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Weather in Chiang Rai: the climate month by month

When to go to Chiang Rai, 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 Rai is November to April, the driest period of the year. The rainy season runs from May to September, and the wettest month is August, with 373 mm of rain over about 21 days. Daytime highs range from 27.8°C in December to 34.7°C in April, and nights never drop below about 13.8°C on average.

At a glance

Rain and temperatures in Chiang Rai, 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 Rai

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

MonthHighLowRainRainy daysHumidityVerdict
January28.6 °C13.8 °C16 mm274 %Dry
February31.3 °C14.5 °C13 mm167 %Dry
March33.7 °C17.5 °C34 mm364 %Dry
April34.7 °C21.1 °C93 mm867 %Dry
May33.5 °C23 °C226 mm1575 %Rainy
June32.5 °C24 °C186 mm1579 %Some rain
July31.3 °C23.9 °C318 mm2082 %Rainy
August30.9 °C23.7 °C373 mm2184 %Rainy
September31.4 °C23.1 °C275 mm1583 %Rainy
October30.9 °C21.5 °C124 mm881 %Some rain
November29.6 °C17.9 °C45 mm478 %Dry
December27.8 °C14.7 °C21 mm277 %Dry

Total rainfall over the year: 1,724 mm.

Month by month

Chiang Rai in each month of the year

Chiang Rai in January

Dry

Average highs of 28.6°C and lows of 13.8°C, with 16 mm of rain over about 2 days. A dry month: one of the best times to go.

Chiang Rai in February

Dry

Average highs of 31.3°C and lows of 14.5°C, with 13 mm of rain over about 1 days. A dry month: one of the best times to go.

Chiang Rai in March

Dry

Average highs of 33.7°C and lows of 17.5°C, with 34 mm of rain over about 3 days. A dry month: one of the best times to go.

Chiang Rai in April

Dry

Average highs of 34.7°C and lows of 21.1°C, with 93 mm of rain over about 8 days. A dry month: one of the best times to go.

Chiang Rai in May

Rainy

Average highs of 33.5°C and lows of 23°C, with 226 mm of rain over about 15 days. A rainy month: expect a shower most days and keep plans flexible.

Chiang Rai in June

Some rain

Average highs of 32.5°C and lows of 24°C, with 186 mm of rain over about 15 days. Some showers, usually short: still a good month to go.

Chiang Rai in July

Rainy

Average highs of 31.3°C and lows of 23.9°C, with 318 mm of rain over about 20 days. A rainy month: expect a shower most days and keep plans flexible.

Chiang Rai in August

Rainy

Average highs of 30.9°C and lows of 23.7°C, with 373 mm of rain over about 21 days. A rainy month: expect a shower most days and keep plans flexible.

Chiang Rai in September

Rainy

Average highs of 31.4°C and lows of 23.1°C, with 275 mm of rain over about 15 days. A rainy month: expect a shower most days and keep plans flexible.

Chiang Rai in October

Some rain

Average highs of 30.9°C and lows of 21.5°C, with 124 mm of rain over about 8 days. Some showers, usually short: still a good month to go.

Chiang Rai in November

Dry

Average highs of 29.6°C and lows of 17.9°C, with 45 mm of rain over about 4 days. A dry month: one of the best times to go.

Chiang Rai in December

Dry

Average highs of 27.8°C and lows of 14.7°C, with 21 mm of rain over about 2 days. A dry month: one of the best times to go.

Seasons

The three things to know about the weather in Chiang Rai

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 September. Rain usually comes as heavy showers, often in the afternoon or at night, rather than all day. Peak in August (373 mm).

Hottest month

April, with average highs of 34.7°C and high humidity. Plan outdoor visits early in the morning.

My advice

What the numbers don't say about Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is a little cooler than Chiang Mai, with nights around 14°C in December and January: pack a warm layer for the Golden Triangle viewpoints and early starts. Like the rest of the north, March and April can be hazy with smoke from field burning. August is the wettest month, but the White Temple and the tea plantations are beautiful after the rain.

Chiang Rai & the Golden Triangle
Chiang Rai & the Golden Triangle

Where these figures come from

Monthly averages over 1991–2020 from the Chiang Rai 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 RaiThings 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 Rai: your questions

When is the best time to visit Chiang Rai?

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

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

The rainy season runs from May to September. The wettest month is August, with about 373 mm of rain over 21 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 Rai?

April is the hottest month, with average highs of 34.7°C. The most pleasant month for temperatures is December, with highs of 27.8°C.

Is it worth going to Chiang Rai 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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