Bangkok in July: What to Realistically Expect
If you thought June was rainy, welcome to July in Bangkok, where the monsoon season is really, officially on.
It’s not all relentless downpours, though, so don’t go counting out a visit just yet. July is wet, yes—but with those rainy days come cooler weather (sometimes) and cloudier skies (goodbye UV hellscape, hello beautiful light for photos). And in my opinion, visiting Bangkok in July is still very doable as a traveler. In fact, my first ever visit to Bangkok was in July!
Unlike the early rainy season months (looking at you, May and June) that flirt with — but don’t commit to — stormy weather, July is all in. In a proper storm, you begin to feel a bit like Noah, especially if you’re stuck down a tiny soi with poor drainage.
You’ll start to notice a familiar pattern. The hot weather transitions from moderately humid to downright soupy, and sure enough, you’ll feel a few sprinkles rain down from the sky. This is either a feint or a warning shot, and predicting just how intensely the sky will open up is an acquired skill, or perhaps even an art.
Still, the rain is not quite as intense as it will be later in the season. Even in July, you’ll still have sunny days about half the time; plenty of time for temple visits, outdoor market wanders, and neighborhood walks… so long as you keep an eye on the forecast (and the sky overhead) and time things just right.
The trick to surviving July in Bangkok? A bit of flexibility, waterproof footwear (and a stashed rain poncho), and the willingness to duck into a café at a moment’s notice (pull my arm, why don’t you?)
Average Weather in Bangkok in July
- Average highs/lows: 93°F high, 81°F low (34°C / 27°C)
- Record extremes: 101°F high, 73°F low (38°C / 23°C)
- Average humidity: 75%
- Average rainfall: 190 mm (or roughly 7.5 inches)
- Chance of rain: 54% (about 16 days per month)
The main thing to note here is that there’s a lot more cloud cover in July, which takes the edge off Bangkok’s usual UV index. The temperature doesn’t range too much, so it doesn’t feel dramatically cooler than June, but the reduced sun exposure will make a difference… especially for anyone with skin prone to spontaneous combustion, like me.
The Honest Truth About Rain in Bangkok in July
The rainy season ramps up in July for sure. The frequent drizzles of June tend to turn into more frequent storms and downpours come July.
While yes, you’re more likely to see regular rainfall, it’s still rare to lose an entire day to rain. And unlike the drama of September storms, July’s rain is… almost demure. Still moody, still sudden, definitely not nearly as biblical.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience Bangkok’s sois as incidental canals, July is a strong contender. For the record, that’s a joke. The drainage throughout Bangkok does not keep pace with the rainy season, particularly on small side streets (the sois).
Be ready to wade, or seek out higher ground (I recommend a mall or food court) until things settle down. And waterproof shoes — or at least shoes nearing the end of their natural lifespan — always make a difference.
Tips for Making the Most of Bangkok in July
- Always carry a poncho or umbrella: 7-Eleven is more than just a place to get toasties and whatever strange concoctions influencers are telling you is viral. It’s also where you can always grab an emergency poncho!
- Plan around the weather: Stack your outdoor plans for the mornings (generally drier), and your mall strolls, museums, or movie days for the more stormy afternoons.
- Use the BTS/MRT whenever possible: In the rainy season, avoid taxis (of both the motorbike and car variety). In July, trains are your best friend—dry, fast, and immune to surge pricing when it starts raining. However, the ever-blasting A/C is very unpleasant if you walk in already soaked from the rain.
Weather in the Rest of Thailand in July
Since people often use Bangkok as a starting point for the rest of their Thailand adventures, I have to warn you that Thailand in July is a bit of a minefield. There are a few places that are rather lovely, but others will be pretty heavily impacted by the rainy season.
While Bangkok is occasionally very wet, it’s still manageable. And the tourist crowds in Bangkok in July are a lot more manageable compared to the city’s high season months, like January and February.
As for seaside destinations, pick carefully. Coastal areas like Krabi and islands like Phuket, Koh Lanta, and Koh Lipe can get extremely rainy and unmanageable at this time of year. Your best bet are the three Gulf Islands of Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan, which stay relatively dry until later in the year and are still good for a beachy escape.
As for Northern Thailand, it can be a bit hit or miss. While the air is finally clear after burning season, July brings heavier rains to Chiang Mai and especially Chiang Rai.
There’s potential for flash floods, which can be inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst. These get worse later into the season, but in general, the closer to the Laos border you are, the more intense the rainy season can be at this point onwards.
