Chiang Mai Weather by Month

Do you want to know which is the best month to visit Chiang Mai? Here is the lowdown on Chiang Mai weather by month, and the different seasons of northern Thailand.

Winter season (October – February)

October

October is more of a shoulder month between the wet season and winter season. Temperatures remains warm (around 30 celsius) but less humid. The rice fields turn a beautiful golden yellow at this time of year, and are ready to be harvested. Tourism starts to pick up in this month, as Chiang Mai heads into the high season.

Daytime Average: 31°c / 88°f 
Night Average:  22°c / 72°f

Rice Terraces Harvest time

November

This really is the start of winter in Chiang Mai and tourism high season. Average temperatures are a pleasant 28 celsius in the daytime, and the skies are blue and clear.  It’s a great time to see the mountains and admire the views. Its the start of high season for tourism, so be sure to book any hotels or tours in advance.

Daytime Average: 30°c / 86°f 
Night Average:  19°c / 66°f

December

December is the peak month for tourism in Chiang Mai. Especially during the Christmas and New Year period. Weather conditions are optimal, with pleasant afternoon temperatures around 28 celsius and chilly mornings and evenings. Tours and hotels get booked up pretty early, so its best to book in advance.

Daytime Average: 28°c / 82°f 
Night Average:  15°c / 59°f

January

January enjoys some of the best weather conditions of the year. Average daytime temperatures are a pleasant 28 celsius, with clear blue skies. The mornings and evenings can get pretty chilly and you’ll need a light sweater if heading outside. January is a peak month in tourism here, with lots of Thais from Bangkok and southern Thailand travelling up to northern Thailand to enjoy the cooler climes too.

Daytime Average: 30°c / 86°f 
Night Average:  15°c / 59°f   

Blue skies in winter

February

Early February still sees the cooler temperatures of the winter months, but it does start to warm up as the month progresses. By the end of February daytime temperatures rise to 32 celsius, and the annual forest burning and haze has started, signaling the start of the summer period.

Daytime Average: 33°c / 91°f 
Night Average:  16°c / 61°f

Summer season (March – April)

March

Local farmers burn the land as part of the slash and burn agricultural cycle. This results in widespread smog and haze across northern Thailand. Daytime temps can reach a sweltering 38 celsius. With no rain for the past 6 months, the ecology and air is very dry, and air quality is poor. These unpleasant weather conditions, mean that there are few tourists.

Daytime Average: 35°c / 95°f 
Night Average:  20°c / 68°f

Burnt fields of summer

April

The extreme heat and dry conditions reach their peak in April. The temperatures rarely dip below 28 celsius, and can peak at 40 celsius.  Songkran Festival (which is when the Thais celebrate their new year) falls on the 13-15^th April. This famous water splashing festival brings some light-hearted fun to cool down everybody in the heat.

Daytime Average: 37°c / 99°f 
Night Average:  23°c / 73°f

Wet Season (May – September)

May

Sees the first rains which signal the end of summer and start of rainy season. Daytime temperatures are around 30 celsius, but it feels cooler than this because of the rains. It starts to feel a little humid and the ecology starts turning into a lovely shade of green. There are relatively few tourists, but weather-wise, May is still a great month to visit.

Daytime Average: 35°c / 95°f 
Night Average:  24°c / 75°f

June

The start of rainy season, and you can almost feel how fertile the nature is at this time of year. This is a busy time for farmers, as it’s rice planting time. It’s tourism low season, but in actual fact it’s a great time of year to visit ! Its’ also one of the most photogenic as the rice terraces and countryside turn into a deep tropical green.

Daytime Average: 33°c / 91°f 
Night Average:  24°c / 75°f

Green rice terraces of rainy season

July

The rains continue and so does the humidity. Daytime temps hover around 28 celsius with humidity around 75%. Tourism starts to pick up as the school holidays in Europe and US begin.

Daytime Average: 32°c / 90°f 
Night Average:  24°c / 75°f

August

Much the same as July, with some overcast but humid days. Although August is one of the wettest months of the year the rain doesn’t necessarily hamper travel. This is because it usually rains in short heavy bursts in the afternoon or at night.

Daytime Average: 32°c / 90°f 
Night Average:  24°c / 75°f

September

September is another wet month. This is probably why it’s the quietest month for tourism, although in reality here, there are still plenty of dry days to be enjoyed, so actually it’s a great time to visit. There’s plenty of availability at hotels and you’ll benefit from low season rates.

Daytime Average: 32°c / 90°f 
Night Average:  23°c / 73°f

Conclusion

The optimal weather conditions in December and January make it a popular time to visit Chiang Mai. However, you’re probably better-off visiting at a quieter time of year to avoid the tourist crowds. Any other month in the year (with the exception of March-April), is a great time to visit northern Thailand. In particular, the shoulder-season months of May/June and September/October are excellent times to visit too. The weather is warm, with dry days, and the ecology is vibrant. As there are few tourists visiting during these months, it’s quieter and you’ll benefit from low season rates.

Useful Links

Weather averages for Chiang Mai

When is the best time to visit northern Thailand ?