Bangkok has three main seasons: summer, rainy season and winter.
All three seasons offer advantages, but winter is by far the most popular time to visit Bangkok.
Winter – (Avg. Temp. 22°-32°C / 72°-90°F)
Winter months in Thailand generally start around November and end sometime in late March. You can expect cool mornings and evenings with temperate afternoons – perfect for strolls down city sidewalks and through market areas.
Many tourists might agree that winter in Thailand is the best winter on earth, and for this reason, the winter months are considered “high season” in Bangkok. While the weather is nearly perfect, the city tends to become busier. Hotels and guesthouses should be booked well in advance, and everything from lodging to market souvenirs might cost a few more baht than usual.
NOTE: Temperatures vary greatly during winter months throughout Thailand. Bangkok weather does not serve as an accurate gauge for other parts of the country. You should check local forecasts specific to the region you are visiting. Temperatures in northern provinces can get quite chilly at night!
Rainy Season (Avg. Temp. 26°-33°C / 79°-90°F)
If you want to experience Bangkok at a little slower pace, visit during rainy season, which takes place between May and October.
Rainy season isn’t quite what it sounds like. While it does rain nearly everyday during rainy season, the showers are often welcome bursts of relief that add a bit of a lazy, cool feel to each day.
Showers normally last only an hour or so, and a downpour in the middle of the afternoon is the perfect opportunity to duck into a coffee shop or under a food stall umbrella and enjoy the sleepy atmosphere around you. You’ll be glad you did once the rain stops and life in Bangkok switches back normal!
September usually receives the most rain during rainy season. It rains an average of 23 days in September, which equals about 220 millimeters, or 8.66 inches, of rainfall.
Summer (Avg. Temp. 26°-35°C / 79°-95°F)
Summers in Bangkok can be just as lovely as anytime of year, you just have to know the secrets to beating the heat!
One of the best parts of summer by far is its kickoff!
SONGKRAN WATER FESTIVAL – The Thai New Year celebration, or “Songkran,” is an annual water festival celebrated in mid-April. The festival lasts three to five days, depending on what part of the country you are in. Bangkok generally celebrates for three full days. You can experience Songkran anywhere in the city, but check out
Songkran Festival to learn the best places to go for the wettest time!
Public Holidays in Thailand
Any season is a great season to visit Bangkok. If you’re needing to do any business, such as visit the Thai embassy, during your stay, it’s a good idea to note Thai holidays. All government offices close for official holidays. Local shops close only for special holidays, such as Songkran and other New Year celebrations. Convenience stores, such as 7-11, and larger shopping centers remain open during all holidays and official events.
2017 Public Holidays
(Government offices will close either before or after the holiday when it falls on a weekend.)
- January 1 – New Year’s Day
- February 11 – Makha Bucha Day
- April 6 – Chakri Day
- April 13-15 – Songkran Water Festival (Thai New Year)
- May 1 – Labour Day
- May 5 – Coronation Day
- May 10 – Visakha Bucha Day
- July 8 – Asahna Day
- August – Queen’s Birthday (Thai Mother’s Day)
- September 28 - Thai National Flag Day (not yet confirmed as national holiday)
- October 23 – Chulalongkorn Day (Rama V Day)
- December 5 – King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday
- December 10 – Constitution Day
- December 31 – New Year’s Eve