Start of the wetter season · Weather & things to do
Bangkok in May
Bangkok cools off: highs slip to 92°F (34°C), from 97°F in April, with lows of 78°F (26°C) and about 6.5 in (164 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 37/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cloud cover.
- Avg high
- 92°F (34°C)
- Avg low
- 78°F (26°C)
- Rain
- 6.5 in (164 mm)
- Humidity
- 76%
- Cloud cover
- 84%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 38 min
- Comfort score
- 37/100 · Tough
What May feels like
Expect proper heat: afternoons average 92°F (34°C), so plan walking and hiking for the morning and save midday for shade, lunch or a swim.
Even at night it stays warm, around 78°F (26°C).
Humidity averages 76%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Expect regular rain: about 6.5 in (164 mm) falls in the month.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 84%.
Plan around May
May is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are December & January.
- Humidity season begins: 76% on average, up from 66% in April.
- Comfort slips from 50/100 in April to 37/100.
- Our Bangkok to the Andaman route recommends Nov – Mar, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 92°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Quick-dry fabrics76% average humidity
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes6.5 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Bangkok in May
Wet days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Thipsamai Pad Thai
Famous pad thai shop since 1966, including a version wrapped in egg.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 6.5 in of rain.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Huge weekend market with over 10,000 stalls selling clothes, crafts and food.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop for a month with 6.5 in of rain.
Wat Pho
Temple of the 46-meter Reclining Buddha and a famous traditional massage school.
Jay Fai
Michelin-starred street-food stall known for crab omelets cooked over charcoal.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 92°F.
Sky Bar at Lebua
Open-air bar 63 floors up on the State Tower, overlooking the river.
Why now Best first thing, before the 92°F afternoon heat.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Bangkok in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Bangkok?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 37/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are December & January. Expect highs of 92°F (34°C) and 6.5 in (164 mm) of rain. Our Bangkok to the Andaman route recommends Nov – Mar, so May is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Bangkok in May?
Average highs are 92°F (34°C) and average lows 78°F (26°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Bangkok in May?
Yes: about 6.5 in (164 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 53.6 in (1361 mm).
What should I pack for Bangkok in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 92°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), quick-dry fabrics (76% average humidity) and rain jacket and waterproof shoes (6.5 in of rain on average).
Planning Bangkok in May?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.