Before You Go: Check the Weather in Chiang Mai Thailand

Chiang Mai is the most popular city in northern Thailand for a reason. Blessed with intact Lanna temples, moss-covered rainforests, and countless hiking trails, plus a thriving coffee scene in Chiang Mai Old Town, the provincial capital is worth visiting throughout the year. Temperatures average between 15° and 30° C (59° to 86° F) in the cool season and 19° and 35° C (66.2° to 95° F) in the hot season.

Arrive anytime between November and February, and you can rely on the sun smiling all day. While the dry season ends in late February, the weather in Chiang Mai Thailand is hottest between March and May. You can still wear a light summer outfit in the rainy season from June to October, as terrible weather for days on end is uncommon.

Whether you’re a budget-conscious vacationer preferring fewer crowds or a family traveler favoring the hot season – here’s TAGTHAi’s guide to help you decide the best time to go to Chiang Mai.

In a Nutshell, This Is the Chiang Mai Weather

Cool Season (Winter)

Chiang Mai’s coolest season lasts from November to February. While inflated prices and throngs of tourists are deal-breakers for some, there’s a slim chance of rain during this period. The temperatures are also slightly cooler. Other reasons that make it worth visiting Chiang Mai during those months are the annual Loy Krathong and Yee Peng Lantern Festivals, which fall into this period.

Hot Season (Summer)

Chiang Mai’s hot season from March to May comes with fewer crowds. As a result, rooms and tours tend to be cheaper, but that comes at the price of heat waves. Unlike the Chiang Mai weather in December, scorching weather and temperatures reaching up to 40° C (104° F) can happen in the hot season. But Songkran, Thailand’s annual water festival in April, helps cool down. As an aside, Songkran in Chiang Mai around the walled, moated Old City is said to be the best and most authentic in the kingdom. 

Rainy Season

Understandably, the crowds thin out in Chiang Mai’s rainy season from June to October. But despite the occasional lashing rains, the rainy season has its appeal. Feeding milky-gray pools, the waterfalls gush off rocks in all their beauty, and it’s a great time for bargain hunters. At its worst in September, even the rainy season has sunny spells and dry periods. 

The Chiang Mai Weather Thailand in Winter (November to February)

Balmy and dry with a light breeze, Chiang Mai’s winter is the peak season. Temperatures can plummet to 10° C (50° F) at night and reach highs of 30° C (86° F) during the day. Traveling with a light jacket within reach is always a good idea in winter.

Many travelers appreciate the slightly cooler temperatures. They consider winter the best season in Chiang Mai because thrilling outdoor adventures like rock climbing or whitewater rafting are doable from November to February. Given the pleasant weather in Chiang Mai Thailand during those months, it’s no surprise that thousands of lanterns fly skywards in November on the occasion of the annual Loy Krathong festival. Just as enchanting is the Flower Festival in February, where you can catch the heavenly scents of roses, jasmine, marigolds, and more.

The Chiang Mai Weather Thailand in Summer (March to May)

Chiang Mai’s summer comes with temperatures that can reach astronomical highs of 35° C (95° F). Even so, these three months are good for those that travel on a shoestring. Flights, hotel rooms, tours, and whatnot – most things are cheaper in the summer.

Die-hard outdoor fans can still go hiking in the steamy jungle, but it’s wise to wear light cotton clothes. Hats and sunglasses do wonders as well.

The Chiang Mai Weather Thailand in the Rainy Season (June to October)

As the name implies, the rainy season is not the best time for sun-seekers. While the temperatures decrease during the wet months, the humidity rises. The streets in Chiang Mai Old City become blissfully uncrowded, and nature blooms verdant green. Prices are at their lowest during this time, which might give you the chance to stay in a luxurious hotel for an affordable price. 

With fewer sunny periods, charts for the Chiang Mai weather forecast for 30 days are more reliable. Rest assured that it scarcely rains several days in a row, even in this season. Taking tours, e.g., to an ethical elephant sanctuary like the Elephant Nature Park, which doesn’t allow riding or bathing with the adorable giants, you will get a decent sense of place.

To give you a better understanding, here is a chart that highlights the weather in Chiang Mai Thailand, including the average precipitation and temperatures.

The Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai

What are perfect conditions for some is lousy weather for others. Your best time to visit Chiang Mai may also depend on the festivals happening in this city, the first capital of the former Lanna Kingdom.

Here’s an overview:

• Loy Krathong (the floating lantern festival is usually celebrated on the full moon day in November, the Thai calendar’s 12th lunar month)
• Yi Peng (the sky lantern festival is usually celebrated on the full moon day in November, the Thai calendar’s 12th lunar month)
• Songkran (the water festival takes place from 13th to 15th April)
• The Flower Festival falls on the first weekend in February; it lasts for three days)
  
   

Now that you know more about the weather in Chiang Mai Thailand, you can visit TAGTHAi’s Chiang Mai blog to plan a trip in the hub of northern Thailand. Check out the various benefits of a Chiang Mai Premium Pass, which comes with cafes, restaurants, massage parlors, ethical elephant sanctuaries, and more.