The weather and climate in Bangkok come in two varieties: hot and dry or hot and humid. The seasons are mostly predictable, aside from the years when Mother Nature decides to throw a climatic curveball, which happens.
The best months to visit Bangkok are typically December and January (vacation getaway, anyone?) When the rain and humidity are lowest. Average temperatures are relatively cool until they rise in March and peak in April. By then, everyone is ready for the rainy season to begin in May.
One thing is certain regarding the weather in Bangkok: unless the overcrowded air conditioning slowly freezes you, you will never be cold. High humidity and urban pollution cause temperatures of three showers a day in the city of Los Angeles in Thailand.
Fast weather data
- Hottest Month: April (89 F / 31.7 C)
- Coolest Month: January (82 F / 27.8 C)
- Wettest Month: September (12.26 inches / 311 mm of rain)
- Sunniest months: December to March
- Months with the lowest humidity: December and January
Monsoon season in Bangkok
The monsoon season lasts roughly from May to November, a few weeks or so at each end.
Autumn is a very rainy time to be in Bangkok. As runoff from Ayutthaya and upstream destinations drain into the Chao Phraya River, flooding has become an annual problem.
Many improvements have been made since the catastrophic flood in October 2011, yet parts of the city are still flooded. When this happens, street closures affect transportation. Already a frustrating challenge, traffic drifts and gets worse. Plan extra time for delays if you are heading to any of the airports.
Spring in bangkok
Spring in Bangkok can be very hot. Temperatures and humidity peaked in March and April until the monsoon season brings rain in May. For a time, heavy rains and sunshine compete for bright afternoons. Torrential showers can only last an hour before evaporating in high humidity.
Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year’s festival from April 13-15, is the largest event in the country. Although Chiang Mai is the epicenter, Bangkok will be busy. Fortunately, part of the celebration includes throwing cold water on each other, certainly welcome in the April heat.
Average humidity for the spring months is generally between 70-73 percent.
What to pack: With excessive sweating pretty well guaranteed, you’ll need more tops and shirts than usual. Plan to do laundry or consider buying extra tops at one of Bangkok’s sprawling malls.
- March: 87 F / 30.6 C (1.94 inches / 49 mm of rain)
- April: 89 F / 31.7 C (3.40 inches / 86 mm of rain)
- May: 88 F / 31.1 C (7.97 inches / 202 mm of rain)
Summer in bangkok
Summer brings the beginning of the rainy season in Bangkok. Although showers are frequent, they don’t last forever. The rain is still not as intense as the torrential downpours in autumn. Evening showers help clean dust and pollutant particles from the air, making breathing easier.
If you don’t mind a little rain here and there, the summer months can be a less busy time to visit. Discounts are easier to find during the low season. Many travelers opt for Bali, where the dry season runs into the summer, so you’ll have a little more room at Bangkok’s big attractions.
The average humidity for the summer months in Bangkok is usually around 76 percent.
What to pack: Along with the usual items to bring to Thailand, have a good plan to waterproof your passport and other valuables that won’t survive a bath.
- June: 87 F / 30.6 C (7.30 inches / 185 mm of rain)
- July: 86 F / 30 C (8.69 inches / 221 mm of rain)
- August: 86 F / 30 C (7.30 inches / 185 mm of rain)
Fall in bangkok
With September and October being the rainiest months, fall is a humid time to be in Bangkok. Outside activities will be affected. Flooding can occasionally cause traffic to become an even bigger problem. Fortunately, there are many good getaways nearby from the big city.
Fall can still be enjoyed in Bangkok, but plan to spend a good amount of time indoors. September and October feel like the calm before the peak season storm that hits in late November.
The average humidity for fall in Bangkok is between 70-79 percent.
What to pack: Consider bringing rain gear, but you don’t need to carry an umbrella around the world. They will be on sale everywhere!
- September: 85 F / 29.4 C (12.26 inches / 311 mm of rain)
- October: 85 F / 29.4 C (9.85 inches / 250mm of rain)
- November: 85 F / 29.4 C (1.92 inches / 49 mm of rain)
Winter in bangkok
Winter is the best time to be in Bangkok. Not only can you escape the cold at home, winter is the driest and most comfortable season to travel in Thailand. The heat is not so oppressive, and the days are almost always sunny.
As you can guess, winter is also the busiest time to travel in Bangkok and Thailand. Everyone wants to take advantage of the ideal climate. The Christmas and New Year holiday season is especially busy on the islands, as travelers exchange white snow for white sand.
Note: November is the beginning of the dry season in Bangkok, but not necessarily on the islands. If diving is your plan, November is usually a very rainy month in the Samui Archipelago, which includes the dive site of Koh Tao. Runoff can make visibility less than ideal. Instead, consider snorkeling and sunbathing along the Andaman coast (Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, or Koh Lanta).
The average humidity for the winter months in Bangkok is between 64-70 percent.
What to pack: bring good sunscreen from home; You may find fewer options and higher prices locally. Sunglasses are on sale everywhere, although the cheap ones’ UV protection is questionable. Flip-flops (or easily removable sandals) are the default shoe option. You will need to remove them before entering temples, homes, and some businesses.
Average temperatures and rainfall per month
- December: 83 F / 28.3 C (0.55 inches / 14 mm of rain)
- January: 82 F / 27.8 C (1.06 inches / 27 mm of rain)
- February: 85 F / 29.4 C (1.22 inches / 31 mm of rain)
Average monthly temperature, rainfall and hours of daylight
Average temperature | Rain | Hours of sunlight
- January: 82 F (27.8 C) | 1.06 inches (27 mm) | 272.8 hours
- February: 85 F (29.4 C) | 1.22 inches (31 mm) | 251.4 hours
- March: 87 F (30.6 C) | 1.94 inches (49 mm) | 269.7 hours
- April: 89 F (31.7 C) | 3.40 inches (86 mm) | 258 hours
- May: 88 F (31.1 C) | 7.97 inches (202 mm) | 217 hours
- June: 87 F (30.6 C) | 7.30 inches (185 mm) | 177 hours
- July: 86 F (30 C) | 8.69 inches (221 mm) | 170.5 hours
- August: 86 F (30 C) | 7.30 inches (185 mm) | 161.2 hours
- September: 85 F (29.4 C) | 12.26 inches (311 mm) | 156 hours
- October: 85 F (29.4 C) | 9.85 inches (250 mm) | 198.4 hours
- November: 85 F (29.4 C) | 1.92 inches (49 mm) | 234 hours
- December: 83 F (28.3 C) | 0.55 inches (14 mm) | 263.5 hours
