Best time to visit Bangkok

Bangkok is hot all year; the question is whether it is also wet. The cool, dry season from November to February is the best and busiest time, with evenings that are merely warm and almost no rain. March and April are the hottest months, with Songkran from 13 to 15 April turning the city into a three-day water fight. The monsoon runs from May to October, peaking in September, with heavy but usually short afternoon downpours and the lowest hotel rates of the year.

The city's malls, temples with covered walkways and river boats make a rainy visit perfectly workable. Three practical rules: the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew require covered shoulders and knees and close for royal ceremonies at short notice; alcohol sales pause on Buddhist holy days such as Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha and Asalha Bucha; and the BTS Skytrain and MRT beat taxis in the traffic at any hour. For the best weather at the lowest peak-season price, take the first half of November or February after Chinese New Year.