Chiang Rai: monthly weather and climate
Chiang Rai · Northern Thailand · Golden Triangle
January nights in Chiang Rai's mountains can be cold enough for frost. Smoke from crop burning brings haze in February and March, while August in the rainy season carries a risk of heavy rain and landslides. If you prefer cooler weather, consider the timing of rain and haze as well as temperatures.
11 mmJan15 mmFeb33 mmMar84 mmApr198 mmMay172 mmJun287 mmJul321 mmAug272 mmSep121 mmOct47 mmNov12 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 (35°C)
- Wettest month
- Aug (321 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 | 13~29°C | 11 mm | 2 days | 65% | 8 hours | Not applicable |
| February | ++ Very good | 14~31°C | 15 mm | 2 days | 55% | 9 hours | Not applicable |
| March | ++ Very good | 17~34°C | 33 mm | 4 days | 50% | 10 hours | Not applicable |
| April | + Good | 21~35°C | 84 mm | 8 days | 55% | 11 hours | Not applicable |
| May | ± Average | 22~33°C | 198 mm | 15 days | 68% | 11 hours | Not applicable |
| June | ± Average | 24~32°C | 172 mm | 16 days | 75% | 9 hours | Not applicable |
| July | - Not recommended | 24~31°C | 287 mm | 19 days | 78% | 8 hours | Not applicable |
| August | - Not recommended | 23~31°C | 321 mm | 20 days | 80% | 8 hours | Not applicable |
| September | - Not recommended | 23~31°C | 272 mm | 18 days | 80% | 8 hours | Not applicable |
| October | ± Average | 21~31°C | 121 mm | 12 days | 76% | 8 hours | Not applicable |
| November | ++ Very good | 17~29°C | 47 mm | 5 days | 70% | 7 hours | Not applicable |
| December | ++ Very good | 14~28°C | 12 mm | 2 days | 68% | 7 hours | Not applicable |
| Month | Weather and travel advice |
|---|---|
| January | This is the coldest month. The weather is clear, but frost is possible at night in the mountains. |
| February | The weather is dry and clear. Smoke from crop burning begins to appear. |
| 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. Smoke gradually decreases. |
| May | The rainy season begins, bringing fresher air and greener scenery. Smoke from burning also decreases. |
| June | This is the rainy season. Rice fields and tea plantations turn green. |
| July | Humid weather brings frequent showers. The mountains of the Golden Triangle turn green. |
| August | This is the wettest month. Heavy rain brings occasional landslides. |
| September | Rain continues and the landscape remains lush green. Tourist numbers are relatively low. |
| October | Rain decreases as the season changes, and the weather becomes fresher. |
| November | The dry season begins, with cool, fresh evenings. |
| December | The weather is cold and dry. Morning mist forms in the valleys. |