For walks through Chiang Mai’s Old City, temple visits and café breaks, try November–January. Average temperatures of around 22–25°C are lower than in April, and there is less rain than during the summer rainy season. Mornings and nights feel cooler in December and January, so pack a light layer. If you are heading into the mountains, choose your clothes using the forecast for your actual destination rather than city observations.
The figures below are 1991–2020 climate normals. The observing station is CHIANG MAI; actual conditions at beaches, mountains or your accommodation can differ. Scroll the table sideways.
| Month | Average 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 is on PDF page 11. Rainy-day numbers are averages and do not mean all-day rain.
Benefits and cautions are itinerary suggestions based on climate data. Read the actual day’s weather and marine activity operating decisions separately before leaving.
What works well this month
Explore Chiang Mai on foot through the Old City and temples. Enjoy daytime sightseeing and bring a layer when you head out in the morning or evening.
What to keep in mind
Mornings and nights are considerably cooler than daytime. Bring a light layer if you head out early or return late.
What works well this month
Start your Old City walk in the morning and rest in a café at midday. Breaks between temple visits help you avoid the hottest part of the day.
What to keep in mind
Mornings and nights are considerably cooler than daytime. Bring a light layer if you head out early or return late.
What works well this month
See the Old City and temples in the morning, then find a café or indoor exhibition during the midday heat. You can head out again for a late afternoon walk.
What to keep in mind
Long walks at midday can be tiring. Carry water and rest in the shade between outings.
What works well this month
Finish temple sightseeing early and take a break over an indoor lunch. Avoid putting all your longer walks into a single day.
What to keep in mind
Long walks at midday can be tiring. Carry water and rest in the shade between outings.
What works well this month
On temple days, find nearby cafés or indoor exhibitions as well. When rain starts, rest indoors and resume sightseeing afterward.
What to keep in mind
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives instead of packing your day with outdoor plans.
What works well this month
Relax in a café or browse an indoor exhibition, then walk around the Old City as the rain eases.
What to keep in mind
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives instead of packing your day with outdoor plans.
What works well this month
If rain catches you walking through the Old City, stop at a nearby café. Adjust your walking time to the weather.
What to keep in mind
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives instead of packing your day with outdoor plans.
What works well this month
Enjoy cafés and indoor exhibitions during heavy rain. Continue temple visits or Old City walks once it eases.
What to keep in mind
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives instead of packing your day with outdoor plans.
What works well this month
Plan café breaks alongside temple visits. This lets you continue your day without making a long journey during the rain.
What to keep in mind
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives instead of packing your day with outdoor plans.
What works well this month
Browse 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 journeys easier.
What to keep in mind
Leave time to shelter from rain and keep indoor alternatives instead of packing your day with outdoor plans.
What works well this month
Visit temples and the Old City, then stop for a café break. Relatively little rain makes this a good time to choose places to see on foot.
What to keep in mind
Even with little rain, midday can be hot and showers remain possible. Pack a hat and a lightweight umbrella.
What works well this month
Enjoy exploring the Old City’s temples on foot. Mornings and nights can feel cooler than daytime, so pack a light layer.
What to keep in mind
Mornings and nights are considerably cooler than daytime. Bring a light layer if you head out early or return late.
Plan Old City and temple walks in the morning or around sunset. Set aside midday for meals and rest to avoid long walks in the heat. On rainy days, consider Visiting cafés and indoor exhibitions, then walking in the Old City as rain eases.
Pack a light layer for winter mornings and nights. Mountain temperatures can differ from the city, so read the destination’s forecast too.
November–January is a good fit for exploring the Old City and temples on foot. December and January average around 22°C, below April’s 29.5°C average. Wear light clothes during the day and add a layer when you head out in the morning or at night.
Look at average highs and lows too. The average temperature is not a reading at one particular time of day. Prepare separately for midday walks and for mornings or evenings outside.
No. Rainy-day counts are monthly averages, not the hours or duration of rainfall. Read the hourly forecast for your actual travel dates and adjust outdoor plans.
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