Bangkok, Thailand – Climate and Average Weather Year Round: What to Expect

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Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical climate characterized by hot and humid conditions throughout the year.

The average high temperature in Bangkok is 97°F, while the low temperature is around 73°F.

This city, known for its colorful bustle, is a fascinating destination with distinct weather patterns that can influence travel plans.

The climate in Bangkok includes a dry season that lasts from November to April, featuring less rain and a clearer sky.

During the rainy season, which runs from May to October, expect frequent showers and thunderstorms, with September experiencing the highest rainfall levels at 13.15 inches.

This tropical wet and dry climate makes Bangkok unique among Asian cities and a must-visit destination.

Bangkok’s warm waters also attract visitors, especially in May when the water temperature peaks at 87°F. On the cooler side, the waters drop to an average of 81°F from December to February.

Whether planning a trip to enjoy cultural festivals or explore temples, visitors will find Bangkok’s tropical savanna climate intriguing and varied.

Explore more about Bangkok’s climate and plan your trip accordingly.

Average Temperature In Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok has a tropical climate, which means it’s hot throughout the year. The temperatures don’t vary much between seasons.

Monthly Temperature

Month Avg. Low (°F) Avg. High (°F) Avg. Temperature (°F)
January 73 90 80
April 79 97 85
October 77 91 84

Warmest and Coldest Months

April is the warmest month with an average high of 97°F. December is the coldest month, with night temperatures dropping to around 73°F.

Night temperatures in Bangkok are generally mild, even in cooler months. The average night temperature rarely falls below 70°F.

Annual Climate

Throughout the year, the average temperature in Bangkok ranges from 73°F to 97°F. The most comfortable period is between November and February when temperatures are less extreme.

Rainfall and Humidity

Bangkok has a distinctive rainy season due to the monsoon. This occurs from mid-May to October, contributing to higher humidity and temperatures.

Rainfall can reach up to 5.24 inches during these months, which can affect daily temperature patterns.

Comfort Levels

Despite the heat, many find the climate in Bangkok manageable, especially when considering the relatively stable temperatures throughout the year.

Average Precipitation In Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok experiences significant changes in rainfall throughout the year, with a pronounced rainy season influenced by monsoons.

Average Rainfall In Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok has a noticeable dry and rainy season. From November to April, the city sees minimal rain.

The rainy season kicks in from mid-May to October, with the highest precipitation recorded in September. During this month, the rainfall reaches approximately 13.15 inches. The driest month is December, with the precipitation close to 0.9 inches.

Here’s a table showing the average monthly rainfall:

Month Rainfall (Inches)
January 1.0
February 0.9
March 1.2
April 3.3
May 6.3
June 7.3
July 6.7
August 8.3
September 13.15
October 8.0
November 2.3
December 0.9

The monsoon season is crucial for the city, providing essential water but also leading to increased humidity and occasional flooding.

Average Snow In Bangkok, Thailand

Snow is an extremely rare occurrence in Bangkok. The city’s tropical climate means that temperatures remain far too warm for snow.

The coldest month is January, with average temperatures around 78.6°F, which is well above freezing.

Bangkok has never recorded snow, and it isn’t expected given the current and historical climate data.

For a comprehensive look at snow and ice, refer to the detailed articles like the one on Snow and Ice provided by experts.

Average Sun In Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok enjoys a generous amount of sunshine throughout the year, contributing to its warm and tropical climate.

Daily sunshine hours and the intensity of solar energy vary by month, influenced by seasonal weather patterns.

Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy In Bangkok, Thailand

The average daily shortwave solar energy received in Bangkok is a key factor in understanding its sunny weather.

During the year, the city experiences significant daylight, even during the rainy season. The table below breaks down the average daily shortwave solar energy by month.

Month Average Daily Solar Energy (kWh/m²)
January 4.5
February 5.4
March 6.2
April 6.3
May 5.8
June 5.3
July 5.1
August 5.1
September 4.7
October 4.7
November 4.5
December 4.4

Bangkok’s sunniest months are March and April, with solar energy peaking at about 6.3 kWh/m². The least amount of solar energy is observed in December, with an average of 4.4 kWh/m².

This variation is due to changes in cloud cover and daylight hours throughout the year.

During the dry season, skies are generally clearer, offering ample hours of sunshine and little cloud cover.

In contrast, the rainy season from May to October features more frequent cloud cover, reducing the amount of direct solar radiation received.

Average Humidity In Bangkok, Thailand

Humidity levels in Bangkok play a significant role in how the weather feels. The average humidity is high throughout the year, making the city’s climate feel warm and muggy.

Monthly Average Humidity
Here’s a look at the average relative humidity by month:

Month Average Relative Humidity (%)
January 70%
February 65%
March 65%
April 70%
May 75%
June 80%
July 80%
August 80%
September 80%
October 80%
November 75%
December 70%

The high humidity contributes to a high dew point, often making conditions feel oppressive, especially during the rainy season.

Humidity can make temperatures feel much hotter than they actually are. For instance, an 85°F day with high humidity can feel much warmer.

This elevated level of perceived temperature affects comfort levels, leading to an experience often described as miserable.

The rainy season, from mid-May to October, sees the highest humidity levels. Conversely, the dry season from November to April still maintains moderate humidity, but it is generally more bearable.

Average Wind In Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok’s wind is generally mild throughout the year. Wind speed averages around 2 to 4 mph.

Monthly Average Wind Speed

Below is a table of average wind speeds by month in Bangkok:

Month Average Wind Speed (mph)
January 4.2
February 4.0
March 3.5
April 2.8
May 2.5
June 2.7
July 3.0
August 3.2
September 3.3
October 3.5
November 3.8
December 4.1

Seasonal Wind Patterns

Wind patterns vary with the seasons. Summer often experiences lower wind speeds, while winter months tend to have slightly higher speeds.

Impact of Monsoon Season

During the monsoon season (May-October), wind speeds can increase slightly, accompanied by heavier rainfall.

Travel Tips

Visitors planning outdoor activities should consider these seasonal wind variations. The mild wind generally makes for pleasant weather, but those sensitive to weather changes might prefer visiting during cooler months.

Average Air Quality In Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok faces various air quality challenges throughout the year. The city often experiences higher levels of PM2.5 and PM10 particles, affecting those with respiratory conditions.

Monthly Air Quality Breakdown

Month AQI Level Main Pollutants
January Poor PM2.5, PM10
February Moderate PM2.5, PM10
March Moderate PM2.5
April Moderate PM10, Ozone
May Good Ozone, PM2.5
June Good Ozone
July Good Ozone
August Good Ozone
September Moderate PM2.5, PM10, Ozone
October Moderate PM2.5, PM10
November Poor PM2.5, PM10
December Poor PM2.5, PM10

Air Quality Indicators

  • Pressure: Typically ranges between 29.8 and 30.2 inches of mercury.
  • Beach/Pool Score: Scores lower in times of high air pollution.
  • Sea Temperature: Averages around 81-87°F but is not directly affected by air quality.

Seasonal Variations

From December to February, air quality tends to worsen due to lower wind speeds and increased industrial activity.

Conversely, from June to August, the monsoon season helps improve air quality as rains wash away pollutants.

Health Implications

People should be aware of color-coded air quality alerts, which indicate when it is safer to be outdoors.

On days with poor AQI, it’s advisable to limit physical activities outside.

For more on Bangkok’s climate details, check the Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Bangkok Thailand.

Feel free to visit the sites directly for more information about Bangkok’s climate and weather patterns.

Topography Of Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is located in the central region of Thailand, near the Gulf of Thailand.

The city is largely flat, lying just a few feet above sea level. This low elevation makes it prone to flooding, especially during the rainy season.

The city is surrounded by inland areas, which also contribute to its susceptibility to water-related issues.

Nearby Regions

  • North: To the north of Bangkok, regions like Chiang Mai boast mountainous terrain, contrasting with Bangkok’s flat landscape.
  • South: The southern parts, such as Phuket, feature sandy beaches and coastal landscapes.
  • Gulf of Thailand: Bangkok’s proximity to the Gulf of Thailand influences its climate, with coastal winds affecting the weather patterns.

Bangkok’s flat terrain does not have significant hills or mountains.

The Chao Phraya River, which flows through the city, is a key geographical feature. This river is crucial for transportation and has numerous canals branching off it.

Monthly Temperature and Rainfall

Month Avg Temp (°F) Rainfall (in)
January 78.6 0.6
February 81.3 0.6
March 85.1 1.4
April 86.0 2.6
May 85.6 7.5
June 85.3 4.9
July 84.5 5.7
August 84.6 7.2
September 83.8 12.1
October 83.1 8.8
November 81.0 1.5
December 78.8 0.5

The table shows that Bangkok experiences warm temperatures all year round. The city’s location near the coast significantly impacts its climate and rainfall patterns.

Extreme Weather Events That Occur In Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok experiences a variety of extreme weather events that can impact daily life.

One of the most significant events is extreme heat. In April 2023, Bangkok saw record temperatures of 113.7°F, prompting authorities to issue heat warnings for several days in a row. This intense heat can lead to serious health issues and even fatalities.

Table: Monthly Record High Temperatures (°F)

Month Record High (°F)
January 95
February 99
March 104
April 113.7
May 108
June 104
July 102
August 98
September 96
October 97
November 95
December 92

Severe Storms and Typhoons

Bangkok also faces severe storms and typhoons that bring heavy rainfall.

These storms can cause flooding, making travel difficult and damaging property. While the city is relatively shielded from direct hits by typhoons, the residual effects can still be significant, with strong winds and heavy rain.

Periodic Cool Periods

Occasionally, Bangkok experiences cool periods, usually from December to February.

During these times, temperatures can drop to around 70°F, providing some relief from the usual heat. However, these periods are short-lived and not very common.

Monsoons and Heavy Rainfall

The monsoon season, from May to October, brings significant rainfall to Bangkok.

Flooding is a recurring issue during this period. Rainfall can exceed 12 inches in a single month, disrupting everyday activities and sometimes even causing evacuations.

Table: Average Monthly Rainfall (Inches)

Month Average Rainfall (inches)
January 0.9
February 1.1
March 1.9
April 3.4
May 9.1
June 6.6
July 7.9
August 8.4
September 12.7
October 9.5
November 3.4
December 1.0

Best Time Of The Year To Visit Bangkok, Thailand

The best time to visit Bangkok is during the cool and dry season from November to February. These months offer milder temperatures and less humidity, making the visit more comfortable.

What Is Bangkok, Thailand Like In Spring

Spring in Bangkok spans March to May. During these months, temperatures begin to rise, often reaching highs of 95°F (35°C).

Month Average High Average Low Rainfall
March 94°F 79°F 1.6 inches
April 95°F 80°F 3.2 inches
May 93°F 79°F 7.7 inches

March sees more pleasant weather with average temperatures around 86°F (30°C), but by April and May, the heat intensifies.

April is the hottest month of the year. It is also the start of the rainy season, so visitors should be prepared for occasional showers.

The Thai New Year, Songkran, in mid-April, attracts many tourists, often making the city lively despite the heat.

What Is Bangkok, Thailand Like In Summer

Summer in Bangkok covers June to August, marked by the rainy season. Expect high humidity and frequent rain showers.

Month Average High Average Low Rainfall
June 91°F 79°F 6.1 inches
July 90°F 78°F 7.4 inches
August 89°F 78°F 8.1 inches

Downpours are common but usually brief. The rain helps cool things down. This period is less crowded due to the weather, providing a quieter visiting experience.

What Is Bangkok, Thailand Like In Fall

Fall runs from September to November.

September is still part of the rainy season, but rainfall decreases by mid-October, giving way to drier weather by November.

Month Average High Average Low Rainfall
September 89°F 77°F 12.2 inches
October 88°F 76°F 9.1 inches
November 88°F 74°F 2.3 inches

September has the most rain of the year, so it’s advisable to carry an umbrella.

By November, temperatures are more manageable and the city gears up for its peak tourist season. This makes late November an ideal time for visiting.

What Is Bangkok, Thailand Like In Winter

Winter in Bangkok, from December to February, offers the best weather. These months feature cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall.

Month Average High Average Low Rainfall
December 87°F 70°F 0.9 inches
January 89°F 70°F 0.4 inches
February 92°F 73°F 0.9 inches

December and January are particularly pleasant, with daytime highs around 87-89°F. Nights are cooler, making it comfortable for outdoor activities. Tourists flock to the city during this time, so it can be crowded. February remains relatively cool and dry before transitioning back to the hot season.

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