What is the best time to visit Bangkok? There really isn’t a bad or good time to visit Bangkok, thanks to its tropical climate making it hot and humid all year round.
Bearing this in mind, Bangkok does have three slightly differing seasons: rainy, cool and hot. Note that the months that most people consider to be the best time to visit Bangkok are often the most expensive for booking hotel rooms, and the busiest time to visit the popular tourist attractions.
Bangkok Climate
- Bangkok is hot and humid all year round
- The Peak Season is November – March
- March, April and May are the hottest months
- December – February are the coolest months
- The rainy season lasts from late May to October
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Rainy Season in Bangkok: late May to October
Rainy Season runs from late May to October. The days during rainy season will likely be overcast and you can expect heavy afternoon downpours, often accompanied by dramatic thunderstorms. Carry an umbrella with you at all times and be prepared to take shelter and wait it out for a couple of hours.
Although it is the rainy season, you will still hopefully enjoy enough pleasant weather to enable sightseeing. The upside of the rainy season is cheaper Bangkok hotel rooms and less crowds.
Cool Season in Bangkok: December to Feburary
Although locals refer to this time of year as the cool season, it is somewhat misleading as temperatures are far from cool. But relatively speaking, this time of year enjoys lower temperatures and less humidity, making it the best time of year for sightseeing in Bangkok.
Due to the pleasant climate at this time of year, you can expect prices for hotel rooms to be higher and tours and tourist attractions to be busier, as this is peak season in Bangkok.
Hot Season in Bangkok: March to May
The months of March, April and May are the hottest and most humid months to visit Bangkok. Temperatures can soar as high as 35-40 degrees Celsius. Couple this with very high humidity and if you are not used to a tropical climate, you could find this weather somewhat stifling and unpleasant for sightseeing. If you visit at this time of year, be prepared to sweat!
Songkran, the Thai New Year is celebrated in April every year. This fun 3-day festival sees the city turned into a giant water fight; so if you are visiting over Songkran, prepare to get wet!
If you and the kids want to join in the fun and enjoy some cooling off in the heat, head on down to Khao San Road or Silom Road. Come armed with water guns, buckets, sponges and anything else you can get your hands on to give your fellow revellers a good soaking! Note that many local businesses will be closed during Songkran.
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