Bangkok in May

Hot and humid; first afternoon storms.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

May is rated avoid. These months rate higher:

• DecemberGreatCool and dry; peak crowds and prices around New Year.
• JanuaryGreatCool (for Bangkok) and dry; high season; smog on still days (check AQI).
• FebruaryGreatWarm and dry; Chinese New Year crowds Yaowarat some years.
• NovemberGoodCooler and drier; Loy Krathong on the river.

• BangkokHighs around 34 °C (93 °F), lows around 27 °C (81 °F), rain on about 15 daysHighs around 93 °F (34 °C), lows around 81 °F (27 °C), rain on about 15 days
• Bangkok and centre, Thailand · Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburihot

  Cool season Nov–Feb is the easy window; April reaches 38 °C (100 °F); September and October bring street flooding in short bursts.Cool season Nov–Feb is the easy window; April reaches 100 °F (38 °C); September and October bring street flooding in short bursts.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Coronation Day and the Royal Ploughing Ceremony check

  4 May; ploughing ceremony on a date set by astrologers (check) · Sanam Luang

  Public holidays; the ceremony closes Sanam Luang and nearby roads.

• Visakha Bucha check

  Full moon of the 6th lunar month (public holiday) · Temples

  Evening candle processions; no alcohol sales.

Crowds · Thailand overall

Low

Prices · Thailand overall

Low

Thailand overall: Heat plus first rains; Andaman seas turn rough; the Gulf islands are the pick.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Bangkok, side by side.

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

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