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Weather in Chiang Mai: the climate month by month

When to go to Chiang Mai, how hot it gets and when the rain comes: every month in detail, from the official climate averages of the Thai Meteorological Department, with my own advice on top.

Kylian DevBy Kylian Dev

  • Official 1991–2020 averages
  • 12 months in detail
  • Best time: November to April

In short

The best time to visit Chiang Mai is November to April, the driest period of the year. The rainy season runs from May to October, and the wettest month is August, with 223 mm of rain over about 17 days. Daytime highs range from 29.2°C in December to 36.7°C in April, and nights never drop below about 15.7°C on average.

At a glance

Rain and temperatures in Chiang Mai, month by month

Bars show average rainfall; figures above them are the average daytime high and night-time low.

Dry (under 100 mm)Some rain (100 to 200 mm)Rainy (over 200 mm)°/° °C · mm

Month by month

Climate table for Chiang Mai

Click a month to see what else happens in Thailand that month: festivals, crowds and the best regions.

MonthHighLowRainRainy daysHumidityVerdict
January30 °C15.7 °C11 mm169 %Dry
February32.9 °C16.8 °C10 mm158 %Dry
March35.4 °C20.1 °C20 mm254 %Dry
April36.7 °C23.4 °C54 mm557 %Dry
May34.7 °C24.2 °C168 mm1271 %Some rain
June33.2 °C24.5 °C118 mm1276 %Some rain
July32.1 °C24.3 °C149 mm1479 %Some rain
August31.6 °C24 °C223 mm1782 %Rainy
September32 °C23.7 °C207 mm1582 %Rainy
October31.7 °C22.6 °C124 mm979 %Some rain
November30.8 °C19.9 °C41 mm375 %Dry
December29.2 °C16.9 °C14 mm173 %Dry

Total rainfall over the year: 1,139 mm.

Month by month

Chiang Mai in each month of the year

Chiang Mai in January

Dry

Average highs of 30°C and lows of 15.7°C, with 11 mm of rain over about 1 days. A dry month: one of the best times to go.

Chiang Mai in February

Dry

Average highs of 32.9°C and lows of 16.8°C, with 10 mm of rain over about 1 days. A dry month: one of the best times to go.

Chiang Mai in March

Dry

Average highs of 35.4°C and lows of 20.1°C, with 20 mm of rain over about 2 days. A dry month: one of the best times to go.

Chiang Mai in April

Dry

Average highs of 36.7°C and lows of 23.4°C, with 54 mm of rain over about 5 days. A dry month: one of the best times to go.

Chiang Mai in May

Some rain

Average highs of 34.7°C and lows of 24.2°C, with 168 mm of rain over about 12 days. Some showers, usually short: still a good month to go.

Chiang Mai in June

Some rain

Average highs of 33.2°C and lows of 24.5°C, with 118 mm of rain over about 12 days. Some showers, usually short: still a good month to go.

Chiang Mai in July

Some rain

Average highs of 32.1°C and lows of 24.3°C, with 149 mm of rain over about 14 days. Some showers, usually short: still a good month to go.

Chiang Mai in August

Rainy

Average highs of 31.6°C and lows of 24°C, with 223 mm of rain over about 17 days. A rainy month: expect a shower most days and keep plans flexible.

Chiang Mai in September

Rainy

Average highs of 32°C and lows of 23.7°C, with 207 mm of rain over about 15 days. A rainy month: expect a shower most days and keep plans flexible.

Chiang Mai in October

Some rain

Average highs of 31.7°C and lows of 22.6°C, with 124 mm of rain over about 9 days. Some showers, usually short: still a good month to go.

Chiang Mai in November

Dry

Average highs of 30.8°C and lows of 19.9°C, with 41 mm of rain over about 3 days. A dry month: one of the best times to go.

Chiang Mai in December

Dry

Average highs of 29.2°C and lows of 16.9°C, with 14 mm of rain over about 1 days. A dry month: one of the best times to go.

Seasons

The three things to know about the weather in Chiang Mai

Best time

November to April. Least rain of the year, calmer sea on the coast and lots of sunshine. It is also the high season: book early.

Rainy season

May to October. Rain usually comes as heavy showers, often in the afternoon or at night, rather than all day. Peak in August (223 mm).

Hottest month

April, with average highs of 36.7°C and high humidity. Plan outdoor visits early in the morning.

My advice

What the numbers don't say about Chiang Mai

December and January are the most pleasant months in Chiang Mai: warm days and cool nights, sometimes 13 to 15°C in the mountains, so bring a jumper for Doi Suthep or Doi Inthanon at dawn. Avoid March and April if you are sensitive to air quality: it is the burning season, and smoke can hide the mountains. The rainy season turns the valleys a vivid green and is a good time for waterfalls.

Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai

Where these figures come from

Monthly averages over 1991–2020 from the Chiang Mai weather station of the Thai Meteorological Department, as published in the World Meteorological Organization climate normals. They describe a typical year, not a forecast: a given year can be wetter or drier.

Data table (Wikipedia, WMO/TMD normals)
Everything about Chiang MaiThings to do, food, getting there and budget.Thailand month by monthCompare every region for the month you travel.Travelling in the rainy seasonWhere it rains less and how to plan around it.

FAQ

Weather in Chiang Mai: your questions

When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?

November to April is the best time: it is the driest period of the year in Chiang Mai, with the most sunshine. It is also the busiest and most expensive season, so book early.

Where to stay in Chiang Mai
When is the rainy season in Chiang Mai?

The rainy season runs from May to October. The wettest month is August, with about 223 mm of rain over 17 days on average. Showers are heavy but often short: add a light rain jacket to your Thailand packing list.

What is the hottest month in Chiang Mai?

April is the hottest month, with average highs of 36.7°C. The most pleasant month for temperatures is December, with highs of 29.2°C.

Is it worth going to Chiang Mai in the rainy season?

Yes, if you stay flexible. Prices drop, there are fewer tourists and the scenery is green. Expect a shower most days, allow spare days for boat trips and get travel insurance that covers cancellations.

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