Wat-Pho.org Wat Pho tours
Chedis and roofs at Wat Pho in Bangkok

Your independent Wat Pho guide

Best Time to Visit Wat Pho

November to February is the drier part of the year in Bangkok, and early morning or late afternoon is the better time of day. This page shows monthly temperature and rain and what to check for holidays.

  • ★ Hand-picked, top-rated tours
  • 🛕 Tickets, dress code and massage explained
  • ↺ Free cancellation on most bookings

When to go to Wat Pho

Wat Pho can be visited all year, so the question is comfort. Bangkok is hot in every month. The difference is rain: November to February bring much less than May to October. April is the hottest month, and September and October are the wettest.

The time of day matters as much as the month. Early morning or late afternoon is easier on the walk between the halls. If you want a guided visit, look at the Wat Pho tours and check which start times they offer. The figures below are long-term averages, not a forecast for your dates.

Nov to FebMonths with the least rain in the long-term averages
35.7 °CAverage daily high in April, the hottest month
335.9 mmAverage rain in September, the wettest month
The four great royal chedis of Wat Pho

Our pick: an early start

Leave early for the floating market and reach the temples later in the day.

Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.

Wat Pho tours by time of day

Morning temple walks, tuk-tuk rides and evening tours in Old Bangkok, with live prices and availability.

Browse all tours on GetYourGuide →

Bangkok weather by month

Long-term averages for Bangkok, 1991 to 2020. Highs and lows are monthly means of the daily values, not records.

MonthAverage highAverage lowRain
January32.7 °C23.4 °C23.6 mm
February33.7 °C24.8 °C21.4 mm
March34.7 °C26.4 °C51.0 mm
April35.7 °C27.2 °C93.3 mm
May35.1 °C26.9 °C216.8 mm
June34.1 °C26.4 °C198.5 mm
July33.5 °C26.1 °C189.7 mm
August33.3 °C25.9 °C227.1 mm
September33.2 °C25.4 °C335.9 mm
October33.0 °C25.2 °C288.7 mm
November33.1 °C24.7 °C44.6 mm
December32.3 °C23.2 °C11.6 mm

For most visitors, November to February is the best window: the least rain and slightly lower highs. If you travel in April, plan the temple for the first hours of the day. In the rainy months, expect showers and carry a light rain cover. Averages say nothing about crowds.

What the numbers mean for a visit

Three seasons in the table.

November to February: drier

Average highs run from 32.3 to 33.7 °C, and rain ranges from 11.6 mm in December to 44.6 mm in November. This is the most comfortable stretch for a long walk across the temple grounds.

March and April: hotter

Average highs reach 34.7 °C in March and 35.7 °C in April, with 51.0 and 93.3 mm of rain. The stone courtyards and open paths between the halls offer little shade, so start early and carry water.

May to October: wetter

Monthly rain runs from 189.7 to 335.9 mm, and highs stay between 33.0 and 35.1 °C. The halls give you cover from showers, but the paths between them are open. Bring a light rain cover.

The best time of day

Hours and what to do with them.

Early morning or late afternoon

Early morning or late afternoon is the usual advice for Wat Pho. It is a recommendation, not a count of visitors. The temple opens at 08:00 or 08:30 and closes between 18:30 and 19:30, so check the current opening time before you plan around it.

Opening hours →

What to wear

Bangkok heat and the temple rules meet at the gate. Shorts are not allowed, and shoulders and knees should be covered. Light, loose clothes that cover them keep you comfortable. Shoes come off in the halls.

Dress code →

Evenings

The temple closes at 19:30 at the latest, so an evening visit to the halls is short. For after dark, many visitors turn to Yaowarat and the Old Bangkok street food. Night tours do not guarantee access to the Reclining Buddha.

Bangkok night tours →

Holidays and festivals

Dates to check before you book.

Songkran

Songkran, the Thai new year, is a public holiday in mid-April. In 2026 the public holidays were 13 to 15 April. A holiday does not mean the temple closes, but check the current hours if you visit on those days. April is also the hottest month.

Loy Krathong

Loy Krathong falls on 24 November 2026. Sukhothai runs a festival programme from 15 to 24 November 2026. For Bangkok, check the local event calendars if the date matters to you.

The wider picture

For the neighbouring temple on the river, see the best time to visit Wat Arun. Where to sleep is covered on the where to stay page.

Best time to visit Wat Pho: frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit Wat Pho?

November to February has the least rain in the long-term averages. April is the hottest month, with an average high of 35.7 °C, and September is the wettest. The temple is open in every month.

What time of day is best?

Early morning or late afternoon. The temple opens at 08:00 or 08:30 and closes between 18:30 and 19:30, so check the current hours.

Is it too hot in April?

April is the hottest month on average, so go early, drink water and take breaks in the shade. Songkran falls in mid-April, so check the hours on those days.

Does it rain all day in the wet season?

The averages show monthly totals, not single days. May to October bring much more rain than November to February, so carry a light rain cover and have an indoor plan.

Is this the official Wat Pho website?

No. This is an independent travel guide with no connection to the temple, to weather services or to any tour operator.

Wat Pho tours and Bangkok temple walks

Temple walks, bike and tuk-tuk tours compared, most with free cancellation.

Find your Wat Pho tour →