Bangkok Weather in May & Travel Tips

May marks a significant rise in rainfall in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. The slight change in the weather is a relief from the April scorching heat, but due to the combination of high rainy days and hot temperature, it is still unfavorable to travel. However, there are still plenty of ways you can spend your holiday indoors without it being underwhelming. This guide will provide you with information on Bangkok weather in May and what to expect when traveling during this time of the year.

Characteristics of Bangkok weather in May

The average high temperature is more or less the same as April, at over 31 degrees Celsius, so overall, Bangkok weather in May is very warm.

May is also one of the rainiest months of the year, with about 17 rainy days. It might not be ideal to arrive in Thailand and meet with the flooding in urban centers. Heavy showers and downpours are expected, which can affect your day plans.

An advantage of visiting Bangkok in May is low prices for tourists. Most visitors do not choose to travel here in May. Therefore, you might be able to buy cheap flight tickets and book hotel rooms at a much more reasonable price than peak season.

What to expect in Bangkok in May

Royal Ploughing Ceremony

There is no fixed date for this festival, but it usually falls in May. The Royal Ploughing Festival marks the beginning of the rice-growing season since rice is a crucial aspect of Thai culture and economy. It is more than a religious ceremony, with the attendance of many highly-important government officials.

In its present form, the Royal Ploughing Festival composes of two separate rituals: The Cultivating Ceremony by the King or high-ranked officials and The Ploughing Ceremony held in Sanam Luang in front of the Grand Palace. The ceremony is open to the public, but respectful attire is requested.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony of 2021 will be held on May 11 (Source: Patipat Janthong)

Visakha Bucha Day

Visakha Bucha Day is the most important Buddhist holiday in the Thai calendar, often taking place at the end of May, depending on the lunar calendar. This day celebrates three main events in the life of Buddha: his birth, his enlightenment, and his death. Visakha Bucha is considered a national day, so you should take a day off from the sightseeing and see the local Buddhist life and tradition instead.

Shops, bars, and restaurants are prohibited from selling alcohol for 24 hours from the beginning of the day. Thai Buddhists will visit the many temples around their area to give food to monks as a way to make merit. Observers are welcome in temples to see the candle-hit possessions in major temples in the evening.

Visakha Bucha Day (Source: The Thaiger)

Travel tips for Bangkok in May

• You should keep in mind Bangkok weather in May — more specifically, both the heat and the rain, when preparing your luggage. Aside from sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and light cotton clothes, which are essentials for Bangkok's hotter season, we definitely recommend packing an umbrella and/or a rain jacket.
• If you are doing most of your exploring during the evening and in more touristic parts of Bangkok (for example Chinatown or bars), you can opt for more comfortable, casual clothes. However, always keep your outfit appropriate and concealing.
• Refer to this article for information on Thailand's weather in May as a whole: Is May A Perfect Time to Enjoy Thailand’s Weather? 

It is hard to give exact predictions on the weather in May or any time of the year as it is subject to change every day. However, we hope that this guide has provided an insight into the usual climate of Bangkok in May. BestPrice Travel also provides an extensive guide to Bangkok Weather for the best time to visit Bangkok. We are happy to assist you with any questions regarding trip planning and destinations.

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Image source: Internet