Thailand (Bangkok)

Thailand (Bangkok) – What you should know

Bangkok lies in the heart of the Chao Phraya lowlands and has a tropical monsoon climate with three clearly distinguishable seasons. The coolest and driest time from November to February is the classic high season: temperatures of typically 26–32°C, low humidity and blue skies make temples, markets and canal boat rides a pleasure. Those who want to explore Bangkok at leisure come during these months.

The hottest time is March to May: the monthly average high temperature rises to 33–34°C, combined with increasing humidity shortly before the monsoon. The Songkran water festival in mid-April — Thailand's New Year — falls right in the middle of this heat phase; the street water fights in the city centre are less fun than a climatic survival strategy at this point. From May the rainy season begins, lasting until October.

The rainy season from May to October brings daily showers, usually in the afternoon and evening. Bangkok is less touristically crowded at this time, cheaper and — thanks to the lush garden plantings of the temples — beautiful in its own way. The flood risk increases in October and November, when the monsoon abates and parts of the city centre can occasionally go underwater. Those who plan flexibly and don't depend on sunshine will find a more vibrant and authentic Bangkok in the low season.