pay respects to the goddess of water by releasing their beautiful rafts in order to wash away sins. The sight of the thousands of flickering lights is truly magical, and there are many spots throughout the city to get involved or simply watch the festivities. The main Loy Krathong celebration in Bangkok has been held at Asiatique in recent years.

Bangkok Events in December

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• Trooping of the Colours – This prestigious ceremony is held on December 1, just a few days before the King’s birthday. Inspired by the British military`s Trooping of the Colours event, in this ritual, servicemen and women from the Royal Thai Navy, Royal Thai Army, and Royal Thai Air Force gather, dressed in their distinctive uniforms and plumed headwear, and pledge allegiance while marching together before the monarch and other royal family members. As locals frequently arrive in the mid-afternoon to secure a spot around the Royal Plaza, those wishing to attend need to get there early and wear modest apparel.

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• The King’s Birthday – On this yearly commemoration, held annually on December 5, visitors have the possibility to witness the devotion and reverence the Thai people hold for their monarch. An impressive fireworks display is traditionally emitted near the Grand Palace, and the avenues of the city’s heart are adorned in his honor. Thousands also illuminate candles after nightfall, while traditional music and dance is enjoyed deep into the night.
• Constitution Remembrance Day – This national holiday on December 10 commemorates the initial constitution of Thailand, which came into effect in 1932. It marks Thailand`s transformation from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. It is traditionally celebrated across Thailand by displaying and paying respect to portraits of past and present Thai kings; government offices are often lit up and military and civilian parades frequently take place. In Bangkok, a ceremonial procession occurs at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.
• Christmas Day – Yule tide is a Christian convention, not celebrated in Thai culture, yet as the Thai individuals appreciate giving gifts to one another, it`s ended up plainly an innovative and showcasing occasion here, with Christmas trees found in shopping centers instead of living spaces. Bangkok`s grimly celebrated high-finish, skyscraper shopping centers and extravagance lodgings highlight Christmas trees and dazzling lights that transform into an fascination all alone. There are Christmas administrations on December 25 at territory Christian sanctuaries, notwithstanding the occasion is increasingly about shopping, sustenance and drink here.
• New Year’s Eve – Bangkok is one of Asia’s largest party destinations, so there are various options when celebrating the impending year, like the colorful New Year countdown with thousands in Central World Square to rowdy gatherings at upscale nightclubs and private river cruises along the Chao Praya River which hosts a massive fireworks show. Khao San Road is always a fun and lively spectacle during New Years Eve.