The best time to visit Bangladesh is from November to February, when the weather is dry and mild, the skies are clear and travel is easiest. October and March are good shoulder months. The monsoon, from June to September, is wet and humid but turns the country a deep green and has its own beauty.
November to February: cool and dry (best overall)
Days are warm and sunny, around 20 to 28°C, and nights in the north can drop close to 10°C in December and January. Rain is rare. This is the best season for city sightseeing in Dhaka, heritage trips to Paharpur and Bagerhat, river journeys and the Sundarbans.
Morning fog is common in December and January, which can delay early trains, domestic flights and river crossings. It also makes for beautiful photographs.
March to May: hot season
Temperatures rise to the mid 30s°C, with high humidity, and short, violent thunderstorms (kalbaishakhi) arrive from April. Early mornings are still pleasant. It is a good time for mangoes and lychees, and for Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year on 14 April. Cyclones can affect the coast in April and May.
June to September: monsoon
Heavy rain falls most days, often in bursts, and rivers rise. Some roads flood and boat trips can be cancelled. On the other hand, the Ratargul swamp forest is only at its best when flooded, the tea gardens are lush, and you will see very few other tourists. The Sundarbans is usually closed to tourists for part of the monsoon.
October: the green shoulder month
The rains ease, the countryside is at its greenest and the temperature drops. Durga Puja, the largest Hindu festival in Bangladesh, often falls in October. Late-season cyclones are possible on the coast. Our guide to the festivals in Bangladesh explains each one and which visitors can join.
Best time by region and activity
- Dhaka and heritage sites: November to March
- Sundarbans: November to February, when the boats run and the forest is open
- Sreemangal and Sylhet tea country: October to March; tea picking is busiest from spring to autumn
- Ratargul swamp forest: July to October
- Cox’s Bazar beach: November to March
- Festivals: see our festivals calendar
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Bangladesh?
December and January are the most comfortable months, with cool, dry weather. November and February are almost as good and a little warmer.
Is it worth visiting Bangladesh in the monsoon?
Yes, if you do not mind rain and want green landscapes and empty sights. Keep your plans flexible and avoid remote coastal trips. Our guide to whether Bangladesh is worth visiting covers what the country offers beyond the weather.
When is Ramadan in Bangladesh?
Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year. Restaurants are quieter during the day, but travel continues and the evening iftar markets in Old Dhaka are a highlight.
