Bangkok weather

Bangkok weather averages and climate

Average daily max (°C)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
32.7	33.5	34.5	35.6	34.6	33.9	33.3	33.1	33.0	33.1	33.1	32.4	33.6

Average relative humidity (%)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
67	71	72	71	75	74	75	75	79	77	67	63	72

Average rainfall (mm)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
19	22	52	104	245	190	199	230	339	275	56	7	1738

Average daily sunshine (hrs)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
9	8	9	8	7	6	6	5	5	7	8	9	7

Average wind speed (mph)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
2.1	2.9	3.3	3.1	2.8	2.8	2.9	2.8	2.2	1.7	2.0	1.8	2.5

When is the best time to visit Bangkok?

Bangkok sees high temperatures throughout the year, but those who want to sightsee and stay dry should visit during the winter months when rainfall amounts are low and there are long hours of sunshine. During the summer months it is drastically wetter, as the area experiences monsoon rains, which can start in May and can continue through until October.

Spring

Bangkok sees some of its highest temperatures in spring with March to May all experiencing average temperatures well into the 30s. Rainfall starts to increase during the spring, especially by May, which marks the start of the monsoon season bringing an average of 245mm.

Summer

Summer visitors can expect high temperatures but should be prepared with a raincoat, as rainfall is at some of its highest levels due to the monsoon season. Daily maximum temperatures remain around 33°C throughout June, July and August, but there is often less sunshine with around 6 hours.

Autumn

Autumn gets off to a wet start, as September sees more rainfall than any other month with an average of 339mm. October remains wet, with an average rainfall of 275mm. November is considerably drier, seeing 56mm, which usually marks the end of the monsoon season. The temperature remains similar to the summer months, with average daily highs of around 33°C throughout the season. Sunshine hours increase and visitors to Bangkok in November can enjoy around 8 hours of sunshine per day.

Winter

December and January in Bangkok see some of the longest sunshine hours, with around 9 hours per day to enjoy. Temperatures are at their lowest at this time of year but it remains warm, with average daily maximums at 32.4°C. December also sees the lowest levels of rainfall, with an average of 7mm.

Bangkok tourist information

Bangkok is a popular destination with western travellers, whose holidays can be spent exploring Thailand and the surrounding countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia. The city's rise to world prominence can largely be attributed to the huge urban population and the massive amounts of economic investment that the city experienced in the '70s, '80s and '90s. The 'Tiger Economies' which are around Thailand gained real recognition particularly in the '80s as potential rivals to western economic hegemony, before slowing down in the mid-90s. Thailand is seen as a Tiger Cub Economy for now, in the sense that the boom will really happen for them in the future.

Thailand formerly went by the name of Siam, and in the 15th century Siam began to see trade links emerge with wealthy merchants and the Chinese. Bangkok was right on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand with the Chao Phraya River running into the city, making it an important harbour for trade.

The population of Bangkok rose from just over two million in 1960 to just over eight million in 2010; the sudden growth can be attributed to urban regeneration, rural poverty and economic success.

For the tourist there is an abundance of attractions in Bangkok. There is obviously the bustling neon streets packed with life and amenities, and then there is the more tranquil side of life with the majestic Buddhist temples.

 

Wat Arun is probably the most popular of all the temples and the most recognisable due to its arresting spire which brilliantly reflects the rays of the rising sun each day. Wat Pho (The Temple of the Reclining Buddha) is also very popular along with Wat Phra Kaew which can be found next to the Grand Palace.

Few cities can offer such a wealth of spiritual history alongside a bustling and vibrant modern metropolis. Cities like Bangkok can be overwhelming with such contrasting characteristics and its frenzied pace of life. For those wanting to witness a more authentic side of the city, many of the handbooks will point to districts like Banglamphu where you'll find most of those temples and palaces.

Many visitors opt to take boat trips up the Chao Phraya in order to survey the scene from an area of comparative calm, although the MRT subway service is often recognised as one of the best in the world for its cleanliness, cost and all round efficiency.