Best time to visit Bangkok

Bangkok in February

February, another excellent month of the dry and cool season, is a good time to visit Bangkok. The maximum temperature in Bangkok hovers around 28°C to 33°C, while the lower temperature is around a pleasant 23°C. The days are sunny and slightly warmer compared to evenings. If you are vacationing with your family, it’s a perfect time to enjoy water rides at Bangkok’s amusement parks. The cool and pleasant evenings are ideal for taking a walk at Lumpini Parks and strolling in Bangkok’s Chinatown, Khao San road and Jodd Fairs.

February Events and Festivals in Bangkok

• Chinese New Year: The dates of Chinese New Year aren’t fixed and as per the Lunar calendar the dates of New Year can fall in February as well. Irrespective of the month, the enthusiasm and zeal to celebrate the new beginning doesn’t flicker amongst Chinese as well as Thai community. Typically, Chinese New Year falls in late January or early February.

Bangkok in March

March is a hotter month of the peak tourist season in Bangkok. It is also a time when humidity levels rise, so you may experience stickiness. The average temperature in Bangkok during March hovers around 29.5°C, with the highest touching 34°C during the day, and the lowest is 25°C in evenings. The tourist footfall in Bangkok in March is still high, as it is the last month of the peak season. You can explore theme parks, rooftop bars, explore Bangkok nightlife, watch a cabaret show and enjoy a dinner cruise on Chao Phraya River. March is also the best time to visit Bangkok from India.

March Events and Festivals in Bangkok

• Makha Bucha Day: Makha Bucha or Magha Puja is a Buddhist holiday which falls in either late February or early March. As per Lunar calendar, it is celebrated on the full moon day of the third month. On this day, Thai people visit temples, perform the rituals of lighting candles and pray for peace and prosperity. A procession around temples also takes places which are joined by devotees. People also donate alms to Buddhist monks and seek their blessings.

You can also check our tailor made Bangkok Tour Packages & Bangkok Honeymoon Packages

Bangkok in April

In April, the shoulder season kicks off in Bangkok, which is one of the hottest months in the country. The average temperature in April reaches around 30.5°C with high humidity. The weather during the day is not favourable for outdoor sightseeing as the mercury touches 35°Celsius. And even with the minimum temperature touching around 26°C, the evenings in Bangkok are still warm. Make sure to pack light and breathable clothes, keep yourself hydrated with coconut water and juices to beat the heat. Spend time exploring indoor shopping centres like MBK, Terminal 21, or Indra Square. The Songkran festival (water splashing festival) which falls in mid April, does provide some relief from the heat

April Events and Festivals in Bangkok

• Songkran Festival: The Thai New Year, or Songkran festival, offers a big relief from the heat and humidity of April. This festival involves splashing scented waters to wash away one’s sins and misfortunes. Children pour water on the hands of their parents and seek their blessings. However, this festival has turned into a fun water fight. If you step on the three days of Songkran ie. from April 13th to April 15th, be ready to get soaked from top to bottom. The streets of Bangkok are filled with locals and tourists drenching each other with water using buckets and water guns. Many places also host Songkran parties with water fights, food and music.
• Songkran O2 Music festival: If you are an EDM lover, head straight to Songkran O2 Music festival tickets of which must be booked in advance. Experience a spectacular music festival with water cannons spraying water on the audience from the stage. Many local and renowned international DJs flaunt their skills and make their audience go wild. Along with DJ performances, there are foam parties and water slides for the attendees to enjoy. Make sure to carry a waterproof pouch for your wallet, mobile phone and other essentials.

Bangkok in May

May, which is a part of the shoulder season, is a good time if you want to avoid tourist crowds, find cheapest accommodations, and airfare. Temperatures soar high in May with maximum and minimum temperature being around 35°C and 26°C, along with some sporadic showers. Such hot weather and humid conditions makes it challenging for any visitor to go sightseeing or partake in day time activities. So, it is best to relax yourself with a cooling and refreshing Thai spa or explore indoor art galleries, temples, museums, and shopping plazas. Spend your evening with a dinner cruise or enjoying refreshing drinks at a rooftop bar.

May Events and Festivals in Bangkok

• Royal Ploughing Ceremony: A ceremony that pays respect to farmers and agrarian sector. Also called Farmer’s Day, it marks the beginning of the rice-sowing season in Thailand. A priest by drawing a piece of cloth to predict the rains in the upcoming monsoon season, as rice farming requires ample amounts of rainfall. It’s a cultural and traditional ceremony and you can watch it in Bangkok’s Sanam Luang.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit in Bangkok

Bangkok in June

June is the last month of the shoulder season in Bangkok, with temperatures hovering around 36°C to 26°C. Days are indeed hot, and the summer’s warmth can be experienced even in the evening. In June, expect at least 14 to 15 days of rain with short and sudden bursts of showers. It is an excellent time to plan a 4-day Bangkok trip on a shoestring budget. The low tourist footfalls lead to massive discounts on accommodation, transportation, airfare and services, making Bangkok travel affordable. Don’t forget to pack a hat, sunglasses and a broad spectrum SPF. June is also the best time to visit Bangkok for shopping as the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale begins.

June Events and Festivals in Bangkok

• Amazing Thailand Grand Sale: Take advantage of the “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale” which begins in June, attracting thousands of shopaholics. The tourist footfalls decline in June, and to attract foreign tourists, Thailand offers massive discounts on shopping of varied items in almost every market and shopping plaza. Shop owners allow discounts starting from 10% to 80% on clothes, shoes, jewellery, handicrafts, home decor, electronics and so much more. The sale lasts for about three months and typically starts from 15th June.
• Annual Crab Festival: If you want to try seafood and crab in Bangkok, head to Central Plaza Rama that offers varied crabs for taste testing. These crabs are some of the freshest catches from Bang Khun Thian, a seaside district near Bangkok. The festival also hosts exhibitions, cooking competitions and more.

Bangkok in July

July’s arrival brings the monsoon season to Bangkok, and most parts of Thailand, except the east coast islands, where the monsoon arrives late. Bangkok in July experiences heavy downpours, with around 16 to 17 of rainy days. The excessive heat is intense, and while rain provides a brief amount of relief, it ultimately increases humidity. If you want the beach experience, travel to the east coast islands from Bangkok which are comparatively drier than Phuket or Similian island. The maximum temperature in Bangkok in July is around 33°C and the minimum temperature is 26°C. Pack a rain poncho, waterproof boots and bags.

July Events and Festivals in Bangkok

• Asanha Bucha Day: This day is an important religious holiday in Thailand for all the practising Buddhists. It honours the first sermon given by Lord Budhha himself. On this day Thai people visit temples, offer donations in temples, alms to the monks, and pray for health and happiness. It is a day for self-reflection and merit-making for Thai people
• Khao Pansa: Khao Pansa commences the Buddhist Lent and marks the beginning of the rainy season. People abstain from consuming meat, alcohol, cigarettes and observe fasts. This day is the time for spiritual reflection and prayers. Earlier, people used to donate candles to monks but today one can witness giant float and tableaus of depiction from Buddhist and Hindu Literature,
• Amazing Thailand Grand Sale: Don’t let the rainy season dampen your spirit. The rainy season in Bangkok is filled with discounts and deals on an array of items ranging from clothes, accessories, home decor, bags, shoes, and much more. July is an excellent time to visit Bangkok for shopping where you can get up to 80% discounts on items.

Bangkok in August

August brings heavy rain showers in Bangkok with the highest and lowest temperatures ranging from 33°C to 26°C. It rains for about 18 to 19 days in August and that may disrupt your outdoor sightseeing. However, if you don’t mind the rains, you can still experience the cultural heritage of Bangkok, go on a gastric adventure, shop from Siam Paragon or MBK, visit the Grand Palace and temple of Emerald Buddha, and stay at the Bangkok best hotels at discounted prices.

August Events and Festival in Bangkok

• Mother’s Day: August 12 is celebrated as Mother’s Day in Thailand and is a national holiday. It also commemorates the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sikrit who was known for her humanitarian work. This day children pay respect to their mother by offering them dok mali which is a flower bracelet made of white jasmine symbolising purity.

Bangkok in September

September hits the peak rainy season in Bangkok, with incessant downpour for about 19 days. The maximum and minimum temperatures are around 32°C and 25°. The sky is mostly overcast with grey clouds and there are about 4 to 5 hours of sunlight each day. September is not the best month for a dinner cruise on Chao Phraya river due to unpredictable weather conditions. However, you can still enjoy food trails, shopping, watch live entertainment like Muay Thai boxing and elaborate cabaret shows indoors to have a fulfilling travel experience.

September Events and Festival in Bangkok

• Vegetarian Festival or Kin Jay Festival: Vegetarian festival is a Taoist tradition that honours 9 gods in the Thai and Chinese tradition. Devotees practising this tradition abstain from meat consumption, alcohol, smoking, and follow a vegan diet for 9 days. The abstinence not only comes in the form of culinary habits but also steering away from vices. Some devotees partake in an act of self-mortification to cleanse their sin during the procession which takes place through the nine days.
• Mid-Autumn Moon Festival: The mid-autumn moon festival is a Chinese holiday which is celebrated with great fervour in Bangkok’s ChinaTown. This festival takes place on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, on a full-moon night. On this day, families get together and enjoy a hearty meal admiring the fullness of the moon. This festival is celebrated across many parts of Asia with different names. While on vacation in Bangkok during October, head to Yarowat road and eat delicious mooncakes. Chinatown is busier than usual with people gobbling delicious treats, fruits and a variety of flavoured mooncakes.
• International Festival of Dance and Music: This art festival features classic music, elaborate dance performances, opera, crisp ballet performances and musicals. The festival takes place in the Thailand Cultural Centre on Thiam Ruam Mit Road. Dance troops and ballet performers from countries like France, Japan, Russia, etc. take part in this prestigious event. The entry ticket for the performance cost starts from approximately THB 2000. This event offers an opportunity for tourists to catch some cultural events indoors while vacationing in Bangkok in the rainy season. It is an excellent piece of performing arts and should be witnessed by everyone visiting Bangkok.

Bangkok in October

October marks the farewell of the monsoon season with a mix of rainy and sunny days. As the rainy days decline, the tourist footfalls slowly begins to pick up in Bangkok. The average temperature in Bangkok in October is around 28°C with minimum and maximum ranges being 32°C and 25°C. Keep an umbrella or rain poncho handy as you may face erratic rain showers. On dry days, one gets about 6 hours of sunshine. Apart from top touristy places in Bangkok, the crowds are lesser. The boarding and lodging costs in Bangkok during October are comparatively lower than the peak season.

October Events and Festival in Bangkok

• Khom San Duang Festival: Famous amongst locals and tourists alike, Khom San Duang Festival or the Hundred Thousand Lantern Festival. This festival involves adorning one’s home with vibrant lanterns and releasing paper lanterns in the sky to light it up. It also pays homage to Lord Buddha and seeks his blessing to bring peace, harmony and prosperity to one’s home.

Bangkok in November

November welcomes the peak season in Bangkok when the tourists begin to flock to this vibrant metropolis. The days start to become brighter with receding rainy days. It may drizzle on some days but that won’t deter you from experiencing the nest of this city. Enjoy the beautiful Loy Krathong festival in Bangkok and ride the Chao Phraya river cruise. The average maximum temperature during the day is around 31°C and the average low temperature during the night is around 24°C. Explore the nightlife of Bangkok by visiting its night markets, clubs and walking streets.

November Events and Festival in Bangkok

• World Film Festival of Bangkok: Taking place in November, the World Film Festival of Bangkok provides a platform to showcase quality cinema from around the world. It features 80+ critically acclaimed movies over a span of 11 days. It gives a stage to budding directors to interact and exchange creative ideas with influential filmmakers and creators. Movie buffs also have an opportunity to take part in seminars through which they can interact with actors and directors of the featured films.
• The Beer Garden Festival: The beer festival is celebrated for Thailand’s annual beer garden season. During this time food stalls, live performances and an array of beers like Singha, Leo, Chang, Heikin and many others are available on tap. People in an al-fresco setting gather together over foods and drinks at the World Trade Center plaza to celebrate this festival.
• Loy Krathong Festival: The word loy means float and krathong means offering and it is one of the most famous festivals not just in Bangkok but all of Thailand. On this day, people gather together around a water body and float their krathongs (offerings) which is like a small boat made of banana and lotus leaves carrying flowers, candles and incense. It is a ceremony done to pay respects to the water goddess and many people believe that the floats take away their misfortunes and bad luck.

Bangkok in December

December in Bangkok is jam packed with tourists. Hotels, whether budget or luxury, offer accommodation with surcharges due to high demand. It is advisable to make booking in advance for hotels and flights as it may all come at an exorbitant price. December is an excellent time to visit Bangkok and catch the Christmas and New Year’s eve celebrations. You can also pay a quick visit to Pattaya and Coral Islands to experience the beach festivities. The maximum temperature in Bangkok is around 32°C and the minimum is around 22°C.

December Events and Festival in Bangkok

• Christmas & New Year’s Eve: Bangkok prepares for Christmas and New Year via various events and year-end parties. One can hop on their Christmas cruise dinner on Chao Phraya river, people visit malls, markets and enjoy lively nightlife. The clubs and rooftop bars and hotels host New year’s eve for a grand welcome. Make sure to book your air travel and accommodation in advance to avoid the last-minute rush and high surcharges.