Bustling Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is a non-stop whirlwind of chaos that will overwhelm your senses and leave you a bit bewildered. You can find traditional temples and flashing neon nightclubs next to each other, get lost in enormous labyrinthine street markets and watch the sunset from a rooftop garden high above the city. The city boasts world class dining and shopping and has the sizzling energy of an Asian mega-metropolis – it’s impossible to be bored.
When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Bangkok?
So when is the best time of year to visit Bangkok and explore everything this city has to offer?
It’s Never Not Sweltering
If you are waiting for a chance to visit Bangkok when the city is not too hot, you’ll be waiting forever. The Thai capital is actually one of the hottest cities in the world and it doesn’t have a cool season – it only fluctuates between very warm, hot and help-I’m-melting.
The hottest months of the year are March, April and May. If you visit during this time, plan to do a lot of indoor activities in air conditioned buildings during the heat of the day. Always wear sunscreen, carry plenty of water and wear a hat.
Join in the New Year Fun
Although the temperature is almost unbearably hot, one of the advantages to being in Bangkok in April is that you will get to experience Songkran. This is the Thai New Year festival and it is an enormous street party and water fight. Join in the fun and cool down by throwing water balloons and spraying water guns at everyone else. The water not only keeps you cool, it symbolises washing off the misfortunes of the past year and welcoming the future with a fresh new start. Make sure that you use waterproof bags to protect your valuables!
The months of December to February are one of the best times to visit Bangkok, as the temperature will be cooler than any other point of the year. May to October is another option, although this is considered the rainy season.
Rainy Season Isn’t So Rainy
However, keep in mind that “rainy season” doesn’t necessarily mean that it will rain all day from dawn until dusk. Usually there will be a heavy downpour for an hour or two in the mid to late afternoon, but then it will be sunny for the rest of the day. The rain keeps the countryside lush and green, so if you plan on exploring outside of Bangkok this is a great time to visit. Also, the demand for hotels and flights is usually lower in the rainy season so you will have a chance to snag some cheaper deals.
No matter what time of year you visit Bangkok there will always be plenty to do here and this vibrant and energetic city will be alive with music, events, festivals and attractions – so why not book your trip?
Photos via Global Goose