Best Time to Visit Bangkok

Weather-wise, these are the best months to visit Bangkok and Pattaya. The temperature is relatively cool and dry, with almost no rainfall. During these months, the average temperature is between 21°C and 32°C, and the humidity is low.

However, since many tourists flock to the city to escape the winter in their home countries, the prices are high, and you might have to deal with limited availability regarding hotel rooms and transportation. This peak season coincides with major holidays, such as Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year.

Tips and Recommendations for High Season

• Book your flights, hotels, and tours as early as possible, as they tend to sell out quickly and get more expensive as the dates of Bangkok’s best season approach.

• Travel on weekdays, as the weekends are usually busier and more expensive. You can also avoid the rush hours, which are from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., by taking the BTS Skytrain, the MRT Subway, or the river boats.

Activities and Attractions to Experience in the High Season

• Visit the Grand Palace. It is where the Thai kings used to live and where the Emerald Buddha, the country's most sacred relic, is housed.

• You can also visit nearby Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun, some of Bangkok's most beautiful and historic temples.

• Explore Wat Saket, Wat Benchamabophit, Wat Suthat, and Wat Traimit temples.

• Shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market, Pratunam Market, Asiatique The Riverfront, and Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market.

• Cruising on the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok's major artery is the best way to see the city from a different perspective.

• You can also visit some attractions along the river, such as the Royal Barge Museum, the Temple of Dawn, and Chinatown.

Festivals and Events in Bangkok During the High Season

Loi Krathong: This festival is usually held in November. It celebrates gratitude and forgiveness, where people release floating lanterns and baskets into the water, creating a magical sight.

Wat Saket Fair: This week-long festival is held in November at the Wat Saket temple, also known as the Golden Mount. It is a fun and festive event with carnival rides, food stalls, live music, and fireworks. You can ascend the 300 steps to the top of the temple, where you can get a panoramic view of the city.

Chinese New Year: It is a major celebration in Bangkok, especially in Chinatown, usually held in late January or early February. You can witness dragon dances, lion dances, firecrackers, and lanterns and taste delicious Chinese food like dim sum, noodles, and mooncakes.

This is another best time to visit Bangkok from India. The weather is hot and sunny, and the tourist numbers are lower. The temperature during these months is between 26°C and 35°C, with high humidity.

However, showers and thunderstorms may occasionally occur, especially in the afternoon.

Tips and Recommendations for Shoulder Season

• Choose light and airy cotton, linen, or silk clothing, and avoid dark colours that can trap heat.

• Wear a hat, scarf, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun and dust.

• Drink plenty of water and electrolytes, and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you. You can also try some refreshing drinks sold on the streets, such as coconut water, iced tea, or fruit juice.

Activities and Attractions to Experience in the Shoulder Season

• Visit the floating markets. You can see colourful boats selling fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and snacks here. Some of the most famous floating markets are Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa, and Khlong Lat Mayom.

• Bangkok is well-known for its nightlife; shoulder months are best for experiencing it. Some popular nightlife areas are Khao San Road, Sukhumvit, Silom, and Thonglor.

• Relax at the spas. You can try traditional Thai treatments, such as the herbal compress, the foot reflexology, or the hot oil massage.

• Indulge in the street food and try pad thai, tom yum, som tam, and mango sticky rice, which are cheap, delicious, and authentic.

Festivals and Events in Bangkok During the Shoulder Season

Songkran: It is the Thai New Year held in mid-April. It is a celebration of water, where people splash, spray, and throw water at each other, creating a city-wide water fight.

• Bangkok International Fashion Week is a glamorous and stylish event that illustrates the latest trends and designs from the local and international fashion industry. It is held in late March or early April at venues like Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, or EmQuartier.

• Visakha Bucha Day is one of Buddhism's most important and sacred days. Based on the lunar calendar, it is held in May or June. It commemorates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death and is a day of merit-making and meditation. You can see the processions, ceremonies, and rituals at the temples, such as Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, or Wat Arun.

This is the worst time to visit Bangkok. The weather is rainy and humid, with temperatures between 25°C and 33°C. During this season, you may encounter flash floods, high humidity, and reduced visibility.

Tips and Recommendations for Low Season

Pack a raincoat, umbrella, and waterproof shoes. Carry a plastic bag or a waterproof case to protect your valuables and electronics.

Have a flexible itinerary and a backup plan, and be prepared to change your plans according to the weather. Track the weather forecast and traffic conditions, and avoid areas prone to flooding, such as Sukhumvit, Silom, or Ratchaprasong.

Choose indoor attractions. They are less affected by the rain and humidity in this not-so-best Bangkok’s tourist season.

Since this is the cheapest time to visit Bangkok, take advantage of the lower prices and the fewer crowds.

Activities and Attractions to Experience in the Low Season

Visit the museums to learn about Thailand's history, culture, and art. Some of the most interesting museums are the Bangkok National Museum, the Museum of Siam, the Jim Thompson House, and the Erawan Museum.

Visit art galleries, such as the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, the MOCA Bangkok, the River City Bangkok, and the Bangkok CityCity Gallery.

Shop at Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, MBK Center, and Terminal 21.

Festivals and Events in Bangkok During the Low Season

Vegetarian Festival: This nine-day festival celebrates the Chinese belief in abstaining from meat and other animal products. It is usually held in late September or early October.

Bangkok Art Biennale: This biennial event showcases contemporary art from local and international artists and is usually held from October to February.

Halloween: This fun and festive event is held on October 31. You can wear costumes, collect candies, and participate in parties and events at different locations, such as Khao San Road, Sukhumvit, Silom, and Thonglor. You can also explore scary and creepy attractions like the Siam Niramit, the Bangkok Ghost Tower, or the Mansion 7.

There is no clear answer about the best time to visit Bangkok. It all depends on your interests and how much you are ready to spend.

You can opt for the high season if you prefer the best weather and the most lively atmosphere, but you are not bothered by the larger crowds and the higher costs.

The shoulder season is the best if you like the hot and sunny weather and the lower tourist numbers, but you are not troubled by the heat and the humidity. However, if you like the lower costs and the fewer crowds, and the rain and the unpredictability do not deter you, then visit Bangkok during the low season.

Additionally, Indian travellers can enjoy a visa on arrival in Thailand, thereby eliminating the stress of visa application.

Also, don’t forget to get a travel insurance plan

With travel medical insurance, your insurer will provide coverage against any medical illness that arises on the trip and is unrelated to pre-existing diseases. The insurer also covers lost baggage, trip cancellation, and extended stay in Bangkok due to unavoidable situations.

Get in touch with Tata AIG to buy travel insurance online.

What are the best months to visit Bangkok?

The best months to visit Bangkok are from November to February. This time, the temperature is cool and dry, and the city offers many attractions and festivals.

What is the best month to go to Thailand?

The best month to go to Thailand depends on your preferences and interests. Still, November to April is generally the most favourable months, as they offer mild temperatures, clear skies, and dry weather.

What is Bangkok's rainy season?

Bangkok’s rainy season is from July to October when the city experiences heavy rainfall and high humidity due to the southwest monsoon. However, the rain usually comes in short bursts in the afternoon, and there are still sunny intervals.

What is the worst month to visit Thailand?

The worst month to visit Thailand is July to October. The weather is rainy and humid, with temperatures between 25°C and 33°C. During this season, you may encounter flash floods, high humidity, and reduced visibility.

What is the cheapest time to go to Thailand?

The most inexpensive time to visit Thailand is during the rainy season, from May to October when the tourist crowds are low and accommodation and airfare prices are reduced. However, this also means that rain and storms may affect some outdoor activities and island destinations.