On 27 April 2026 at around 12:16 PM, the sun will be directly overhead Bangkok for the first time this year. If standing outdoors at that time, it will appear as if you have no shadow. However, this may not be the hottest day, as it depends on many factors.
FacebookNARIT, the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailandposted a message about "On 27 April, the sun will be directly overhead Bangkok for the first time this year. This may not be the hottest day, as it depends on several factors." They added the following message:
"During April and May, the sun will move to a position directly overhead various parts of Thailand for the first time this year. This starts from the southernmost area at Betong District, Yala Province, on 4 April 2026, then gradually moves northward until it reaches Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, on 22 May 2026.
For Bangkok, the sun will be directly overhead for the first time this year on 27 April 2026 at approximately 12:16 PM. At this time, if you observe objects outdoors, their shadows will fall directly south, appearing almost shadowless. Those interested can observe this phenomenon but should take care when staying outdoors in the intense heat, as it could affect health.
Although on this day the sun’s energy will be at its peak, it might not be the hottest day, as other factors such as clouds, rain, monsoon influences, and accumulated heat can affect temperature.
The phenomenon of the sun being directly overhead at various locations on Earth occurs because the Earth's axis is tilted about 23.5 degrees relative to the perpendicular of its orbital plane around the sun. This causes certain times of the year when tropical regions between 23.5 degrees north (Tropic of Cancer) and 23.5 degrees south (Tropic of Capricorn) receive sunlight at a right angle to the Earth's surface, making the sun appear directly above observers there. This event varies by location and timing throughout the year.
Thailand lies in the tropics, between latitudes 5 and 20 degrees north, so the sun passes directly overhead or at a right angle to various parts of the country twice a year: once during April to May and again during July to September. The timing of this solar zenith differs by location, meaning each province experiences the sun directly overhead at different times.
Thanks to Facebook page NARIT, the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand