What is in season in Bangkok. and what to order when the market changes.
Spring
Bangkok's hot season runs March to May, when Songkran water-festival mid-April brings khao chae cold-rice with floral water, mango sticky rice with the first ripe nam dok mai harvest, and shaved-ice stalls on every Sukhumvit soi to beat 38C afternoons.
Summer
The southwest monsoon arrives June to October with sudden downpours, river-prawn season at Ayutthaya, durian peak (Mon Thong and Chanee varieties), boiled-corn pushcarts at Lumpini Park, and tom yum goong with the year's biggest goong mae nam river prawns.
Autumn
October brings the Yaowarat Vegetarian Festival (nine days of jay vegan stalls) and the start of cooler nights, the year's freshest fish from the Gulf of Thailand at Or Tor Kor, fragrant first-press jasmine rice (hom mali), and the return of outdoor evening street-food stalls.
Winter
Bangkok's cool-dry season runs November to February with overnight temperatures down to 20C, Loy Krathong river-lantern festival in November with kanom krok coconut sweets, durian Mon Thong's second short window, peak street-food season citywide, and rooftop bars hitting peak occupancy.
Seasonal in Bangkok, FAQ
When is the best time to eat in Bangkok?
Peak food season in Bangkok is year-round.
What time do people eat in Bangkok?
Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.
How does tipping work in Bangkok?
service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.
What is the one dish to try in Bangkok?
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Bangkok rewards trust.