PerkJolt
How hot and rainy is Bangkok during rainy season, and is it still worth going?
Short answer: Bangkok stays hot and sticky all year, and the rainy season adds frequent, heavy downpours, mostly from May through October. September and October are the wettest stretch. It's still worth visiting if you're flexible and plan around the afternoons, and it's a poor fit if you need dry, predictable days outdoors.
The details
- When it rains. The monsoon rainy season runs roughly from mid-May to October. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The exact start and end shift from year to year, so check the forecast close to departure. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- How hot. Average daily highs are about 33.5°C (92°F) in July, 33.3°C in August, 33.2°C in September and 33°C (91°F) in October. Overnight lows sit around 25–26°C (77–79°F). (checked Oct 12, 2026) It's a little cooler than the April peak, but not cool. The real strain is humidity. Hotels with strong air conditioning matter more than the thermometer reading.
- How much rain. Monthly averages climb from roughly 155 mm over 16 days in June to 175 mm over 17 days in July and 220 mm over 20 days in August. September peaks at 335 mm over 21 days, and October still brings 290 mm over 18 days. The year totals about 1,650 mm (65 in). (checked Oct 12, 2026) Other climate datasets give somewhat different monthly totals, but they agree that September is the wettest month.
- What the rain is like. Rain usually comes in short, intense downpours, especially in the afternoon and evening. Longer wet spells are possible. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Flash flooding can occur in low-lying areas and make getting around harder. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- Right now. The Thai Meteorological Department's forecasts are the official source. As of today, it flags thundershowers and isolated heavy to very heavy rain across the central region, including Bangkok, on 13 October 2026. (checked Oct 12, 2026) It also expects rain to ease across upper Thailand during 12–17 October. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
Is it worth it?
Yes, if you're happy with a flexible schedule. Bangkok's rainy season is low season, with fewer crowds and more affordable hotel rates. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Malls, spas, museums and food halls are good wet-hour fallbacks. For points travelers, low season is often when award nights and cash rates are easiest to find, but check availability for your dates.
Skip it if you have a short trip built around outdoor sightseeing, or you can't tolerate heat plus humidity. If you have a choice, aim for early in the season (June–July), when rain is lighter than in September and October. For the driest, most comfortable weather, the cool season is November to February. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
Tips
- Do temples, markets and walking in the morning, when rain is less likely. Keep afternoons for indoor stops. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- Pack a compact umbrella or light rain jacket and shoes or sandals that handle water. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- Build slack into any fixed-time plan. Getting around is slower in heavy rain, so give yourself a buffer before flights or tours.
- Check the Thai Meteorological Department forecast the day before: https://www.tmd.go.th/en/
- Choose a hotel near a BTS or MRT station so a downpour doesn't strand you. Check the transit operators' sites for current routes.
FAQ
When does Bangkok's rainy season start and end?
Roughly mid-May to October. The start and end vary each year. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The Thai Meteorological Department announces the official start and publishes monthly summaries at https://tmd.go.th/en/climate/summarymonthly.
Which month is the wettest?
September, with about 335 mm over around 21 days on average, followed by October. (checked Oct 12, 2026) If you want the wet season with the least rain, June and July are lighter on average.
Does it rain all day?
Usually not. Rain tends to arrive as heavy bursts, often in the afternoon or evening, with dry stretches around them. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Some days are wetter, so keep a rain plan for each day.
Is Bangkok cooler in the rainy season?
Only slightly. October highs average about 33°C (91°F), with warm nights. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Humidity makes it feel hotter than the number suggests, so expect to sweat through your clothes.
Is flooding a problem for tourists?
Flash flooding can hit low-lying areas during heavy rain and disrupt transport. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Most visitors just wait out a downpour indoors. Check your hotel's location and the daily forecast.
Get the Bangkok guide when it's ready.
More questions about Bangkok
- Is a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok worth it?
- How do I get around Bangkok: Grab, BTS and taxis?
- What should I do on a first visit to Bangkok?
- Is Bangkok good with kids?
- How much does a Bangkok trip cost?
See every question about Bangkok → /answers/bangkok/
Last verified: 2026-10-12. Rain forecasts and warnings change daily, so check the Thai Meteorological Department at https://www.tmd.go.th/en/ before you go.
Good to know before you go
. Confirm hours, fees, schedules and road or trail status on the official page before you book or go.
Sources
- https://www.tmd.go.th/en/
- https://www.tmd.go.th/en/weather/weatherthailand
- https://tmd.go.th/en/climate/summarymonthly
- https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/thailand/bangkok
- https://www.banyantree.com/thailand/bangkok/experiences/best-month-to-visit-bangkok
- https://thailandinsiderguide.com/en/travel-essentials/thailand-climate-weather-guide/