When to go
Bangladesh has three broad seasons: a warm, dry winter, a scorching pre-monsoon summer, and a long, wet monsoon. For most travellers, November to February is the sweet spot, when skies are clear, humidity drops and temperatures sit at a comfortable 10 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Winter (November to February): peak season
This is the best time to visit. Days are mild and dry, perfect for exploring Old Dhaka, the Sundarbans mangrove forest, and the tea gardens of Sylhet and Srimangal. The cool air makes the long boat journey through the Sundarbans, home of the Royal Bengal tiger, far more pleasant. Mornings in the north near Rangpur can feel genuinely cold, so pack a light jacket.
Spring and pre-monsoon (March to May): hot and humid
Temperatures climb fast, often topping 35 degrees Celsius in April, with rising humidity and occasional violent Kalbaishakhi (Nor'wester) storms. It is the low season, so sights are quiet and hotels cheaper, but the heat is draining. This is also peak season for sweet, juicy mangoes from the Rajshahi region.
Monsoon (June to October): the green season
The monsoon brings heavy, dramatic rain and flooding across the delta. Travel can be disrupted, but the countryside turns brilliant green and the haor wetlands near Sunamganj become vast inland seas, beautiful for boat trips. River travel is at its most atmospheric. Bring waterproofs and expect humidity.
Shoulder season picks
Late October and early November offer a fine balance: rains are easing, crowds are thin and prices are lower than peak winter.
Festivals worth timing your trip around
- Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year, 14 April): vivid processions, music and the famous Mangal Shobhajatra in Dhaka.
- Durga Puja (September or October): the biggest Hindu festival, with elaborate pandals.
- Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha (dates shift with the lunar calendar): the country's largest celebrations.
- Bishwa Ijtema (January, near Dhaka): one of the world's largest Muslim gatherings.
- Nabanna harvest festival in autumn, celebrating new rice.
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