Weather in Chiang Mai

Planning your day in Chiang Mai? Here you will find the freshest weather information: current reports, forecasts, and visual charts.

The climate in Chiang Mai, located in the north of Thailand, can be described as tropical savanna. It is warm here year-round, but with clearly defined seasons that determine the comfortable times for travel. In general, the weather offers variety: from dry and cool days to hot and humid periods.

The year in Chiang Mai is conventionally divided into three main seasons. The cool dry season lasts roughly from November to February, when average temperatures range from 21°C to 23°C, and nights can be quite fresh (around 15°C). This time is considered the most comfortable for visiting due to the minimal amount of rainfall. From March to May comes the hot dry season, when air temperatures can rise above 30-34°C, and the number of rainy days begins to gradually increase towards the end of this period.

The rainy season usually falls within the period from May-June to October. The greatest amount of precipitation falls during this time, especially in July and August, and humidity increases. Average temperatures during this period hold at a level of 26-28°C. Despite frequent rains, they typically manifest as strong but short-lived downpours, after which the sun comes out again.

The temperature regime in Chiang Mai is characterized by warmth year-round, yet with noticeable seasonal fluctuations. The hottest months are typically April and May. In April, the average maximum temperature reaches 34.2°C, and in May, the average overall temperature holds at 28.0°C. During these months, even the nights remain quite warm, with minimum temperatures around 21.6°C in April and 23.3°C in May. The coolest months are considered to be December and January. During this period, the average temperature is a comfortable 21.0°C; during the day, the air warms up on average to 26.5-27.2°C, while nights can be quite fresh, with temperatures dropping to 14.7-15.6°C.

The period that can be conditionally called summer in terms of temperature indicators covers the months from March to July-August. In March and April, a dry heat sets in, when daytime highs regularly exceed 30-33°C. With the arrival of the rainy season, starting in May, the heat softens slightly due to cloud cover and precipitation, but is accompanied by high humidity, which can create a feeling of stuffiness. Average maximum temperatures in the summer rainy months (June-August) fluctuate around 29-31°C, while average minimum nightly temperatures remain high, around 23°C.

The so-called winter, or cool dry season, from November to February, offers the most pleasant temperature conditions for visiting Chiang Mai. Days are usually warm and sunny, with average maximum temperatures from 26.5°C (December) to 30.2°C (February). Nights, however, bring tangible coolness: average minimum temperatures can drop to 14.7°C in January and 15.6°C in December. Such a significant difference between day and night temperatures, sometimes amounting to 12-15°C (for example, in January the difference between the average maximum of 27.2°C and average minimum of 14.7°C is 12.5°C), is a characteristic feature of the Chiang Mai climate, especially in the dry season, and allows one to enjoy freshness in the mornings and evenings.

In Chiang Mai, there is a clearly defined seasonality in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year, which is characteristic of the tropical climate of Thailand. The year can be divided into dry and wet periods, with the transition between them occurring gradually. Snow is not characteristic for Chiang Mai; all precipitation falls in the form of rain.

The dry season in Chiang Mai usually lasts from November to March. At this time, the amount of precipitation is minimal. The driest month is February, when on average there is no precipitation at all (0 mm) and only about 2 rainy days. January, March, and December are also very dry, with an average rainfall of about 1 mm and only 3-4 rainy days per month. November marks the end of the rainy season, and although the amount of precipitation is also small (about 1 mm), there can be slightly more rainy days, around 8.

The rainy season covers the period roughly from May to October. The amount of precipitation and frequency of rains increase significantly. April can be considered a transitional month, when rainfall increases to 3 mm, and the number of rainy days reaches 10. The peak of the rainy season occurs in July and August. In August, the highest monthly average rainfall occurs – about 12 mm, while both July and August have approximately 28 rainy days each. This means that it rains almost daily. June and September are also very humid, with 9 mm of precipitation and 25-26 rainy days. In May and October, rainfall is about 6 mm, and there are approximately 21 rainy days. Rains during this period are often strong, but can also be short-lived, typical of tropical downpours.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Chiang Mai, orient yourself towards the tropical climate that reigns here year-round. Light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen, will be your best companion. Do not forget comfortable shoes for walking around the city and exploring the numerous temples. High SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are mandatory at any time of the year, as the sun in Thailand is very active. A light backpack for day excursions and a water bottle to always stay hydrated will also come in handy.

The weather in Chiang Mai has pronounced seasonality, which is worth considering when choosing your wardrobe. From November to February (cool dry season), it is warm during the day (average highs 26-30°C), but evenings and nights can be quite fresh (average lows 14-18°C). Therefore, take with you not only T-shirts and shorts but also a light jacket, sweater, or fleece, as well as long trousers. From March to April (hot dry season), real heat sets in, with temperatures rising to 33-34°C. During this period, choose the lightest and loosest clothing. The rainy season lasts roughly from May to October. Although temperatures remain high (28-32°C), frequent, though often short-lived, downpours make a light raincoat or umbrella mandatory. Quick-drying clothes and, perhaps, an extra pair of shoes will be very useful. Regardless of the season, insect repellent will be helpful, especially in the evening and when visiting natural attractions.