Best time to visit Bangkok

We found the best time to visit Bangkok for your favourite activities.

Know what times to avoid for peak season, extreme heat, humidity and Thai holidays.

Overview

Even though Bangkok can be visited year-round, its claim as one of the hottest cities in the world has visitors avoiding the city streets from March to June when temperatures frequently reach above 30°C. The wet monsoon season runs from July to October. The best weather of the year is also the peak tourist season from November to February. Expect high humidity from April to October.

Weather and prices

Best time to visit Bangkok, weather-wise: December–February are the coldest months of the year with the lowest humidity.

Cheapest time to visit Bangkok: May–October when it is hotter, humidity peaks and heavier rainfalls begin.

Best time to visit Bangkok to...

• Honeymoon: Mid-November to mid-December is the best time to avoid the high tourist prices, crowds, holidays and celebrations. The temperatures and humidity drop in November and though prices may begin to rise because it’s the beginning of the tourist season, it is ideal because of the nicer weather.
• Temple-hop: December to February are the Thai winter months and the coolest months of the year. Humidity is low making walking around the congested city more pleasurable. Crowds peak at this point so to avoid them, travel in the shoulder months of May and November.
• Beach: The beach can be enjoyed any time of the year. May–October brings the least amount of crowds. March–May are the hottest months when waters are the warmest.
• Snorkel and dive: Diving can be done in Thailand year-round. The best time to see whale sharks and manta rays is February–May. November–April is the best diving season. February to May is best for the west coast islands while the opposite season of May–October is ideal for the east coast islands.
• Surf: June–August brings the best waves for surfers. They are considered small but are suitable for beginners. The water temperature is warm.
• Shopping: Any time of the year is great for shopping in Bangkok. Malls are plentiful and open seven days a week. Some of the best malls to visit are CentralWorld, MBK Centre and the Platinum Fashion Mall. Chatuchak Market is Bangkok’s biggest market and is open on Sundays.

Best time to visit Bangkok and Phuket:

Phuket is affected by a monsoon season so the best time to visit is from January to March. This works well for travel in Bangkok as well when temperatures and humidity are lower. It is peak season for both Phuket and Bangkok so crowds and higher prices are expected. Early December before the Christmas festivities begin is the best time for lower prices, minimal rainfall and fewer crowds.

Best time to visit Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya:

The peak tourist season of November–February brings the best weather for all three destinations. To avoid the crowds and higher prices travel during the shoulder season of November and late February to avoid the Christmas holidays and Chinese New Year celebrations.

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Stephanie Yip

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Stephanie Yip is the travel editor at Finder and has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for Travel Weekly, Escape, Thomas Cook Magazine, Showpo, The Nibbler and Hostelworld. She was also the editor of kids magazine DMAG. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney and has visited over 50 countries (and counting). She has a passion for sharing her experiences and knowledge of travel and helping readers stretch their dollars while on holiday.