Weather in Bangkok and tourist seasons
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. See a summary of weather in Bangkok month by month.
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 .
Weather in Bangkok by Month
Weather in Bangkok in January
The weather is at its best in January in Bangkok, as it cools down to the mid 20s (Celsius) during the Northern winter, reducing humidity and making it pleasant. It never rains either, and is one of the most popular months to pass through, so consider it high season for hotel room rates. A day sightseeing needn’t be sweaty.
Weather in Bangkok in February
It’s still fairly pleasant and relatively cool in February in Bangkok as the weather remains dry and cooler through to the end of the so-called cool season. The humidity remains low, there’s never any rain and the tourist crowds are still at their height, so book your hotels early.
Weather in Bangkok in March
From March the hot weather returns to Bangkok and any hint of ‘winter weather’ has passed as the midday temperatures reaches the thirties (Celsius). However, it’s dry and since the rainy monsoons are still two months away the humidity is still bearable. There’s still quite a lot of tourists passing through en-route to the islands from their winter climes at home.
Weather in Bangkok in April
Bangkok weather in April can become unbearably hot and it’s best to avoid the city at this time. It’s dry, the temperatures can top 40 (Celsius) and apart from the Songkran water festival, there’s little reason to visit at this time, except that the traffic is better since families clear out of the capital during school holidays.
Weather in Bangkok in May
By May the chance of afternoon showers begins, and it remains very hot with humidity creeping in. Your sightseeing probably isn’t going to get spoilt by rainy weather but you will want to avoid being out during the middle of the day when temperatures can unbearable to those unaccustomed to tropical heat.
Weather in Bangkok in June
From June onwards Bangkok weather gets wet as the Monsoon arrives. With it comes humidity, which can reach 90 per cent or more at times. However, the tourist crowds have departed and although Bangkok tourist areas can be relatively busy year-round you’ll find better rates on hotel rooms and tourist services.
Weather in Bangkok in July
July is considered low season for Thailand tourism and this includes Bangkok, but the weather can still be reliable, if a little sticky. Expect a heavy pall of humidity to be hanging in the air the moment you step out of the airport and frequent showers that can play havoc with traffic. However, cloud cover can cool the harshness of the sun, and it doesn’t rain endlessly.
Weather in Bangkok in August
August weather in Bangkok is typified by regular showers and humidity, but areas like the Khao San Road continue to attract backpackers during university breaks. However, most hotels offer low season rates, and places like Sukhumwit road are less crowded.
Weather in Bangkok in September
September in Bangkok can be one of the wettest months weather wise, as the monsoon reaches its peak. This means lots of showers, but bouts of sunshine too, and unpleasant humidity. Things cool off shortly after a shower but you soon find yourself soaked by sweat and dashing for air conditioned malls.
Weather in Bangkok in October
October weather in Bangkok can be some of the most hazardous for its residents since a triple whammy includes floods from the North that burst the banks of the Chao Praya river, sometimes at the same time the tides are high and, when they are really unlucky, the remains of a Pacific cyclone dissipates in the region. It can result in flooded streets creating traffic havoc. But mostly visitors find tourist services to be uncrowded, and the skies sunny as the rainy season comes to an end.
Weather in Bangkok in November
November in Bangkok experiences pleasant weather as the rainy season subsides, the temperatures cool off and the humidity becomes barely noticeable. Tourist crowds are yet to arrive in full but many hotels put up room rates from November 1st. This is one of the most recommended times to be visiting Bangkok.
Weather in Bangkok in December
December is the most popular time to visit Bangkok and the weather is often at its best. Night time temperatures can be in the low twenties (Celsius) and you can spend the whole day out and about sightseeing without much risk of sunburn. The humidity disappears, the skies have no cloud in them and you’ll have plenty of other tourists for company.
on sale widely
