For a Chiang Mai holiday spent exploring old-city temples on foot and lingering in cafés, choose November–January. Mean temperatures of around 22–25°C are lower than in April, and there is less rain than during the summer rainy season, making neighbourhood walks more comfortable. December and January mornings and nights can feel noticeably cool, so pack a light layer. If you are heading into the mountains, choose clothing using the forecast for your actual destination rather than the city’s observation figures.
The figures below are 1991–2020 climate normals from station CHIANG MAI. Actual weather at beaches, mountains and accommodation may differ. Scroll the table horizontally.
| Month | Mean temperature | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22.0°C | 30.0°C | 15.7°C | 11.3mm | 1.3 days |
| February | 24.2°C | 32.9°C | 16.8°C | 9.6mm | 0.9 days |
| March | 27.3°C | 35.4°C | 20.1°C | 20.4mm | 2.8 days |
| April | 29.5°C | 36.7°C | 23.4°C | 54.3mm | 6.8 days |
| May | 28.6°C | 34.7°C | 24.2°C | 167.5mm | 14.8 days |
| June | 28.0°C | 33.2°C | 24.5°C | 118.2mm | 16.3 days |
| July | 27.4°C | 32.1°C | 24.3°C | 148.6mm | 18.8 days |
| August | 26.9°C | 31.6°C | 24.0°C | 223.3mm | 20.9 days |
| September | 26.9°C | 32.0°C | 23.7°C | 207.2mm | 18.1 days |
| October | 26.4°C | 31.7°C | 22.6°C | 123.8mm | 11.8 days |
| November | 24.6°C | 30.8°C | 19.9°C | 40.9mm | 4.2 days |
| December | 22.2°C | 29.2°C | 16.9°C | 14.1mm | 1.8 days |
The station table used is on PDF page 11. Rainy days are averages and do not mean rain throughout the day.
Opportunities and cautions are itinerary suggestions based on climate data. Check your day’s weather and whether marine activities are operating separately before departure.
What suits this month
Explore Chiang Mai’s old city and temples on foot. Enjoy sightseeing during the day and bring a layer when you go out in the morning or evening.
Things to consider
Temperatures drop considerably in the morning and at night. Bring a light layer if you leave early or return late.
What suits this month
Start your old-city walk in the morning and rest in a café during the day. Breaks between temples help you avoid the midday heat.
Things to consider
Temperatures drop considerably in the morning and at night. Bring a light layer if you leave early or return late.
What suits this month
Visit the old city and temples in the morning, then find a café or indoor exhibition during the hot part of the day. You can go out for another walk as the sun drops.
Things to consider
Long walks in the midday heat can be tiring. Carry water and stop in the shade between journeys.
What suits this month
Finish temple visits early and rest over a meal indoors during the day. Avoid fitting all your longer walks into one day.
Things to consider
Long walks in the midday heat can be tiring. Carry water and stop in the shade between journeys.
What suits this month
Find cafés or indoor exhibitions near the temples you plan to visit. If it rains, you can rest indoors before continuing.
Things to consider
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives, rather than filling the day with outdoor plans.
What suits this month
Relax in a café or visit an indoor exhibition, then walk through the old city when the rain eases.
Things to consider
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives, rather than filling the day with outdoor plans.
What suits this month
If it starts raining during an old-city walk, stop at a nearby café. Adjust your time on foot to the weather.
Things to consider
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives, rather than filling the day with outdoor plans.
What suits this month
Enjoy cafés and indoor exhibitions during heavy rain. Continue your temple visits and old-city walks once it eases.
Things to consider
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives, rather than filling the day with outdoor plans.
What suits this month
Plan café breaks alongside temple visits. This lets you continue your holiday without travelling far during rain.
Things to consider
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives, rather than filling the day with outdoor plans.
What suits this month
Visit an indoor exhibition or relax in a café, then head into the old city when the rain eases. Group nearby sights together to make rainy-day journeys easier.
Things to consider
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives, rather than filling the day with outdoor plans.
What suits this month
Visit temples and the old city, then stop at a café. Relatively little rain makes this a good time for sightseeing on foot.
Things to consider
Even with little rain, midday can be hot and showers are possible. Bring a hat and a light umbrella.
What suits this month
Enjoy walking through the old city and visiting temples. Mornings and nights can feel cool compared with the day, so bring a light layer.
Things to consider
Temperatures drop considerably in the morning and at night. Bring a light layer if you leave early or return late.
Plan Old-city and temple walks for the morning or around sunset. Meals and rests at midday avoid long walks in the hottest hours. On rainy days, try visiting cafés and indoor exhibitions, then walking through the old city when the rain eases.
Bring a light layer for winter mornings and nights. Mountain destinations can differ from city temperatures, so check the forecast for where you are going too.
November–January suits walking through the old city and visiting temples. December and January have mean temperatures of around 22°C, lower than April’s 29.5°C. Wear light clothes during the day and add a layer when you go out in the morning or at night.
Look at average highs and lows too. Mean temperature is not the temperature at a particular time of day. Prepare separately for midday walks and morning or evening outings.
No. Rainy days are a monthly average, not a measure of when rain falls or how long it lasts. Use the hourly forecast for your actual travel dates to adjust outdoor plans.
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