GruffyddWhen’s the best time to visit Bangkok? Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, festivals, and what each season actually feels like – plus packing tips and rainy-day swaps.
Quick Answer
Bangkok is warm year-round, but how it feels changes a lot between November’s breezy days and April’s blazing heat.
| Season | Months | Weather | Vibe |
| Cool & Dry | Nov – Feb | 24-31 °C, low humidity | Best comfort; peak crowds |
| Hot Season | Mar – May | 30-38 °C | Fiery heat; quieter mornings |
| Rainy Season | Jun – Oct | 28-33 °C + short downpours | Green, humid, cheaper |
👉 Time your visit around your plans – temples early, rooftops after sunset, and island escapes later. Pair this with your Bangkok Itinerary 3/5/7 Days.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
January–February: Peak Perfection
- Sunny, mild, and ideal for temple days and rooftop sunsets.
- Book hotels early – it’s high season for Europeans escaping winter. Check out booking.com for hotels, and hostel world for hostels.
- Light jacket at night if you’re by the river.
💡 Best for first-timers who want comfort and blue skies.
March–April: The Heat Arrives
- Daily highs push 36-38 °C.
- Carry water, sunscreen, and plan early morning sightseeing.
- April brings Songkran (Thai New Year) – nationwide water fights (Apr 13–15).
💦 It’s hot, messy, and unforgettable – just protect cameras and phones!
May–June: The Shift
- Heat meets humidity; short storms start in the afternoons.
- Great value season – fewer tourists and lower hotel prices.
- Pack a small umbrella or rain jacket.
💡 Perfect balance: cheaper travel, still plenty of sunshine.
July–September: The Rainy Core
- Expect daily bursts of rain (30–60 mins) around 3–6 pm.
- Mornings are often clear – ideal for markets or temples.
- Lush parks and fewer queues everywhere.
🌧️ Do indoor swaps: museums, massages, cooking classes.
👉 See rainy-day ideas in Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
October: The Cooldown
- Rain eases, skies clear, and temps drop slightly.
- Perfect transition month – low-season prices, dry days returning.
- Early-October still gets the odd storm, but nothing major.
💡 Underrated time to visit – great weather without the crowds.
November–December: The Sweet Spot
- Cooler breeze (24-30 °C), almost no rain.
- City feels alive with festivals, night markets, and rooftop parties.
- Hotels and flights climb again, but it’s worth every baht.
🎆 Top picks: Loy Krathong Festival (floating lanterns, Nov) + Christmas lights at Siam.
Festivals & Events Calendar
| Month | Event | Where / What |
| Jan–Feb | Chinese New Year | Chinatown (fireworks, dragons) |
| Apr | Songkran | Water festival across Thailand |
| Nov | Loy Krathong | Lanterns floated on rivers & lakes |
| Dec | King’s Birthday + New Year | Parades, rooftop parties |
When to Find the Best Prices
| Time | Hotel Prices | Flights | Crowds |
| Nov–Feb | $$$ (book early) | High | Heavy |
| Mar–May | $$ | Medium | Moderate |
| Jun–Oct | $ | Low | Light |
💡 For value trips: late May – mid October offers 20-40% lower prices.
What to Pack by Season
Cool/Dry (Nov–Feb)
- Light cottons, scarf/jacket for evenings, temple attire (shoulders/knees covered).
Hot (Mar–May)
- Breathable clothes, hat, sunscreen, reusable bottle.
Rainy (Jun–Oct)
- Quick-dry clothes, light rain jacket, waterproof bag or poncho, spare sandals.
👉 See our Bangkok Safety Guide for rainy-season walking tips.
Sample Day Plans by Season
| Season | Morning | Midday | Evening |
| Cool/Dry | Temples & Old Town | Lunch at Or Tor Kor | Rooftop drinks |
| Hot | Early Palace visit | Mall / café chill | Night market crawl |
| Rainy | Market / canal tour | Indoor museum / massage | Dinner cruise post-rain |
💡 Rain usually clears by 6 pm, perfect for golden-hour photos.
When to Book & Where to Stay
- Book 3–4 months early for Dec-Feb stays.
- Stay near BTS Asok or Sathorn for easy shelter in storms.
- Riverside hotels are cooler (breezy evenings); Sukhumvit offers better AC cafés for heat.
👉 Compare neighbourhood pros/cons in Where to Stay in Bangkok.
What to Read Next
- Where to Stay in Bangkok – area comfort changes by season
- What to Eat in Bangkok – weather-based food ideas
- Best Things to Do in Bangkok – adjust plans for rain or heat
- Bangkok Safety Guide – staying cool, dry & scam-free
- Thailand 10/14/21-Day Itineraries – expand beyond the capital
Useful Booking Resources For Your Trip
- NordVPN – Stay secure on public Wi-Fi and access your home streaming/services abroad with fast, encrypted VPN connections.
- Hostelworld – Budget-friendly hostels and social stays, perfect for backpackers and solo travellers looking to meet people.
- Booking.com – Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses with tons of reviews and free-cancellation options on many stays.
- GetYourGuide – Curated tours, tickets, and city experiences with flexible cancellation and mobile vouchers.
- Airalo – Instant eSIMs for 200+ countries, land, scan, and get data without hunting for a local SIM card.
- We Go Trip – Self-guided audio tours you can start anytime, explore cities and attractions at your own pace with app-based guides.
- Viator – The biggest marketplace for tours and activities, skip-the-line tickets, day trips, and unique experiences worldwide.
- 12Go – Easy booking for buses, trains, and ferries across Asia, compare routes and lock in seats in advance.
