Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most attractive and visited tourist destinations, offering visitors tons of fun and exciting things to do. But if you don’t know the best time to visit Chiang Mai, you might just end up here in the wrong season – heavy rain, smoke, etc.
It is the biggest city in Northern Thailand and significantly different from other parts of the country like Bangkok, from weather and landscape to food and culture.
With its stunning temples, vibrant night markets, and lush greenery, it’s no wonder that Chiang Mai draws visitors year-round. Plus, it’s one amazing destination to include in your Thailand honeymoon itinerary!
However, I’ve lived in Chiang Mai for 3 years, and the rainy season and the smoke period weren’t always fun. That’s why I’m here to tell you the right time to visit Chiang Mai.
Let’s get started.
Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai
The best time for visiting Chiang Mai is between November and February. These months offer pleasant temperatures with little rain.
This season is when many festivals and activities happen in the city, including Chiang Mai Flower Festival in early February.
Chiang Mai offers excellent vacating weather during these months, with an average of 27°C (80°F) with very little humidity and clear sunny skies.
Worst Time to Visit Chiang Mai
The worst times to visit Chiang Mai are between May and September, during the rainy season, and between February and April, during the smokey period.
If you haven’t heard of the smokey period before, the farmers in the mountains burn their crops and, therefore, Chiang Mai becomes the most polluted place in the world until around mid-April.
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Climate in Chiang Mai, Thailand
You can expect 3 seasons in Chiang Mai – hot, rainy, and winter (also called the cool season).
Summer in Chiang Mai – March to May
The hot season starts towards the end of February. From March to May, the midday temperatures usually get beyond 32°C (89°F).
April is the hottest month, with up to 40°C daytime temperature. But visiting the city in April is still fun despite the hot weather because of Songkran Festival, the Thai new year.
Rainy Season in Chiang Mai – June to October
Typically, the rainy season runs from June to October. Temperatures during this season cool down, but the air humidity is still high. The wet weather is due to the monsoon in late May.
The rainfall usually comes as quick, short tropical downpour blasts, mainly in the afternoon or at night.
While there are plenty of things to do in Chiang Mai, it’s surely not the best moment to visit.
When monsoons reach their peak in August and September, it rains heavier and more constantly. However, Chiang Mai experiences several sunny days with no rain this season.
Winter in Chiang Mai – November to February
The winter season in Chiang Mai runs from November to mid-February. This season is the best time to visit Chang Mai.
It offers the year’s most relaxing time with around 28°C (82°F) daytime temperature and 10°C (50°F) night time temperature. These months have the lowest rainfall.
On average, January offers the coolest temperatures. The weather between December and January is excellent.
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Weather in Chiang Mai Month by Month
If you want your visit to Chiang Mai to be as great as possible, then check out the weather here month by month.
Here, I’ll go through all you need to know about Chiang Mai’s climate for each month, from the cold weather in November and December to the air quality and more.
January Weather in Chiang Mai
January offers the year’s best weather with an average 29°C (84°F). The sky is clear and sunny during the day, while the nighttime offers sweater weather.
Since this month is part of the peak season, the city is crowded with tourists, so I recommend booking your day trips from Chiang Mai and hotels ahead of time. During this month, Chinese New Year and other festivals are a must-see.
- Average low temperature – 14°C (58°F)
- Average high temperature – 29°C (84°F)
February Weather in Chiang Mai
February is known for its fantastic weather, with an average 33°C (91°F) temperature throughout the day. The daytime temperatures drops drastically, so make sure to pack a sweater.
It is the end of high season, so expect the crowds to die out a little, but also to have the pollution coming in.
I recommend visiting Chiang Mai in the first or second week of February, which is still the dry season and the pollution didn’t start just yet.
- Average low temperature – 15°C (60°F)
- Average high temperature – 31°C (89°F)
March Weather in Chiang Mai
March is the start of the hot season, with an average 35°C (95°F) temperature during the day. The night time temperatures drop to 19°C (66°F) .
The farmers burn their crops, so get ready to stay indoors more and wear a mask. That being said, the Doi Suthep temple is still a lovely place to visit despite not being able to take the views in.
- Average low temperature – 19°C (66°F)
- Average high temperature – 35°C (95°F)
April Weather in Chiang Mai
April has the worst air, with the mountainscape surrounding the city barely visible.
Also, April is the hottest month in Chiang Mai, with temperatures reaching 36°C. While Chiang Mai is at its lowest, you should come over in mid-April to experience the famous Songkran water splashing, on Thai new year’s eve.
- Average low temperature – 22°C (73°F)
- Average high temperature – 36°C (96°F)
May Weather in Chiang Mai
May start the rainy season with an average of 17 days of rain. The beginning of the month is still quite hot, with an average high temperature of 34°C (93°F).
In May, you should expect crowds of tourists but not as many as in January or February.
There are plenty of things to do in May, like the Viska Bucha festival, and the rainy season hasn’t fully started yet so you’ll have time to go to an elephant sanctuary or visit the temples.
- Average low temperature – 23°C (75°F)
- Average high temperature – 34°C (93°F)
June Weather in Chiang Mai
The average temperature in June in Chiang Mai is 28°C, with 32°C (90°F) being the average high – and most days tend to be rainy. That said, the monsoon rains only last for a short period and it isn’t monsoon rain just yet.
Since it is the city’s shoulder month, the prices are low, and there is only a slight increase in crowds.
- Average low temperature – 24°C (76°F)
- Average high temperature – 32°C (90°F)
July Weather in Chiang Mai
July is a warm and humid month in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with average high temperatures of 85°F (30°C) and lows of 71°F (21°C). The average maximum daytime temperature lies at 31.7°C (89.06°F), while the average minimum temperature is around 23.9°C (75°F).
Although it is the first wet month of the year, July and August are the wettest months in the city, so make sure to pack a rain jacket, you’ll need it!
Despite occasional street flooding due to heavy rain, July is still a great time to explore Chiang Mai.
- Average low temperature – 23°C (75°F)
- Average high temperature – 31°C (89°F)
August Weather in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai’s weather in August is warm and humid, with average high temperatures of 88°F (31.4°C) and lows of 70°F (23.7°C). Visitors can expect rain for roughly half of the month, with an average of 7.5 inches of precipitation over 11 days.
Despite the occasional shower, August is a still a good time to visit Chiang Mai, as the weather is pleasantly warm and cool.
The days are usually hot with balmy evenings, so make sure to pack light and cool clothing to enjoy your stay.
- Average low temperature – 23°C (75°F)
- Average high temperature – 31°C (88°F)
September Weather in Chiang Mai
September is not the best time to visit Chiang Mai, with pleasantly warm temperatures but a high probability of rain. September has normally around 22 days of rain, so you won’t be able to enjoy the outdoor adventures fully.
The average daily high-temperature hovers around 88°F (31.7°C), while the average low temperature drops to around 70°F (23.2°C).
I was in Chiang Mai in September 2022, and the weather was horrible – 7 days in the city and only one sunny day. If possible, I recommend moving your visit to early October.
- Average low temperature – 23°C (74°F)
- Average high temperature – 31°C (88°F)
October Weather in Chiang Mai
October is a great time to visit Chiang Mai as the weather is pleasantly warm and humid, with average highs of 88°F (31.3°C). And it doesn’t rain as much compared to August and September.
The rainy season is ending in the north, so you can expect comfortable weather conditions for outdoor activities such as exploring temples or hiking in the lush green mountains around the city.
- Average low temperature – 22°C (72°F)
- Average high temperature – 31°C (88°F)
November Weather in Chiang Mai
November is the high season’s first month. The weather starts to cool to an average of 24°C (75°F), with about 30°C (86°F) during the day and 18°C (64°F) during the night.
November has significantly less rain, making it appealing to most tourists who do not like extreme summer or winter seasons.
The month is part of the large influx of tourism, and visitors can expect the pricing to be more expensive, especially for accommodations.
This month, the Yi Peng Floating Lantern Festival, Thailand’s most famous and largest festival, is a must-see.
- Average low temperature – 18°C (64°F)
- Average high temperature -30°C (86°F)
December Weather in Chiang Mai
December offers attractive cool weather, making it part of the peak tourist season. This month has an average of 21°C, and the nighttime temperatures start to drop to 15°C as the cool season begins. The month has a little humidity or rain.
Visiting the city during this month can make visitors expect bustling streets. Most places are booked up fast, and the prices are usually at their highest.
- Average low temperature – 15°C (59°F)
- Average high temperature – 29°C (84°F)
More Thailand Travel Guides
- Thailand Itinerary for 1 Week to 1 Month
- 10 Best Day Trips From Chiang Mai
- Unique Things To Do in Chiang Mai
- 10 Stunning Temples in Chiang Mai to Visit
- 15 Unique Things to Do in Chiang Mai at Night
Final Thoughts – Chiang Mai Weather
Chiang Mai is undoubtedly an incredible city to visit during your Thailand trip. The city offers fun and exciting activities and attractive weather year-round.
But the best time to visit Chiang Mai is from November to February because of the best weather conditions.
