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Overview

Suggested Read: Things to do in Pattaya [Updated 2024] and Honeymoon Destinations in Thailand

The calm and bliss of northern Thailand is something worth beholding when in Chiang Mai. The city which is now modern and bustling radiates an ancient hue. The city boasts a lush green landscape and offers a wide range of activities which you can enjoy in different seasons. Chiang Mai is one of those places which can be explored in any season.

Traditionally anytime between October and April is the best time to visit the city. Most of the tourists visit Chiang Mai in the season to enjoy its pleasant weather. It would also be great to visit Chiang Mai during one of its many colorful festivals.

Here is an extensive monthly weather guide to help you decide which is the best time for you to visit Chiang Mai.

You can also check our tailor made Chiang Mai Tour Packages & Chiang Mai Honeymoon Packages

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Peak Season- November to February

loy krathong festival

Peak Season in Chiang Mai coincides with the winter months. The weather stays fine with the average temperature ranging between 19 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. The weather remains good for all kinds of explorations. 

The breeze remains cool but not chilly and dry. Carry light jackets and woolen clothes. Accommodation prices during the season start to rise with the influx of the tourist crowd. 

November in Chiang Mai is the time for Loi Krathong Festival. December and January are two of the busiest months in Chiang Mai. February is popular among tourists for the Lantern Festival and Flower Festival.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Best Sellers

Shoulder Season- June to October

shoulder season in chaing mai

During the rainy season, Chaing Mai sees fewer tourists. People who hate to take chances with the weather usually avoid monsoon in Chiang Mai. Monsoon hits Chiang Mai by May, it gets more intense by June. Northern parts of Thailand receive much less rainfall as compared to Southern parts. 

The temperature during the months remains around 26 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius but the humidity rises during the months. It usually rains for about one or two hours during the day. If you are not a fan of the peak season crowds then this is the time for you. The city is not much crowded. The mountain ranges are in full bloom during the season. You get to enjoy all the beauty without having to worry about encountering much crowd.

Most hotels and stays start offering discounts on their peak season prices. This is a good time for a budget holiday trip. Make sure you carry raincoats, umbrellas, and good rain shoes when visiting. 

Suggested Read: Things to do in Chiang Mai

Off-Season- March to May

off season in chiang mai

Summers in Chiang Mai is quite hot. Hence, most tourists avoid visiting during this season. The average temperature soars up to 36 degrees Celsius. Hotel prices are the lowest during the season. You can save up to 50% of your travel and hotel bookings. 

April is the hottest month of the year followed by May. The temperature can easily reach 40 degrees Celsius. Humidity is also high during the season. Afternoons are mostly spent in pools. You can explore the city after sunset to avoid heat strokes. 

Thailand celebrates Songkran, Thai New Year, from 13th to 15th April. The street water fights are a relief from the scorching heat during the day. Chiang Mai remains bathed in celebrations for a whole week. Many tourists visit Chiang Mai particularly in this period to enjoy the festivities others avoid it due to the crowd. 

The summer is a good time to plan your trip to Chiang Mai if you are looking for a low-budget holiday. Pack all light fabrics clothes, cotton shorts, T-shirts, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat. Chiang Mai has a lot of temples. Make sure you pack clothes that are appropriate to be worn in a Thai temple. 

Chiang Mai in January

chiang mai in bo sang umbrella village

Weather– Chiang Mai has delightful weather conditions during January. The sky stays clear. The temperature starts to drop as soon as the sunsets. Some nights the temperature can go down to even 12 degrees Celsius. During the day the temperature usually stays between 25 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius. Carry light fleece jackets and woolen socks for your evening outings.

Why Visit– January has the perfect weather for exploring the city. It is also the time for Bo Sang Umbrella Festival and Cherry Blossoms viewing.

January Weather Statistics
Temperature 22.5°C
High Temperature 30°C
Low Temperature 15°C
Sunshine Hours 9 HRS
Rainfall 10 MM
Rainfall Days 1 DAYS

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Chiang Mai in February

feburary in chiang mai

Weather– The weather is similar to January. The temperature during the day time remains around 28 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius. Nights can get cold and the temperature can fall to 15-18 degrees Celsius. Carry sweaters and light jackets with you. Days are bright and sunny with plenty of sunshine and low humidity. February is the last month of the cool season before the weather starts warming up.

Why Visit– Besides the fine weather conditions February is also the time for the famous Chiang Mai Flower Festival.

February Weather Statistics
Temperature 24.5°C
High Temperature 33°C
Low Temperature 16°C
Sunshine Hours 9 HRS
Rainfall 10 MM
Rainfall Days 1 DAYS

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Chiang Mai in March

chiang mai in march

Weather– March is the starting of the low tourist season. The temperature starts to rise by February. The average temperature during the day usually stays about 30 degrees Celsius. March is also the peak of the Burning Season in the north. The entire city remains foggy. Thai farmers set the forest on fire to plant cash crops and corn. Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountains and hills which traps the smoke in the valley. Farmers set the corn stalks and rice straws from the previous year on fire to prepare for the coming planting season. The smoke can be harmful to young children, elderly people, and anyone who is suffering from Asthma.

Why Visit– Hotel and flight are extremely cheap. Wearing air masks are important whenever out. Book hotel and resorts with room air purifiers.

March Weather Statistics
Temperature 25.5°C
High Temperature 35°C
Low Temperature 20°C
Sunshine Hours 9 HRS
Rainfall 10 MM
Rainfall Days 3 DAYS

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Chiang Mai in April

chiang mai in april

Weather– One word to describe the weather in April is hot! The average temperature reaches around 39 degrees Celsius. The temperature can even cross 40 degrees Celsius during the day. It is a good time to visit Chiang Mai if you are not afraid of the heat. Wear cotton and light fabric clothes. Make sure you carry water with you during the day whenever out.

Why Visit– Chiang Mai is one of the best places to celebrate Songkran, the Thai New Year. The three days long festival from 13th April to 15th April is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the city. 13th April also happens to be the hottest day of the year. The street water fights bring relief from the scorching heat.

April Weather Statistics
Temperature 30°C
High Temperature 37°C
Low Temperature 23°C
Sunshine Hours 9 HRS
Rainfall 50 MM
Rainfall Days 7 DAYS

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Chiang Mai in May

chiang mai in may

Weather– The weather is similar to April. The temperature is still high. The average temperature during the day remains around 36 degrees Celsius. You can expect a little rain.

Why Visit – The burning season has completely retreat which means clear air. Hotels and flight tickets are almost half of what it is in the peak season.

May Weather Statistics
Temperature 29.5°C
High Temperature 35°C
Low Temperature 24°C
Sunshine Hours 8 HRS
Rainfall 160 MM
Rainfall Days 17 DAYS

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Chiang Mai in June

chiang mai in june

Weather– Monsoon starts in Chiang Mai by mid-May. It picks up the intensity by June. The first week can still be a bit hot with temperatures around 35 degrees Celsius. The rain showers are hence reliving. It is very rare for it to ruin an entire day. The average temperature during the month stays around 27 degrees to 32 degrees Celsius. Carry your raincoats or ponchos with you.

Why Visit– The temperature fall during the month compared to the scorching summer season. Most hotels and resorts offer a discount on their peak season price. It is a good time to go for water rafting.

June Weather Statistics
Temperature 28.5°C
High Temperature 33°C
Low Temperature 24°C
Sunshine Hours 6 HRS
Rainfall 130 MM
Rainfall Days 18 DAYS

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Chiang Mai in July

chiang mai in july

Weather– July is similar to June in terms of the weather conditions. The rain can be quite unpredictable. It mostly rains for an hour or 30 minutes. The downpour usually occurs during the afternoon or late at night. Rain brings the temperature down to around 32 degrees Celsius. The air remains humid.

Why Visit– One of the best months for enjoying the less-crowded low-budget vacation.

July Weather Statistics
Temperature 28°C
High Temperature 32°C
Low Temperature 24°C
Sunshine Hours 5 HRS
Rainfall 160 MM
Rainfall Days 21 DAYS

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Chiang Mai in August

chuiang mai in august

Weather– July and August are the wettest months of the year. The average temperature falls further to 31 degrees Celsius. It does not rain every day but it is fair to say it rains most days. It can be quite humid.

Why VisitIt is one of the best times to enjoy a quiet and peaceful vacation.

August Weather Statistics
Temperature 28°C
High Temperature 32°C
Low Temperature 24°C
Sunshine Hours 4 HRS
Rainfall 200 MM
Rainfall Days 23 DAYS

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Chiang Mai in September

chiang mai in september

Weather– September is quite similar to other monsoon months. The temperature during the month remains around 22 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius. Though it would not necessarily rain every day you can expect a fair amount of rainy days. It usually rains for an hour or two during the entire day. The downpour cleans the air and makes the weather cool.

Why Visit– The weather is pleasant. If you are ready to take a chance with the weather then September is the best month to visit and save almost 50% on your travel and accommodation bookings.

September Weather Statistics
Temperature 27.5°C
High Temperature 32°C
Low Temperature 23°C
Sunshine Hours 6 HRS
Rainfall 190 MM
Rainfall Days 20 DAYS

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Chiang Mai in October

octomber in chaing mai

Weather– October is the tail-end of the monsoon months. You can expect a few showers here and there that occurs mostly during the night. You can expect a couple of sunny and dry days. The weather mostly remains cool. The temperature down to 21 degrees Celsius.

Why Visit– The rain showers reduce but the weather stays pleasant. You can still avail of discounts on your travel and hotel bookings.

October Weather Statistics
Temperature 26.5°C
High Temperature 31°C
Low Temperature 22°C
Sunshine Hours 7 HRS
Rainfall 110 MM
Rainfall Days 12 DAYS

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Chiang Mai in November

november in chaing mai

Weather– November is the start of the peak season in Chiang Mai. The temperature remains between 18 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. Hotels start getting booked hence it is best to make your travel and accommodations booking a couple of months in advance.

Why Visit– Besides pleasant weather, November is also the month for Loy Krathong, the famous Siamese festival.

November Weather Statistics
Temperature 24.5°C
High Temperature 30°C
Low Temperature 19°C
Sunshine Hours 8 HRS
Rainfall 60 MM
Rainfall Days 5 DAYS

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Chiang Mai in December

december in chiang mai

Weather– One of the busiest months in Chiang Mai. The city remains flooded with tourists. The weather in December is extremely pleasant. The temperature during the month ranges between 15 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius. The sky mostly stays clear as December is one of the dry months in Chiang Mai. Pack some light jackets and long trousers as the evenings can get cool and breezy.

Why Visit– Chiang Mai is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand to celebrate Christmas and New Years’.

December Weather Statistics
Temperature 21.5°C
High Temperature 28°C
Low Temperature 15°C
Sunshine Hours 9 HRS
Rainfall 20 MM
Rainfall Days 2 DAYS

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