Chiang Rai monthly weather and climate
Chiang Rai · Northern Thailand · Golden Triangle
In Chiang Rai, low nighttime temperatures can bring frost to the mountains in January. Smoke from crop burning can make the sky hazy in February and March, while August's rainy-season weather brings heavy rain and a risk of landslides. For a cooler trip, consider the timing of rain and haze along with the temperature.
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
Use the table below to compare hotter and rainier months. These are historical climate averages, not a forecast for your travel dates or an indication that swimming is allowed or safe.
| Month | Travel rating | Temperature | Rainfall | Rainy days | Humidity | Sunshine | Sea conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | ++ Very good | 13~29°C (55.4~84.2°F) | 11 mm | 2 days | 65% | 8 hours | Not applicable |
| February | ++ Very good | 14~31°C (57.2~87.8°F) | 15 mm | 2 days | 55% | 9 hours | Not applicable |
| March | ++ Very good | 17~34°C (62.6~93.2°F) | 33 mm | 4 days | 50% | 10 hours | Not applicable |
| April | + Good | 21~35°C (69.8~95°F) | 84 mm | 8 days | 55% | 11 hours | Not applicable |
| May | ± Average | 22~33°C (71.6~91.4°F) | 198 mm | 15 days | 68% | 11 hours | Not applicable |
| June | ± Average | 24~32°C (75.2~89.6°F) | 172 mm | 16 days | 75% | 9 hours | Not applicable |
| July | - Not recommended | 24~31°C (75.2~87.8°F) | 287 mm | 19 days | 78% | 8 hours | Not applicable |
| August | - Not recommended | 23~31°C (73.4~87.8°F) | 321 mm | 20 days | 80% | 8 hours | Not applicable |
| September | - Not recommended | 23~31°C (73.4~87.8°F) | 272 mm | 18 days | 80% | 8 hours | Not applicable |
| October | ± Average | 21~31°C (69.8~87.8°F) | 121 mm | 12 days | 76% | 8 hours | Not applicable |
| November | ++ Very good | 17~29°C (62.6~84.2°F) | 47 mm | 5 days | 70% | 7 hours | Not applicable |
| December | ++ Very good | 14~28°C (57.2~82.4°F) | 12 mm | 2 days | 68% | 7 hours | Not applicable |
| Month | Weather and travel advice |
|---|---|
| January | This is the coldest month. Skies are clear, but nighttime frost is possible 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. Hot weather comes with hazy skies. |
| April | The hottest month coincides with Songkran. Smoke gradually decreases. |
| May | Rainy season begins, bringing fresher air and greener scenery. Smoke from crop burning also decreases. |
| June | The rainy season brings green growth to rice fields and tea plantations. |
| July | Humid conditions bring frequent showers. The mountains of the Golden Triangle turn green. |
| August | This is the wettest month, with heavy rain and occasional landslides. |
| September | Rain continues and the landscape remains lush and green. There are relatively few visitors. |
| October | Rain decreases as the season changes, bringing fresher weather. |
| November | The dry season begins with cool, fresh evenings. |
| December | The weather is cold and dry, with morning mist in the valleys. |