Best time to visit Bangkok

My friends and I want to go on a holiday to Bangkok and would like to be at the beach, go seeing places, so we want the weather to be perfect. Not too hot like it is in India and not cold that we are not able to be at the beach, so basically, we would like the weather to be pleasantly hot (if that makes sense).

So my main question when is the best time to visit Bangkok?

 

Hello, @Dhara, welcome to the forum!

Much like the rest of Thailand, Bangkok experiences a tropical climate almost all-year round. Thus, it is never cold in the region, only slightly cooler months. The city can be visited any time of the year, as every season offers something different for travellers. There are also no extreme variations in the temperature or climate but there are months that receive heavier rainfall than the other months. Here's a little breakdown of the seasons in Bangkok:

Summary of Seasons in Bangkok

Season (Worldwide)	Season (Bangkok)	Months	Temperatures	Best Things to Do
Winter	Cool	November to February	26°C to 32°C	Sightseeing (Temples and Heritage Sites)
Summer	Hot	March to June	30°C to 40°C	Sightseeing (Malls and Museums) & Festivals
Monsoon	Rainy	July to October	28°C to 33°C	Shows, Massages & Classes

1. Cool Season - November to February

Generally, the months of November to February are the peak tourist months in Bangkok. November is the onset of this season with temperatures ranging between 28°C to 33°C. As you can see, these temperatures aren't that extreme as compared to the winter season in other countries. The best thing to do during this month is sightseeing. Bangkok has plenty of temples that you can explore during this month and you won't break much sweat while doing so. This is also the month for the Loy Krathong Festival, wherein lanterns are released into the water and air signifying as an act of gratitude for the Goddess Phra Mae Khongkha. Thus, usually, the lanterns are released nearby water bodies like lakes or rivers. This festival is usually held at the Phra Athit Pier or nearby the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.

The month of December is one of the coldest months, with temperatures not exceeding 32°C. Just like the month of November, this is also a good time for sightseeing around Bangkok. Be prepared for the high costs of hotel rates though as this is also the time that many tourist flock to Bangkok. It is also a must to witness the Trooping of Colours and the King's Festival, which happens successively during the month of December. The Trooping of Colours sees the royal family along with the three armed forces of Thailand marching around the Royal Plaza. The King's Festival is also celebrated during this time and as such, tributes to the king like cultural shows, performances and fireworks can be witnessed.

Trooping of Colours in Bangkok (Image Courtesy of Soohkinlens)​

January is the driest month in Bangkok, with temperatures not exceeding 27°C. To celebrate the New Year, there's usually a count down at the Central World Square, complete with musical performances and fireworks display. The weather in Bangkok is usually clear during this month, also suitable for sightseeing. This is the best month for visiting the numerous parks around Bangkok. In Lumpini Park, there are even free musical shows courtesy of the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra. You can also visit the Dusit Zoo and Samutprakan Crocodile Park for enjoying the wildlife around Bangkok.

With the onset of February, the hot season in Bangkok starts to set in. Temperatures are slightly higher during this time at 28°C and above. Tourists are still rampant around the region though so expect traffic and crowds still. With the celebration of the Chinese New Year's Festival, in the Yaowaraj area, there is still colour and noise to the region. You can still indulge in sightseeing during this time and if you enjoy the night life, it's usually still active during this month.

2. Hot Season - March to June

March is officially the beginning of the hot season in Bangkok. Temperatures range between 26°C to 34°C. Rains are scanty during this time so you can enjoy exploring the areas around Bangkok. Sightseeing is okay but make sure that you hydrate yourself and wear light cotton clothes. During this month, two festivals are celebrated, although they're not culturally significant. The first one is the International Jazz Festival, which introduces local and international musicians in a festival of live jazz music. It's usually held at the Central World Square. The second one is the Red Cross Fair, wherein food stalls, handicraft stalls and dry rides are setup in the Amporn Garden in Bangkok.

Then by the month of April, the hotness and humidity continues. The bad feature of this is that Bangkok's daytime and nighttime temperatures remain roughly the same. With temperatures reaching the high 40°C, it can be very uncomfortable. If you must visit Bangkok during this time, make sure that you book an air-conditioned room and stay in the hotel during the middle of the day, when the sun shines too brightly. Early morning sightseeings are okay though as well as late afternoon ones. Hotel rates are cheaper during this time though so you can choose even higher end ones. Songkran Festival is also held during this month so expect to be drenched in water when other tourists or locals pour a bucket unto you.

May temperatures are slightly lower with onsets of rainfall especially by the end of the month. Humidity is still rampant in the region so be prepared for that. You can find good deals on hotels and even air fares during this time though. If you're doing some sightseeing, you must pack an umbrella both for sunshine and sudden rainfalls. However, places like the Art in Paradise Museum and The National Museum are definitely worth visiting during this time. You can also witness the Royal Ploughing Ceremony during this month, it's a ceremony which is done for the new harvesting season.

The last month for this season is June, in which temperatures go slightly lower again reaching the low 30°C mark. Aside from sightseeing, you can indulge in shopping as almost all malls in Bangkok are in sale during this time. You can head on over to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Central World Plaza and Siam Paragon for the best shopping experiences. By the end of June though, rainfalls can be quite light to moderate already.

3. Rainy Season - July to October

This season is usually the off-peak tourist season. As such, hotel rates are lower and crowds are thinner. Beginning with July, expect more rainy days than sunny days. But usually, there are interludes of sunshine even with rampant rainfalls. While it can be difficult to do some sightseeing, you can indulge in a relaxing Thai massage during this month. Or if you do enjoy Muay Thai, why not watch a real fight at the Rajadamnern Stadium?

The next month is August, with temperatures ranging between 28°C to 30°C. Humidity is still high and rains can occur during late afternoons and evenings. The rest of the day remains gloomy though, with overcast skies and scattered rainfalls. Make sure that you pack your raincoat and umbrella if ever you're doing some sightseeing during this month. However, almost all hotels provide a 50% discount during this time, so you can avail of great savings when you travel to the region.

By September, rainfalls become heavier in the region. Temperatures remain at lower points of 28°C and below. You can explore the shopping complexes, museums and bars in Bangkok. But other than these places, you cannot explore other places without roofs like parks and wildlife centres as you can get drenched in rain. Yet discounts are still rampant during this time so you can save some money.

The last month is October, where the rain continues but not as strong as the other months. You can try visiting entertainment complexes like the Aksra Puppet Show in Soi Rang Nam or the Calypso Cabaret at Asiatique. As long as the places are indoors, you can visit them like museums and malls as well as bars and clubs. You can also try out short courses, whether Muay Thai, cooking or art.

I hope this helps you!

P.S.

In your case, the best season for you is the Cool Season. Temperatures aren't that high and you can easily do some sightseeing around Bangkok. You have to be prepared for the crowds though and the high prices of hotels.

 

I had been to Bangkok twice already in the past 5 years. And those 2 trips were during the summer - March to May. The weather was so hot that we were sweating all the time. Even when under the shade, the hot weather can still be felt that you really have to be inside an air conditioned place. I would suggest that you go to Bangkok in the cooler months of November to January. I still have to try that maybe on our next trip but I can imagine that a cooler Bangkok would be much nicer.