Weather in Bangkok
Stepping out of the air-conditioned confines of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport and into the hot, humid air of Bangkok can be a shock to the system of a visitor unaccustomed to the weather of a tropical country. The weather in Bangkok is undoubtedly hot and humid, however temperatures differ according to the time of year and even when temperatures are at their highest, taking some simple precautions can ensure that you are able to fully enjoy what this remarkable city has to offer.
The weather in Bangkok is warm at varying degrees year-round, however the severity of the heat differs substantially according to the different seasons of the year.
Cool season
(December to February)
The cool season sees the highest number of visitors arriving for a holiday in Bangkok owing to the more comfortable weather. Temperatures during this season average about 26C/80F. Numerous outdoor beer and restaurant gardens pop up throughout the city during this time giving everyone a chance to enjoy the breezy evenings that the cooler weather in Bangkok brings. The temperature variation in Bangkok isn’t as marked as other more Northern parts of Thailand and for those unused to tropical weather, even a midday cool season temperature may appear swealtering. It does get cooler at night but this season is blessed with wonderful blue cloudless skies for several months and lower humidity. Only a light jacket is needed in the evening.
Hot season
(March to May)
Temperatures during this season can soar to a blazing 40C/105F and add to that the congestion of urban Bangkok and the heat can be truly stifling. There is no rain to cool things off, other than the occassional unseasonal shower and such temperatures can be a health risk for some and simply energy sapping for the rest. Be sure to carry plenty of water and suncream.. For those without such concerns and those willing to brave a bit of the discomfort of the heat and humidity, will be rewarded with shorter queues as well as off-season discounts on hotels and travel.
Rainy season
(May until November)
The rainy season is characterised by frequent torrential downpours. In Bangkok this can mean the flooding of many streets and areas close to the river. If your visit coincides with the rains being at their heaviest in Bangkok , do not be surprised if you find yourself imitating the locals by doffing your footwear and hiking up your pant legs in order to cross a flooded area. Despite the frequency of the rains they tend not to last for a long time and have a welcome cooling off effect on the weather in Bangkok . The rainy season still produces plenty of hot sunny days where the temperature is often well over 30C/85F and made worse by 90 per cent humidity or more but there are also long overcast periods. Showers can occur at any time of the day but usually arrive in the late afternoon as convection builds up. Typically they are over within half an hour but rainfall can be heavy. The wettest months are usually July and September and it’s not uncommon for showers to carry on for hours.
Guarding against the heat
The heat and humidity of the weather in Bangkok will be a factor in your holiday to a greater or lesser degree no matter when you schedule your trip, however some basic precautions can help make your trip more comfortable even during the city’s hottest times of the year. In terms of clothing, you should likely bring only light cotton clothing as you’ll have no need for anything heavier in Bangkok . A hat as well is advisable to protect you from the sunshine. You should also take precautions to guard against dehydration, a definite danger given the hot weather in Bangkok . An ever present bottle of water as well as electrolyte powder to mix into a drink should you feel faint will help guard against this. Ask at local stores for ‘O-lyte’ which is a handy electolyte powder to add to water.
Fortunately much of indoor Bangkok is air-conditioned, and the Thais hate the heat too. At times the congestion of the city life often with bumper to bumper traffic jams and massive city streets thick with throngs of people can make already high temperatures seem like those on the inside of an oven. Getting out of the city’s buzzing urban streets and into some more spacious, peaceful and cooler areas such as the area’s parks and in some cases the land immediately surrounding area temples, is a great way to beat the hot weather in Bangkok .
