Bangkok in May

In May, Bangkok averages 34°C (93°F) during the day and 26°C (79°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (198 mm total).

Off-peak

Conditions are very hot — early-morning and evening sightseeing recommended. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

May is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Bangkok. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.

34°C
Avg high
26°C
Avg low
14
Rain days
198 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Bangkok

3rd
warmest month of the 12
6th
wettest month of the 12
13%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
12 h 45 min
daylight on the 15th

May is one of the warmest months in Bangkok (3rd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (33°C). May runs 2°C cooler than April (36°C) and cools 1°C in June (33°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Bangkok

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:51 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:37 PM
Day length
12 h 45 min

Times shown for Bangkok local time (Asia/Bangkok), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Bangkok — May

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Bangkok's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:51 AM – 5:31 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:31 AM – 6:31 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:57 PM – 6:57 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:57 PM – 7:37 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Bangkok.

📅 When to book — Bangkok in May

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Off-peak) and Bangkok's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-6 weeks
Cheapest flights of the year. Last-minute deals are real if you can be flexible.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-4 weeks
Last-minute bookings work fine. Some seasonal properties close — call ahead if it's a small boutique or beach resort.

Crowds & pricing — May in Bangkok

Off-peak

This is off-peak for Bangkok — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.

Why this tier: challenging tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — May in Bangkok

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.9
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Bangkok in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 32°C / 90°F 22°C / 72°F 13 mm 1
February 33°C / 91°F 24°C / 75°F 20 mm 2
March 35°C / 95°F 26°C / 79°F 35 mm 4
April 36°C / 97°F 27°C / 81°F 81 mm 6
May 34°C / 93°F 26°C / 79°F 198 mm 14
June 33°C / 91°F 26°C / 79°F 175 mm 15
July 33°C / 91°F 26°C / 79°F 173 mm 15
August 32°C / 90°F 25°C / 77°F 185 mm 16
September 32°C / 90°F 25°C / 77°F 333 mm 18
October 32°C / 90°F 25°C / 77°F 290 mm 16
November 32°C / 90°F 23°C / 73°F 51 mm 5
December 31°C / 88°F 21°C / 70°F 8 mm 1

Other cities with similar May weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Bangkok in May →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Bangkok in May?

In May, Bangkok averages a high of 34°C (93°F) and a low of 26°C (79°F) — generally hot.

Does it rain a lot in Bangkok in May?

May can be fairly wet in Bangkok, with about 14 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Bangkok?

May is hot but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Bangkok in May?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Bangkok for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Bangkok on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.