HomeAsia ToursSoutheast Asia ToursThailand ToursBangkok Vacations

Best Time to Visit Bangkok

Ratings of Zicasso's Service
Bangkok cityscape and Grand Palace in Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

The best time to visit Bangkok is also the most popular time to visit the city, typically November through March, as there is great weather and a festive atmosphere.

Bangkok is a city-lovers paradise, full of ancient heritage and natural beauty, such as the hallowed halls of gold-encrusted temples and the sprawling cityscape that shines through the night. Thailand’s capital is best enjoyed when the sun is out and the streets come to life.

Though November through March are sought-after times to visit, your itinerary and travel expectations may take you to Thailand during other times of the year. The following outlines the best times, depending on your preferences.

Overview
  1. Best Time by Travel Season
  2. Best Time for Sightseeing
  3. Best Time for Shopping
  4. Best Time for Street Food
  5. Best Time to Avoid the Crowds
  6. Best Time for Families with Children
  7. Best Time for Couples or Honeymooners
  8. Best Time for Seniors
  9. Best Time for Dry Season Activities
  10. Best Time for Wet Season Activities
  11. Book for the Best Time to Visit Bangkok

Best Time by Travel Season

Low Season: April • May • June • July

April to July is low season and a unique time to visit. These months are the warmest, but offer opportunities to partake in festivals many travelers never have the chance to experience.

While warmer, with temperatures reaching over 98 degrees, there are plenty of activities to cool you down and demonstrate urban culture, from elaborate shopping malls to the famous Songkran (New Year) water festival.

High Season: November • December • January • February

November to February represents the best time to go to Bangkok. Winter is the driest and coolest season, attracting the most tourists.

The lovely weather makes it much easier to visit the city’s highlights, from the Royal Palace to the floating market outside of town.

While more crowded, there is still plenty to see and do in the megacity that won’t make your experience feel overwhelming.

Shoulder Season: August • September • October

The shoulder season from August to October offers the best crossover of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

The wet season can bring a few hours or days of rain, but all highlights and activities are possible, making travel at this time an opportunity to explore, discover, and experience the city at your pace.

Best Time for Sightseeing

Best Months: November • December • January • February • March

The best time to visit for sightseeing is between November and March. Bangkok experiences extreme summer temperatures from March through June that can overwhelm travelers and impact their experiences.

From November to March the weather is cooler and outdoor activities are more enjoyable. These months are ideal for visiting the glimmering temples and bustling markets, and traveling along the Chao Phraya River and khlongs, or canals, to immerse yourself in the wonders of Thailand’s capital city.

Learn more: Best Places to Visit in Bangkok

Best Time for Shopping

Best Months: June • July • August

The best time for shopping is from June to August, when there are bargains to be had in the city’s malls and shops.

Local and international businesses participate in the annual event, which offers much variety and wide-scale discounts on items, from clothes to jewelry, electronics to luxury items.

Find boutiques, upmarket design stores, and mid-range brands participating in the sales event, accompanied by the more economical cost of traveling during the shoulder season.

Best Time for Street Food

Best Months: August • September • October • November

Bangkok is one of the most popular culinary destinations in the world.

Its cuisine celebrates the city’s long history and heritage, with carts and small restaurants serving quality food with uncompromising taste.

Whether looking for pla pao or khao pad, fried chicken or chicken satay, the best time to travel to Bangkok is from August to November when looking for a chance to eat like a local, where locals eat, and without the crowds.

Best Time to Avoid the Crowds

Best Months: November • December • January • February • March

November through March provide great weather to explore Bangkok. However, they are also the busiest months, as like-minded travelers hope to take advantage of the conditions. For this reason, adventures in Bangkok away from the crowds are best planned during the shoulder seasons.

April through June are great times to avoid the crowds despite the heat, with Zicasso arranging air-conditioned accommodations and transfers for your comfort. September and October are also ideal to avoid crowds, as the weather is cooler and Zicasso arranges alternative experiences in the event of rainfall.

Best Time for Families with Children

Best Months: November • December • January • February • March

Families flock to the capital of Thailand as their first destination on a tour of the Chiang Mai hills or sparkling islands, typically enjoying the vibrant atmosphere between November and March.

While these months can become crowded as others look to enjoy the ideal weather, Bangkok is busy year-round and there are plenty of exciting activities off the beaten path for families to escape the crowds. You may wish to avoid the December period as this is especially busy.

Best Time for Couples or Honeymooners

Best Months: November • December • January • February • March

Honeymooners and couples stop in Bangkok before or after soaking up the sunshine on Thailand’s famous beaches, with November through March the best time to visit.

These months can become crowded, so planning your vacation for early November or March may help you find privacy amidst the pleasant bustle of Bangkok. Even during crowded seasons, Zicasso can arrange an array of romantic and intimate experiences that take you away from the busiest areas for seclusion in and around the city.

Best Time for Seniors

Best Months: November • January • February

November, January, and February are the best months for seniors to visit. While it’s high season, the weather is comfortable, making it much easier to explore the city at the pace you prefer.

The summer months can feel overwhelming with heat and humidity, while the occasional monsoon can occur during the shoulder season. By avoiding December, you can bypass the major crowds that visit during the holiday break.

Best Time for Dry Season Activities

Best Months: December • January • February

December to February is the best time to visit for dry-season activities. Some, like shopping or exploring the famous malls, are easily done year-round, while other activities can depend more on the weather.

December, January, and February have the most consistently enjoyable conditions, allowing you to explore the famous street-food scene, visit the highlights, or enjoy the scenery.

Activities: Floating market • Sightseeing tour • Temple visit • Shopping • Chao Phraya River Boat trip • National Museum • Lumpini Park • Night market

Best Time for Wet Season Activities

Best Months: July • August • September

The wet season in Bangkok is from July to September, but it provides remarkable opportunities to explore the city differently. Temperatures are generally warmer and the air is more humid, making certain activities less compelling.

Whether looking for active ways to experience the culture or enjoyable activities through which to explore the city’s impressive highlights, Bangkok during the wet season demonstrates heritage in a number of ways.

Activities: Shopping • Food tour • BACC Gallery visit • Cooking class • Museums • Art in Paradise exhibit

Book for the Best Time to Visit Bangkok

Women at the Marble Temple in Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand’s capital city is busy and exuberant, welcoming visitors kicking off their family adventures, immersing themselves in Thai culture, or segueing to the dreamy seascapes of the Thai islands.

Our Bangkok vacation packages can take you to Thailand at a time best suited to your travel preferences or you can find more inspiration for your greater trip with our top things to do in Bangkok and Thailand travel guide.

Life-Enriching Travel Designed Just for You

  1. 1

    Trips curated by the world’s top destination experts

  2. 2

    Concierge-level service leading up to and during your trip

  3. 3

    Unique, exclusive experiences and insider access

Get Top Travel Specialists to Help Plan Your Trip