What May feels like in Bangkok
May falls in Bangkok's wet season — the rainfall numbers rise clearly above the dry months. Afternoons are very hot — outdoor plans work best early in the day or after sunset. Evenings ease the heat only slightly, and nights remain very warm. The air is muggy, so it feels hotter than the thermometer suggests.
Rain in Bangkok in May
May is persistently wet here: some rain falls on most days. A rainy day brings about 7.4 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. The yearly figure is similar, around 7.6 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in May
On 15 May the sun rises at about 5:51 am and sets around 6:37 pm local time, giving 12 h 45 min of daylight. Since mid-April the day has gained 20 min. Close to the equator, sunrise and sunset times move very little through the year. About 80% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, skies are mostly clear.
How May compares to the rest of the year
In Bangkok's temperature order, May sits as the 3rd warmest month. Against April, the average high is 1°C (1.8°F) lower, with 77 mm more rain. June is cooler again. By June, typical highs are 32.4°C (90.3°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Bangkok in May
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses; light breathable clothes.
Quick questions
How warm is Bangkok in May?
Afternoons average 33.3°C (91.9°F) and nights about 26.5°C (79.7°F) — very hot by most people's standards. It is the 3rd warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Bangkok in May?
Yes, fairly — rain falls most days and totals about 156 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Bangkok in May?
Pack rain protection and sun protection. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is May or June better for visiting Bangkok?
May scores better on our climate ranking (#11 of 12 vs #12), rated Poor against Poor. June has more rainy days.