The best time to go to Bangkok

09.04.2024 - 06:15 / lonelyplanet.com

It used to be that Bangkok’s weather was defined by three clearly demarcated seasons: the “cool,” the hot, and the wet, but these days locals like to joke that there is only hot, hotter and hottest. While it may be true that the Thai capital runs on a sultry high-flame sizzle most days, there are definitely seasonal differences, as well as compelling reasons to visit year round.

You’re never going to have to worry about it being cold here, and if you like to travel with just shorts and t-shirts, you’ll be in your element, but your ability (or not) to handle the hot season heat or the high season crowds might influence just when you plan your visit. Here’s a breakdown of the three different Thailand seasons and how each can be best for planning a trip to Bangkok. 

November marks the start of both Bangkok’s most comfortable weather as well as tourist high season, which runs until the end of February. While some refer to this period as the “cool” season, note that this is just a relative term. Temperatures still will be close to 30°C (86°F) or higher and there will be plenty of sunshine, while evenings can be quite pleasant, with lots of outdoor beer gardens opening up with no need for air conditioning. During this time you’ll even get a few cold snaps where the temperature will drop to 20°C (68°F) and all the locals will be bundled in down jackets and other winter-associated garb! This is also the one time of year when you have a chance to go sightseeing without being drenched in perspiration. 

Not only is this the most pleasant time of year weather-wise, it’s also a season of some of the top Thai holidays, like Loy Krathong, when everyone floats illuminated banana-leaf boats on the canals and Chao Phraya River. Loy Krathong is held during the November full moon, and is followed up by the large Christmas and New Year festivities. While not traditionally Thai, all the shopping malls are decorated with large trees and there are countless shopping sales and restaurant holiday promotions. All the holiday energy is capped off by a massive New Year’s Eve celebration that features fireworks across the city, buzzing outdoor beer gardens and countdown parties. Towards the end of this season is Chinese New Year, usually taking place in February, where you can see traditional Chinese opera performances and watch the streets of Chinatown come to life with fantastic food, dragon parades and other colorful happenings. 

While the weather at this time of year may be the ideal winter escape, you’ll be in fierce competition with plenty of other sun worshippers, as this is considered high season in Thailand. Hotels will be at a premium and often need to be booked well in advance, especially around Christmas, New Year and