Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and is located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. Bangkok is also the largest city in the country with more than 8 million inhabitants, and if you include the surrounding villages and cities, it is almost as big as the Netherlands. Bangkok’s official name is Krung Thep, but in the west we still use the old name. In the Wat Phra Kaew temple is the most important Buddha image in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha. Bangkok has become a real metropolis in the last 30 years and this has not always been a favorable event. As a tourist it is not so attractive to visit Bangkok anymore because of the many roads that are on stilts and the skytrains, a walk through the city is sometimes just like a walk through a tunnel. Also the air pollution can be enormous here on some days.
In 2002, the new government decided that nightlife in Bangkok had to be curtailed, since then this is a lot less exuberant than it used to be. However, the famous go-gobars will never disappear here. Bangkok has one of the most important ports in Thailand. The King’s Square Sanam Luang is the heart of the city. A market is held every day on this square where all kinds of local specialties are sold. To the north of the square is a popular backpacker meeting spot on Khao San Road. Khao San Road is swarming with tourists. During a short walk through the city, you will be surprised how many large and small temples, but all equally beautiful, can be found. Because Bangkok is just over two meters above sea level, flooding often spares the city.
Bangkok climate
Bangkok has a tropical wet and dry climate. Average temperatures in the city are about 2 degrees Celsius higher than just outside the city. The highest recorded maximum temperature is 40.8 degrees Celsius. The lowest temperature measured is at least 9.9 degrees Celsius. Bangkok is at its driest between November and February, and also at its busiest, because many tourists choose to visit the city at the time. Humidity levels also increase during this drier period, especially in April and May. The climate in Bangkok is at its hottest from March to August, while the rainy season is between June and October. At this time of year, you can expect short spells of rainy weather, mainly in the afternoon. About 90 percent of the rain falls at this time of the year,
Characteristic of Bangkok are the large amounts of smog in the drier periods. You shall see a brown-gray blanket of dirty air hanging over the city. That’s why you see many people wearing mouth masks, especially those who work on the street, such as police officers who are managing the always hectic traffic.
Climate figures
The figures below are based on long-term average climate statistics. Temperatures are displayed in degrees Celsius (° C).
More climate information
Climate figures are useful, but do not provide an overall picture of the climate and the possible weather conditions within a certain period. The chance of winter weather, (extreme) heat or hurricanes is often not reflected in figures. That is why we offer useful extra climate information every month.
