Thailand (Chiang Mai)
Thailand · Asia
The best time to visit Thailand (Chiang Mai) is January, February, March, November, and December. In summer, daytime highs average 37°C (99°F), with peaks around 40°C (104°F); in winter, nights average 17°C (63°F), dropping to around 12°C (54°F) on the coldest. Rainfall is very low during the best travel period (15 mm (0.6 in)), making Thailand (Chiang Mai) an ideal destination.
Thailand (Chiang Mai) – What you should know
Chiang Mai in northern Thailand has a trimonsoonal climate: cool dry season (November to February), hot dry season (March to May) and warm rainy season (June to October). The best travel time is the cool dry season from November to February: temperatures of 20–30°C (68–86°F), clear mountain air and the culturally richest time of year.
March and April are Chiang Mai's problem months: farmers burn fields, which fills the air with smog and severely limits views of the surrounding mountains. Those with asthma should avoid this period. From May, rain sets in and cleans the air. The Loi Krathong Lantern Festival in November and Songkran (water festival) in April are the cultural highlights of the year.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 30° (86°)24– (75–)32 (90) | 34° (93°)29– (84–)36 (97) | 36° (97°)30– (86–)39 (102) | 37° (99°)30– (86–)40 (104) | 35° (95°)28– (82–)39 (102) | 34° (93°)29– (84–)37 (99) | 33° (91°)27– (81–)35 (95) | 32° (90°)27– (81–)35 (95) | 33° (91°)28– (82–)35 (95) | 32° (90°)27– (81–)34 (93) | 32° (90°)27– (81–)34 (93) | 30° (86°)24– (75–)32 (90) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 17° (63°)12– (54–)21 (70) | 18° (64°)14– (57–)22 (72) | 21° (70°)17– (63–)25 (77) | 24° (75°)20– (68–)27 (81) | 25° (77°)22– (72–)27 (81) | 25° (77°)23– (73–)26 (79) | 25° (77°)23– (73–)26 (79) | 25° (77°)23– (73–)26 (79) | 24° (75°)22– (72–)25 (77) | 24° (75°)21– (70–)25 (77) | 21° (70°)17– (63–)24 (75) | 18° (64°)13– (55–)23 (73) |
☀️Sunshine | 8h UV 7 | 10h UV 8 | 10h UV 9 | 9h UV 9 | 8h UV 8 | 5h UV 7 | 4h UV 6 | 4h UV 6 | 5h UV 7 | 6h UV 7 | 7h UV 7 | 7h UV 7 |
🌧Rain Days | 1d15mm (0.6") | 1d7mm (0.3") | 2d15mm (0.6") | 4d64mm (2.5") | 11d173mm (6.8") | 11d127mm (5.0") | 12d143mm (5.6") | 16d216mm (8.5") | 14d244mm (9.6") | 10d148mm (5.8") | 3d33mm (1.3") | 1d11mm (0.4") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
In March, April, and May, temperatures can exceed 34°C (93°F) — during physical activity or with children, it's best to stick to morning and evening hours.
From February to May, UV levels in Thailand (Chiang Mai) reach 9 — very high on the WHO scale. High-SPF sunscreen and shade around midday are essential.
April offers great weather in Thailand (Chiang Mai) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
Events & Festivals
November
- Loi Krathong & Yi Peng· full-moon night in November (varies)
During Yi Peng, thousands of lanterns (khom loi) rise into the night sky — at the same time as Loi Krathong, when candlelit floats drift on the Ping River. Chiang Mai is considered the most spectacular place in Thailand to experience the festival.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Thailand (Chiang Mai)?
- The best time to visit Thailand (Chiang Mai) is January, February, March, November, and December. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Thailand (Chiang Mai)?
- In summer, daytime highs in Thailand (Chiang Mai) average 37°C (99°F), with peaks around 40°C (104°F); in winter, nights average 17°C (63°F), dropping to around 12°C (54°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Thailand (Chiang Mai) get?
- Thailand (Chiang Mai) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 7 rain days per month. The driest months are February, March, and December.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
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City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JanNovDec
