October is the hinge of the Bangkok year. It opens wet and ends dry, and the week it turns is one of the best weeks to be here.
Weather#
| Early October | Late October | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | Low 30s °C, humid, storms most afternoons | Low 30s °C, drier, clearer sky |
| Rain | Frequent, sometimes prolonged | Thinning fast |
| River | Highest of the year, some riverside flooding | Falling |
September is wetter; November is the first dry month and the start of the best season. Weather by month.
What's on#
The Vegetarian Festival in Chinatown, nine days in late September or October: yellow flags on Yaowarat, mock-meat everything, and the best excuse of the year to eat your way down the street. Street food guide. Two public holidays, 13 and 23 October, with ceremonies at the Royal Plaza and Chulalongkorn's statue. Toward the end of the month the city starts preparing for Loy Krathong in November.
The river#
Mid-October is when the Chao Phraya runs highest. Riverside walkways in the old city and Thonburi sometimes take on water at high tide. The express boats keep running and it is dramatic to watch; wear sandals you can wade in.
Crowds and prices#
Low season to the end of the month. Hotels begin raising rates for November and December, so late-October bookings catch the last of the cheap rooms with almost high-season weather. Where to stay; Bangkok on a budget.
What to pack#
The rain kit for the first half (shell, dry bag, sandals), lighter for the second. Temple cover always. What to wear in Bangkok.
Plan it#
The 3-day itinerary; if you are here after the 20th, run it as written. Post your dates on Roavi Community. A Local Friend will know which Chinatown stall to queue at and whether this is the week the rain stops.
Bangkok in October? The month the monsoon breaks. See it with a local.
Meet a Local FriendFrequently Asked Questions
Is October a good month to visit Bangkok?
The second half is. Rain eases, the sky clears and prices are still low. The first half is a continuation of September: wet, humid and cheap. If you can choose, come after the 20th.When does the rainy season end in Bangkok?
Usually in the second half of October, with November the first fully dry month. The exact week varies by year; the river is at its highest around mid-October.What is the Vegetarian Festival in Bangkok?
A nine-day Chinese-Thai festival in Chinatown (Yaowarat) during the ninth lunar month, which lands in late September or October. Hundreds of stalls fly yellow flags and serve vegetarian versions of everything. It is one of the best eating weeks of the year.What are the public holidays in Thailand in October?
13 October, the memorial day for King Rama IX, and 23 October, Chulalongkorn Day. Government offices close and some events are held; shops and attractions stay open.
