WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Bangladesh

Location

Climate

Bangladesh, a country located in South Asia, is a destination that is attracting more and more visitors thanks to its cultural richness and varied landscapes.

Climatic seasons in Bangladesh

Bangladesh's climate is characterized by three main seasons: the dry season, the rainy season (monsoon) and the cool season. To plan your trip, it's important to take these climatic variations into account.

Dry season: October to February

The dry season, from October to February, is considered the best time to visit Bangladesh. Temperatures are pleasant, fluctuating between 20°C and 30°C, and rainfall is rare. However, the weather can be quite cool at night, especially in January and February. November and December are particularly popular for their ideal climate.The weather was sunny and mild.

Monsoon: June to September

The rainy season, or monsoon, extends from June to September. During this period, rainfall is frequent and sometimes very heavy, making travel and other activities difficult. Flooding can also be a problem in some areas. However, there are a few exceptions, the monsoon offers the advantage of seeing the country's luxuriant naturewith lush green vegetation and rain-swollen streams.

The cool season: March to May

Finally, the cool season, which runs from March to May, is marked by high temperatures, which can reach 40°C in April and May. Humidity is also high during this period, which can make the weather stifling. So it's best to avoid these months when traveling to Bangladesh if you're worried about the heat.

Major cultural events and public holidays

In addition to weather conditions, it's worth taking major cultural events and public holidays into account when planning your trip. Here are the main ones:

1. Pohela Boishakh The Bengali New Year, celebrated on April 14 or 15, is a major festival in Bangladesh. Colorful processions and musical and dance performances enliven the streets, especially in Dhaka, the capital.
2. Eid-ul-Fitr Ramadan: this Muslim festival marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. It takes place on a variable date, depending on the lunar calendar. Festivities last several days and include prayers, banquets and gift exchanges.
3. Durga Puja Durga: usually in September or October, this Hindu festival celebrates the goddess Durga. Streets are decked out with decorations, and statues of the goddess are immersed in streams at the end of the celebrations.
4. Independence Day March 26: March 26 is a public holiday in Bangladesh to commemorate the country's independence from Pakistan in 1971. Military parades and concerts are organized on this occasion.
5. Mother Language Day February 21 is a public holiday in memory of the movement for recognition of the Bengali language in 1952. Cultural events include exhibitions and poetry performances.

Low and high tourist season periods

Finally, it's useful to know when the tourist season is low and when it's high, so you can choose the right time for your trip to Bangladesh.

Low season: June to September

The low season corresponds to the monsoon season, from June to September. During this period, there are fewer tourists and hotel rates are generally lower. However, weather conditions and the risk of flooding make travel and other activities difficult.

High season: November to February

The peak tourist season in Bangladesh runs from November to February, during the dry season. Travelers are more numerous and hotel rates can be higher. Nevertheless, the weather is ideal for enjoying the country's attractions and taking part in the many activities on offer. In a nutshell, the best time to visit Bangladesh is between November and Februaryduring the dry season. However, it is also possible to travel during the monsoon or cool season if you wish to avoid the crowds and benefit from lower fares.

The South Asian country of Bangladesh is a major player in the fields of immigration and tourism. Let's take a look at the statistics on immigration to Bangladesh, the most popular visas in Bangladesh and the latest figures for international tourism in Bangladesh.

Immigration statistics for Bangladesh

Thanks to its strategic geographical location, Bangladesh attracts a large number of immigrants every year, mainly foreign workers and refugees. According to the most recent data available :

• The immigrant population in Bangladesh represents approximately 3% of the total population.4.8 million people.
• The nationalities most represented among these immigrants are, in descending order : IndiansBurmese, Nepalese And Sri Lankan.
• Around 65% of immigrants to Bangladesh are men, compared with 35% of women.
• Over 50% of immigrants are between the ages of 20 and 39, the most economically active age bracket.
• Minors (under 18) account for less than 10% of immigrants, while seniors (over 60) represent only 5% of this population.

Most popular visas in Bangladesh

The Bangladeshi government issues various types of visa to foreign nationals wishing to visit the country. Here are the main visas issued and their respective shares of total applications:

• Work visas (40% of applications) Work permit: this visa is intended for foreigners who have obtained a work contract with a local employer. It is generally valid for one year, renewable.
• Tourist visas (30% of applications) This multiple-entry visa allows visitors to stay for up to three months. It is often used by nationals of neighboring countries to visit Bangladesh for tourism or to visit relatives.
• Study visas (15% of applications) for international students wishing to continue their studies in Bangladesh, valid for the duration of the study program.
• Family visas (10% of applications) Family visa: This type of visa is for family members of a Bangladeshi citizen or permanent resident. It enables them to join a relative living legally in Bangladesh and to reside there for an indefinite period.
• Other types of visa (5% of applications): this group includes diplomatic, transit and medical visas.

International tourism figures for Bangladesh

The tourism sector is booming in Bangladesh, with the number of international visitors rising steadily in recent years. Statistics show that :

• The total number of foreign tourists visiting Bangladesh in 2019 was around 270,000, an increase of 7% on the previous year.
• The main nationalities represented among visitors were, in descending order: Indian, British, American, Chinese and Japanese.
• Revenue generated by international tourism in Bangladesh amounted to almost $350 million in 2019, recording growth of 8% compared with 2018.

The country's top tourist attractions

Bangladesh boasts a rich and varied tourism offering, which is increasingly attracting travelers from all over the world. Among the sites not to be missed during a stay in this multi-faceted country are :

• The capital Dhakawith historic monuments such as the Ahsan Manzil Palace, the Star Mosque and the Armenian Church.
• The Chittagongfamous for its heavenly beaches, such as Cox's Bazar, the longest beach in the world, and picturesque islands like Saint-Martin and Sonadia.
• THE Sundarbansa vast mangrove swamp in the south-west of the country, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the famous Bengal tiger.
• The archaeological site of Paharpur, home to the remains of an 8th-century Buddhist monastery.

Given these figures and trends, it's clear that Bangladesh is a major magnet for immigration and tourism. The diversity of the country's nationalities and its booming tourism sector bear witness to the cultural and economic wealth of this fast-changing country.