Bangkok is 33°C with humidity most of the year and its temples, offices and rooftops dress better than you'd guess. Pack for both.
For the heat#
Linen, cotton, loose. Light colours. Nothing tight, nothing synthetic that doesn't breathe, nothing black at noon. Two outfits a day isn't vanity; it's the humidity. A hat, and sunglasses.
For the temples#
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Shoulders covered | No vests, no spaghetti straps, for anyone |
| Knees covered | No shorts above the knee, no short skirts |
| Not see-through, not torn | Leggings alone fail at the strict ones |
| Shoes off inside | Slip-ons; you'll do it a dozen times |
Carry a scarf and light trousers in your bag and you can go from a café to a temple without going back to the hotel. The Grand Palace is the strictest and sells cover-ups at the gate. Bangkok temples guide.
For the rooftops and the night#
Smart-casual at the famous rooftop bars: closed shoes and no shorts for men, a dress or smart top for women. Thonglor cocktail bars are similar. Neighbourhood bars, Chinatown and Khao San don't care. Bangkokians dress up at night; you'll feel underdressed in hiking gear.
By month#
- November to February: the cool season, which means warm. Evenings can be pleasant; one light layer.
- March to May: the hottest. Everything above, doubled. Bangkok in March, April (Songkran: you will be soaked).
- June to October: rain, usually one hard hour a day. Sandals that dry, a tiny umbrella, no raincoat. Weather by month.
The item everyone forgets#
A layer for the air conditioning. Malls, the BTS, cinemas and restaurants run cold enough to need a cardigan.
Ask a Bangkokian#
What people actually wear in Thonglor on a Friday, which temple will turn you away, whether that bar cares about your sandals: post your dates on Roavi Community and Local Friends answer. First time in Bangkok has the rest.
Not sure what's right? Ask someone from Bangkok before you pack.
Post your tripFrequently Asked Questions
What is the temple dress code in Bangkok?
Shoulders and knees covered, for women and men. No sleeveless tops, no shorts above the knee, no see-through or torn clothing, no leggings alone at the strict ones. Shoes come off inside; wear slip-ons. The Grand Palace enforces it hardest and sells cover-ups at the gate.What should a woman wear in Bangkok?
Loose light dresses, linen trousers, cotton tops with sleeves, a scarf for temples and air conditioning, sandals you can walk miles in. Thai women dress modestly in daily life and well at night; a sundress is fine, a bikini top in the city isn't.What do you wear to rooftop bars in Bangkok?
Smart-casual. The serious ones turn away flip-flops, vests, sportswear and, for men, shorts. A collared shirt and closed shoes for men, a dress or smart top for women. Neighbourhood bars don't care.What should I wear in Bangkok in rainy season?
The same light clothes plus sandals that dry, a small umbrella (sold everywhere), and nothing that stains when a tuk-tuk goes through a puddle. Rain comes hard for an hour, then stops. Skip the raincoat; it's a sauna.
