Weather in Mae Hong Son

Planning a trip to Mae Hong Son? Check out the current weather information, detailed charts, and forecasts to ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible.

Mae Hong Son, located in a picturesque mountainous area in the north of Thailand, possesses a tropical savanna climate that differs noticeably from the weather at the country's southern resorts. Due to its geographical location and terrain, this region is known for more pronounced seasonal temperature fluctuations. Generally, the weather here can be characterized as hot during the day, but with a pleasant coolness at night during certain months of the year.

The year in Mae Hong Son is clearly divided into three main seasons. The hot season lasts from March to May, when daytime temperatures reach their peak, often exceeding 30°C. Following this, from May to October, comes the rainy season: humidity rises, and nature blooms with vibrant colours. The rainiest months are July and August, when precipitation falls almost daily, bringing freshness to the jungles and waterfalls.

The most comfortable time to visit is considered the "cool season," lasting from November to February. During this period, dry and sunny weather sets in with minimal rainfall. Travellers should note a unique feature of the local climate: in December and January, night temperatures can drop to 13–15°C. Therefore, when going on a trip in winter, be sure to bring warm clothes for evening walks, despite the fact that it will be warm and sunny during the day.

The climate in Mae Hong Son has a distinct seasonality, which is typical for the northern provinces of Thailand. The hottest period of the year is the spring months preceding the rainy season. The peak heat falls in April, when the average temperature is about 28.1°C, and daytime maximums regularly reach the 34.6°C mark. March is also characterized by high temperatures, reaching up to 33°C during the day, creating an atmosphere of true tropical heat.

The "winter" season, lasting from November to February, brings long-awaited coolness and is considered the most comfortable time for travel. The coldest months are January and December with average values around 20-21°C. During this period, the most significant temperature fluctuations are observed: during the day, the air warms up to a pleasant 26-27°C, but at night it can sharply cool down to 13-14°C. Travellers should definitely take warm clothes with them for the evening and morning hours.

Summer months and early autumn (from May to October) are characterized by a more stable but humid temperature regime. At this time, the heat subsides, and the average temperature stays in the range of 24-25°C. The difference between day and night indicators becomes minimal — for example, in August it is only about 5-6 degrees. This creates a mild, but rather muggy climate due to the high humidity characteristic of the rainy season.

The climate of Mae Hong Son is characterized by a clear division into dry and wet seasons. Travellers should consider that the nature of precipitation changes significantly throughout the year. There is no snow in this tropical region, so the only type of precipitation is rain, the frequency of which depends directly on the month of your visit.

The dry season lasts approximately from November to April. The driest months are December, January, February, and March, when the average rainfall is practically zero, and the probability of getting caught in the rain is minimal (only 1–3 rainy days per month). This is the most comfortable time for tourism, allowing you to plan long walks in nature without looking back at the weather forecast.

The rainy season begins in May and reaches its peak in mid-summer. July and August are the wettest months of the year: statistics show that precipitation can fall almost daily, up to 30–31 days a month. Although it rains very often, by November the amount drops sharply (to 10 days), marking the gradual return of sunny and dry weather.

When packing for Mae Hong Son, give preference to light and breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Since the temperature during the day often stays around 27–30°C, and in the hot season (March-April) can rise even higher, you will need t-shirts, shorts, and summer trousers. Be sure to bring comfortable, broken-in walking shoes, as the region invites long walks through hilly terrain and temple complexes. Don't forget reliable sun protection: a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high SPF cream are necessary at any time of the year.

However, the climate of this mountain region has its own peculiarities that are important to remember when packing your suitcase. In the winter months (from November to February), nights can be quite cool, and the thermometer can drop to 13–14°C. During this period, the principle of layering becomes key: be sure to grab a hoodie, fleece jacket, or light windbreaker for evening walks and early mornings. During the day, the air warms up quickly, and you can easily take off the top layer, remaining in comfortable summer clothes.

If your trip is planned for the rainy season (from May to October), when precipitation falls very often (up to 30 days a month at the height of the season), it is worth preparing for high humidity. During this period, a light rain poncho, which is more convenient than an umbrella on trips, and quick-drying shoes with non-slip soles will become indispensable. It is also recommended to have a waterproof case for technology and documents, and insect repellent will come in handy for protection during excursions into nature.