The best things to do in Bangkok in March work around the heat. March falls in Thailand's hot season, which the Thai Meteorological Department dates from mid-February to mid-May, and it is usually dry. So plan temples, parks and markets for the early morning, keep museums, galleries and the aquarium for the middle of the day, and head to the river or a high viewpoint in the evening. March also brings a handful of city events, and the run-up to Songkran in mid-April.
Below: what the weather was like last March, the kind of events Bangkok holds in the month, and a plan for a hot-season day.
Bangkok weather in March
The Thai Meteorological Department's monthly summary for March 2026 recorded a mean temperature of 30.2°C at its Bangkok Metropolis station, 0.9°C above normal, and just 0.4 mm of rain, well below the normal for the month. Across upper Thailand, it described hot weather in the second half of the month, with thundershowers and gusty wind on a few days.
In practice that means sun, heat and humidity for most of your trip, and the odd storm. Carry water, wear light clothes that still cover shoulders and knees for temples, and use sunscreen. Our guide to what to wear in Bangkok goes into more detail.
Events in Bangkok in March
Event dates change every year, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) publishes its monthly festival calendar shortly before each month begins. The March 2027 calendar was not out when we checked, so these are the Bangkok events TAT listed for March 2026, as a guide to what the month tends to offer:
- Thailand Tourism Festival. TAT's flagship domestic tourism fair ran from March 25 to 29, 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, with free admission and direct access from the MRT station of the same name.
- Exhibitions at BACC. The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre hosted an exhibition reinterpreting Dvaravati art from March 3 to 8, 2026. Its program changes through the year, and entry to its exhibitions is free.
- Pop-up events in Lumphini Park. In March 2026, TAT, Netflix and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration staged a One Piece event by the lake in Lumphini Park from March 8 to 15.
Many events on TAT's March list are outside the capital, such as the Pattaya Music Festival on the beaches of Chon Buri. For a day trip, see our guide to things to do outside Bangkok.
Songkran is in April
The Thai New Year festival, Songkran, falls in mid-April. In 2026, TAT listed Bangkok events from April 9 to 15, including the Maha Songkran World Event at Benjakitti Park and water celebrations in Silom and Siam Square. If your trip runs from late March into April, book hotels early: TAT advised visitors in March 2026 to plan travel for the holiday in advance.
A hot-season day in Bangkok
Early morning: parks and temples
Benjakitti Park and Lumphini Park both open at 4:30 a.m., and a skywalk and the Green Bridge link the two. The Grand Palace opens at 8:30 a.m., and an early start avoids the hottest hours on its open courtyards.
Midday: indoor sights
- Museums and galleries: BACC, near BTS National Stadium, and MOCA Bangkok, the Museum of Contemporary Art in the north of the city, are both air-conditioned and both closed on Mondays.
- SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World, on the lower floors of Siam Paragon at BTS Siam, suits families.
- A cooking class: Baipai Thai Cooking School runs morning and afternoon classes, closed on Sundays.
Evening: the river and a view
Once the sun is low, take a river trip. Meridian Cruise sails from ICONSIAM with a sunset cruise and a later dinner cruise past Wat Arun and the Grand Palace. Or go up the Mahanakhon SkyWalk by BTS Chong Nonsi, open until midnight, for the city lights.
Planning tips for March
- Book accommodation early if you are staying into April; TAT advises planning Songkran travel in advance. Browse our Bangkok hotels.
- Use the BTS, MRT and river boats rather than walking long distances in the afternoon heat.
- Check TAT's newsroom at the end of February for the March festival calendar.
Sources: Thai Meteorological Department, Monthly Weather Summary, March 2026, Thai Meteorological Department, Climate of Thailand, TAT, March 2026 festivals and events, TAT, Thailand Tourism Festival 2026, TAT, Grand Line in Thailand, TAT, Songkran 2026, The Grand Palace, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Benjakitti Park, Mahanakhon SkyWalk. Checked September 26, 2026.
March is dry and hot. It falls in the Thai Meteorological Department's hot season (mid-February to mid-May). If you plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and evening, it works well, and it comes before the Songkran crowds of mid-April.
In March 2026, the Thai Meteorological Department's Bangkok Metropolis station recorded a monthly mean temperature of 30.2°C, 0.9°C above normal. Daytime highs are well above the mean.
Rarely. The Bangkok Metropolis station recorded 0.4 mm of rain in March 2026, about 28 mm below normal. The weather service reported occasional thundershowers across upper Thailand during the month.
In March 2026 they included the Thailand Tourism Festival (March 25 to 29, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, free), an exhibition at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, and a pop-up event in Lumphini Park. TAT publishes each month's calendar shortly before it starts.
Songkran, the Thai New Year, is in mid-April. In 2026, TAT listed Bangkok events from April 9 to 15, including at Benjakitti Park, ICONSIAM, Asiatique, Silom and Siam Square.
The Grand Palace opens daily at 8:30 a.m.; tickets (500 baht for foreign visitors) are sold until 3:30 p.m.
Light, breathable clothes, a hat and sunscreen. For temples and the Grand Palace, cover shoulders and knees: the palace bans sleeveless shirts, shorts and mini skirts.
