Best Time To Visit Chiang Mai > Weather, Season And Temperature

What is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?

The best time to visit Chiang Mai is from November to February. During this time, the weather is cool and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F). The skies are generally clear, providing ample sunlight for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Rainfall is minimal, with an average of 10-30mm per month, making it ideal for exploring the city's temples, markets, and natural attractions. Tourists also flock to Chiang Mai during these months to experience cultural festivals such as Loy Krathong and Yi Peng. March to May is the shoulder season in Chiang Mai, while June to October is the off-season, with heavy rainfall. If you want to attend the world-famous Songkran Festival, visit Chiang Mai in April.

Shoulder Season:
The shoulder seasons of March to May offer good conditions for visiting Chiang Mai. During these months, temperatures begin to rise, with average highs ranging from 31°C to 36°C (88°F to 97°F). Humidity levels increase, but rainfall remains relatively low, with an average of 30-70mm per month. It is a good time to enjoy cultural experiences and explore Chiang Mai's vibrant street food scene and nightlife.

Off Season:
The off-season in Chiang Mai occurs during the months of June to October, coinciding with the rainy season. Heavy rainfall is common during this time, with average precipitation ranging from 120mm to 300mm per month. Outdoor activities may be limited due to the rain, and some attractions may be closed. Average temperatures range from 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F), with high humidity levels. Check weather forecasts and plan visits accordingly to avoid disappointment. However, you can still enjoy indoor attractions such as museums, galleries, and temples, as well as take advantage of lower hotel rates and fewer crowds.

Weather in Chiang Mai

Upcoming Chiang Mai Weather

Monthly Weather in Chiang Mai

Month	High/Low (°C)	Rain
January	32°/ 16°	1 days
February	34°/ 17°	0 days
March	38°/ 20°	0 days
April	37°/ 23°	9 days
May	37°/ 25°	17 days
June	33°/ 24°	19 days
July	32°/ 23°	23 days
August	30°/ 23°	26 days
September	32°/ 22°	24 days
October	33°/ 22°	20 days
November	32°/ 20°	4 days
December	30°/ 15°	4 days

Chiang Mai Travel Packages

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More about Best Time to Travel to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai in Peak Season / High season

Peak season in Chiang Mai starts from mid-November till February. The average temperature hovers around 22-degree Celsius, with a pleasant cold breeze and dry weather, the tourists, fall in love with this place during these months. But beware the prices of Accommodation may increase up a bit since the tourists flock from all over the world during this time. During this season the world-famous Lantern Festival is also held in Chiang Mai, for which thousands of people come to attend it.

Chiang Mai in Shoulder Season

The months from July to October is considered as a shoulder season because it welcomes the Rainy Season although it rains for only 1 to 2 hours a day, which won?t affect your vacation. The average temperature ranges between 26-28 degree during this time, but the humidity in the air rises a little bit. The season is perfect to avoid the peak tourist season which comes around the later part of the year. A nature sightseeing is an ideal plan during this time since the whole mountain ranges will be in their full bloom. Although it doesn?t rain a lot, you should always carry an Umbrella with you, and don?t forget to look for a fantastic hotel at a huge discount during this time of the year.

Chiang Mai in Off Season / Low Season

March to June is considered as a low-season in Chiang Mai, because of the increase in temperature up to 33-36 degree Celsius, which is why it is famous as the ?hot season?. The number of tourists is almost minimal during these months, which is also contributed by the unprecedented pollution during this time of the year. However, this is the time when Chiang Mai?s historical Songkran Festival is held, which goes on for 3-days. You can also visit famous Temples of Chiang Mai during this time.

Chiang Mai in Cool Season (November to February)

The cold season from November to February is also the peak season in Chiang Mai. Tourists flock from all around the world to explore this ancient city. The lowest temperature goes down to 15 degrees in December. Shopping in the Warorot Market or going onto sightseeing the various temples can be engaging. By February, the temperature starts to rise, however, pleasant enough to roam around with light clothing. Pack some woollen too since the nights are comparatively colder.

Events and Festivals

One of the most famous festivals in Chiang Mai is Loi Krathong which is held in November. December marks the beginning of the Winter Fair which goes on for 15 days. Relish the delicious thai food at the Chiang Mai food festival.
The Lampang Ceramic Fair is also held for eight days during the first week of December that showcases beautiful ceramic art.
January is famous for the Red cross events which go on for two weeks. It aims to raise charity funds for the Red Cross.
During the first week of February, the colourful Flower Carnival is held in Chiang Mai. The festival contributes mainly to the tourism sector since it attracts a lot of tourists from all around the world.
Chinese New Year is also celebrated at a large-scale in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai in Hot Season (March to June)

The hot season begins in March; the days can be sweaty, although not unbearable. Trekking and Hiking could be an enjoyable experience in March. The temperature is at its peak in April; there will only be hot days while the nights could be a breath of relief. You can relax in a resort during day time or go on for a local food-tour in the evenings. Much like April, the weather will still be hot during May, but the added humidity makes the situation even worse for a tourist to enjoy the city. However, there is an added benefit of having cheap accommodation during May; hence this is a perfect time for budget travellers. There are occasional rainfall and thunderstorms in June; therefore, it's better to avoid visiting Chiang Mai during this month.

Events & Festivals

Thai Elephants day is celebrated on the 13th of March at the Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang. It is a beautiful festival to pay respect to the Elephants of Chiang Mai.
The Lanna Giant Drum Festival is also celebrated in March.
In April, Chiang Mai hosts it's one of the biggest festivals which is Songkran when there's a massive influx of tourists.
There are festivals like the ancient city pillar celebration, village fairs and the agriculture's day held in May.

Chiang Mai in Rainy Season (July to October)

July marks the onset of the rainy season that lasts till October. The temperature ranges from 24 to 32-degree Celsius. Don't forget to carry an Umbrella with you during this month, since there's going to be frequent rainfall. However, indulging yourself in local activities like taking a ride in a tuk-tuk across the city or even joining some cooking classes. The weather is delightful with cold nights. September is the wettest month of the year with rainfall at its peak lasting for 3 hours a day. This is not an ideal time to visit Chian Mai. By mid-October, rainfall decreases drastically with mild showers at night. However, this is the end of Offseason hence a last chance for budget travellers to grab discounts.

Events and Festivals

The Candle festival and Buddhist lent are held in July.
The yearly event of Half-Marathon is held in the first week of August, along with other local festivals like Lam Yai and Feung Fah Festivals.
If you love flowers then head to Chiang Mai in September to witness the Mexican Flower Blooming.
Wan Awk Phansa is an event that marks the end of lent and rainy season in Chiang Mai.
A boat ride across Mae Ping river will be a delightful thing to do in Chiang Mai in October.