The best time to visit Bangkok in short
November to February is the most comfortable stretch for the Grand Palace. These months bring the least rain, and daily highs stay between 32.3 and 33.7 °C. March and April are the hottest months. May to October is the rainy season, with September the wettest.
These figures are climate averages for Bangkok from 1991 to 2020. They show what is typical, not what will happen on your dates. No month is guaranteed dry, and no month is cool by European standards. Plan your palace visit for the early morning in any season, and consider a Grand Palace tour if you would like a guide to handle the details.
Bangkok weather month by month
Average daily high, average daily low and average monthly rainfall, 1991 to 2020.
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32.7 °C | 23.4 °C | 23.6 mm |
| February | 33.7 °C | 24.8 °C | 21.4 mm |
| March | 34.7 °C | 26.4 °C | 51.0 mm |
| April | 35.7 °C | 27.2 °C | 93.3 mm |
| May | 35.1 °C | 26.9 °C | 216.8 mm |
| June | 34.1 °C | 26.4 °C | 198.5 mm |
| July | 33.5 °C | 26.1 °C | 189.7 mm |
| August | 33.3 °C | 25.9 °C | 227.1 mm |
| September | 33.2 °C | 25.4 °C | 335.9 mm |
| October | 33.0 °C | 25.2 °C | 288.7 mm |
| November | 33.1 °C | 24.7 °C | 44.6 mm |
| December | 32.3 °C | 23.2 °C | 11.6 mm |
For most visitors, November to February is the right fit: little rain and daily highs of 32.3 to 33.7 °C. If you can only travel in the rainy season, accept some rain and keep the morning for the palace.
Our pick: on the water in the morning
A short longtail ride is a cooler way to see Wat Arun before the midday heat.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tours and river trips in Bangkok
Temple tours, Chao Phraya cruises and combinations with Wat Pho and Wat Arun, with live prices and availability.
What each season means for your visit
Heat and rain shape the day more than the calendar does.
November to February: driest
Rain falls from 11.6 to 44.6 mm a month, and nights stay at 23.2 to 24.8 °C. This is the easiest time for walking between the palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. Even so, midday is warm, so start early.
March and April: hottest
Daily highs reach 34.7 and 35.7 °C, with lows above 26 °C. The visit involves walking between buildings and courtyards, so pack water, a hat and sunscreen. Rain is still modest in March at 51.0 mm, and builds in April to 93.3 mm.
May to October: rainy season
Monthly rain runs from 189.7 to 335.9 mm. Highs fall slightly, from 35.1 °C in May to 33.0 °C in October, but the air is humid. Carry a light rain jacket or umbrella and keep a plan for an indoor stop. The museum in the palace ticket is one, as the nearby places page explains.
Seasons at the Emerald Buddha
The three seasons also show in the temple.
Three robe changes a year
The robes of the Emerald Buddha are changed three times a year, for the summer, the rainy season and the winter. Typical months are March, July and November, but the dates follow the court calendar and are not fixed. Do not plan a trip around a ceremony. Read more in the Emerald Buddha guide.
Closures can matter more than weather
The palace calendar lists days when the palace, the temple area or the chapel close early or stay shut, for example for ceremonies. These can fall in any month. A day that looks perfect on the weather chart still needs a quick check of the calendar.
Rain and the river
The boat trips on the river run in all seasons, but the rainy months bring more rain on the water too. If you want a dinner cruise on a dry evening, December is the driest month on average, as the table shows.
Planning the day, not just the month
Time of day matters in every season.
Go early
The palace opens at 08:30, and tickets are sold only until 15:30. Arriving at opening gives you the coolest hours. Check the closure calendar before you leave, as the opening hours page explains, because ceremonies can change a day.
Dress for the heat
Palace dress rules apply all year (see the ticket guide), so choose light, loose clothes that still cover your shoulders and legs.
Use the evening
Wat Pho stays open into the evening and Wat Arun until 18:00, so you can leave the hottest hours for a break. A Chao Phraya cruise in the evening gives you a break from walking.
If you are planning a longer trip, Wat Pho's season guide and the Wat Arun guide cover the same question for the neighbouring temples.
Best time to visit Bangkok: frequently asked questions
Which month is driest in Bangkok?
December, with an average of 11.6 mm of rain. January and February follow with 23.6 and 21.4 mm. These are averages, not a promise of dry days.
Which month is the hottest?
April, with an average daily high of 35.7 °C and an average low of 27.2 °C. May is nearly as hot at 35.1 °C.
Is the rainy season a bad time for the Grand Palace?
Not necessarily. Plan for rain, go early and keep an indoor stop in mind. September and October are the wettest months, with 335.9 and 288.7 mm on average.
Does the palace close on certain days?
Yes. The palace calendar lists closures and shortened days, for example for ceremonies. Check it before your visit.
Is this the official site of the Grand Palace?
No. This is an independent guide. It is not run by the palace, the Bureau of the Royal Household or the Tourism Authority of Thailand.