Weather in Bangkok in January

How January compares

January is the 8th warmest month of the year in Bangkok and ranks 3rd of 134 destinations we compare for January - see where else is hot in January. Within Thailand it is 1st of 6 (Thailand in January). Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Bangkok is 23.6°C warmer by day and 19.6°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Bangkok peaks at 31.0°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 32.9°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and almost every pass 30°C. Nights average 21.8°C; one night in ten drops to 18.2°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest January day here reached 35.0°C (1998-01-28) and the coldest night 13.5°C (2014-01-24).

Rain in January

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 3 days with 1 mm or more, 15 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 2018 with 79 mm, the driest 2014 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 66%.

Sea temperature in January

The sea averages 27.0°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 26.1°C to 28.1°C. For the warmest sea here, come in May (30.6°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 6.7 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.3 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:45 and sets about 18:09 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 40%.

Is January a good time to visit Bangkok?

Yes - it is one of the better months: hot days, manageable rain. The best months for Bangkok on our scoring are December, January, November; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Hot afternoons, with some relief after dark

Coming from a UK winter, the heat will be the main adjustment. Bangkok reaches 30°C on 79% of January days, so cooler weather is not something to build your plans around. With humidity at 66%, loose, breathable clothing and regular drinks are sensible, especially when spending time outdoors. Put longer walks earlier in the day and leave room for shade or indoor breaks around midday. Evenings are generally warm enough for light clothes, though a light layer gives you flexibility: the coldest 10% of nights fall to 18.2°C or lower. January suits travellers who enjoy heat but are happy to slow their pace when it feels tiring.

Little rain, but not uninterrupted sunshine

Rain is unlikely to dominate a January trip, so you can make outdoor plans without treating every day as a wet-weather gamble. Still, about 3 rainy days means keeping a flexible indoor alternative is sensible; relatively dry does not mean guaranteed dry. Expect about 6.7 hours of sunshine within 11.3 hours of daylight, rather than clear sun throughout the day. Sun protection remains important whenever you are outside, and cloud should not be mistaken for cool conditions. This combination works well if you want plenty of time outdoors but can shift activities around a shower or take a break when the afternoon heat becomes uncomfortable.