What January feels like in Bangkok
January is part of Bangkok's dry season, when rain totals drop well below the wet months. Expect proper heat in the afternoon — slow down between noon and four. After dark the temperature drops clearly: nights stay warm. The air carries some moisture, so hot spells feel a little sticky.
Rain in Bangkok in January
Dry weather dominates, and an umbrella can mostly stay packed. A rainy day brings about 5.8 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 7.6 mm per rainy day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in January
Mid-month, Bangkok gets 11 h 24 min of daylight, from sunrise near 6:45 am to sunset near 6:08 pm. Day length barely changes from mid-December (4 min longer). Close to the equator, sunrise and sunset times move very little through the year. The sun is out for roughly 92% of those daylight hours, so skies are mostly clear.
How January compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, January comes out as the 4th coolest month in Bangkok. It is about as warm as December, with 5 mm more rain. The warm-up continues into February. The next month's average high: 32.3°C (90.1°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
Tips for visiting Bangkok in January
Versatile Layers
Pack pieces you can take off by noon and put back on at dusk.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses; light breathable clothes.
Quick questions
How warm is Bangkok in January?
Expect around 31°C (87.8°F) in the afternoon and 21.8°C (71.2°F) at night, which most visitors would call hot.
Does it rain a lot in Bangkok in January?
No — January is one of the drier times, with about 3 rainy days and 17 mm in total.
What should I wear in Bangkok in January?
Based on the averages: versatile layers and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is January or February better for visiting Bangkok?
On our 12-month climate ranking, January comes out ahead (#1 of 12 vs #4). February is warmer and has more rainy days.