The Southeast Asian city of Bangkok is said to have a tropical climate. The Thais divide the year into three seasons which they call a cool season, hot season, and rainy season. Temperatures in the city rarely drop below 25° C (70° F). The months of October until February are considered to be favorable for tourists.

The cool season runs from December to March, although there’s usually just one week in December when temperatures are actually comfortable. Temperatures dip down to a few centigrade in these months and normal life is affected only a slightly.

The heat begins to increase soon after the New Year and by April or May, it can be almost unbearably hot and humid. One of Thailand’s most celebrated festivals – Songkran, takes place in April and involves lots of water throwing to cool down. Temperatures are at the peak during the months of April and May, and it is very hot and sticky due to the increased sea winds. Later months of the year face a gradual fall in temperature.

The rainy season, which coincides with the European and North American summers, is characterized by heavy downpours and not so favorable for tourists. During the rainy season, there are extremely heavy downpours, but they generally only last for an hour or so in the afternoon. The city annually records a maximum of 340 mm a year. Months of May and June to October experience very heavy rains. The rain cools down the high temperatures and cleans the air nicely that may be unique real relaxing relaxing after heating. With the temperatures touching the peak, the rain is not cold. Most of the times, it can be just like a warm shower.

June to September experiences plenty of sunshine and is much cooler with the temperatures ranging around 24-28° C, but is the season for rain and is really refreshing. This has a lot of advantages like less visitors and better hotel rates. Best time to visit is from October until February when temperature ranges around 25- 28° C with light breezes and only the occasional showers.

Bangkok’s culture dates back to many centuries that it is said that archeological excavations in the area north of Nakorn Ratchasima indicate that there were people living here over 4000 years ago.

The Bangkokians are a bunch of warm and friendly people, usually too polite to show offense. Yet, as with any nation, there are borders of behavior that should and should not be crossed. They take great pride in their monarchy. Visitors are well-advised to respect the reverence in which devoted Bangkokians hold their royal family. The Buddhist religion is considered sacred by Bangkokians. Monks, temples, and Buddha images are everywhere and most of the people treat them with great respect. It is expected that appropriate clothing be worn in temples, and shoes removed when entering certain areas in the temples.

For Bangkokians, the maintenance of surface calm and harmony is crucial. Loss of temper, arguing, or direct criticism are best avoided among them, because they feel it serves little purpose in any case. The famous wai is a used as a gesture for both greeting and respect. Wai requires the person to use both of his hands as if praying in front of his face. In general, it is considered to be a mark of respect to try to keep the head at a lower level than that of a senior or older person when talking to or passing them. On entering a private chamber or house, it is customary to remove your shoes. The polite form of address when talking to or about people of similar or older age are to use the title “Khun” and the person’s first name.

Many Bangkokians will be too polite to comment on behaviour that is disrespectful of a fellow Bangkokian, but you should be aware that it is still offensive. Looks and appearances are important to Bangkokians. When meeting them, dressing smartly, or at least appropriately, reflects the degree of respect you hold for them.