Chiang Mai: monthly weather and climate
Chiang Mai · Northern Thailand · mountains
Morning temperatures in Chiang Mai can fall to 15°C or below in January, while days are clear. In February and March, however, smoke from crop burning can make the sky hazy. Low rainfall does not necessarily mean clean air, so consider the timing of haze alongside the temperature when choosing your travel month.
4 mmJan9 mmFeb18 mmMar57 mmApr162 mmMay125 mmJun140 mmJul217 mmAug211 mmSep118 mmOct54 mmNov16 mmDec
When are the dry and rainy seasons?
- Best time to visit
- Nov–Feb
- Dry season
- Nov–Feb
- Rainy season
- May–Oct
- Hottest month
- Apr (36°C)
- Wettest month
- Aug (217 mm)
Monthly weather and climate
Compare the table below to see which months are hotter or wetter. These are historical climate averages; they do not provide a forecast for your travel dates or tell you whether swimming will be permitted or safe.
| Month | Travel rating | Temperature | Rainfall | Rainy days | Humidity | Sunshine hours | Sea conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | ++ Very good | 15~29°C | 4 mm | 1 days | 68% | 8.8 hours | Not applicable |
| February | ++ Very good | 17~32°C | 9 mm | 1 days | 58% | 9.1 hours | Not applicable |
| March | ++ Very good | 20~35°C | 18 mm | 2 days | 52% | 9.5 hours | Not applicable |
| April | + Good | 23~36°C | 57 mm | 7 days | 57% | 9.3 hours | Not applicable |
| May | ± Average | 24~34°C | 162 mm | 15 days | 71% | 6.4 hours | Not applicable |
| June | ± Average | 24~32°C | 125 mm | 17 days | 77% | 5.2 hours | Not applicable |
| July | - Not recommended | 24~31°C | 140 mm | 19 days | 79% | 3.9 hours | Not applicable |
| August | - Not recommended | 24~31°C | 217 mm | 21 days | 81% | 3.8 hours | Not applicable |
| September | - Not recommended | 23~31°C | 211 mm | 18 days | 81% | 4.8 hours | Not applicable |
| October | + Good | 22~30°C | 118 mm | 12 days | 79% | 6.5 hours | Not applicable |
| November | + Good | 18~29°C | 54 mm | 5 days | 75% | 7.2 hours | Not applicable |
| December | ++ Very good | 15~28°C | 16 mm | 1 days | 73% | 8.2 hours | Not applicable |
| Month | Weather and travel advice |
|---|---|
| January | This is the coolest month of the year. Morning temperatures can fall to 15°C or below, while days are clear. |
| February | The weather is clear and dry, but smoke from crop burning starts to thicken. Little rain does not necessarily mean clean air. |
| March | Air pollution from crop burning is at its worst. The weather is hot and skies are hazy. |
| April | This is the hottest month and coincides with Songkran. The existing weather notes describe it as the end of the smog period, but that does not mean the whole month is free of haze. |
| May | The rainy season begins and the mountains turn green. Smoke from burning also decreases. |
| June | This is a rainy period. Clear mornings are followed by afternoon showers in the mountains. |
| July | The weather is humid and cloudy. Temperatures become cooler and the landscape turns lush green. |
| August | This is the wettest month. Cloud cover brings the fewest sunshine hours. |
| September | Rain continues, and rice is growing actively in the paddy fields. |
| October | Rain decreases while the landscape remains green. |
| November | The dry season begins, with cooler evenings and clearer air. |
| December | The weather is cool and dry. Pleasant mornings are well suited to visiting temples. |