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. In February and March, smoke from agricultural burning can make the sky hazy, while August in the rainy season brings a risk of heavy rain and landslides. If you prefer cooler weather, consider the timing of rain and haze as well as 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
Compare hotter and wetter months in the table below. These are historical climate averages: they are not a forecast for your travel dates and do not tell you whether swimming will be possible.
| Month | Travel rating | Temperature | Rainfall | Rainy days | Humidity | Sunshine | Sea conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | ++ Very good | 13~29°C | 11 mm | 2 d | 65% | 8 h | Not applicable |
| February | ++ Very good | 14~31°C | 15 mm | 2 d | 55% | 9 h | Not applicable |
| March | ++ Very good | 17~34°C | 33 mm | 4 d | 50% | 10 h | Not applicable |
| April | + Good | 21~35°C | 84 mm | 8 d | 55% | 11 h | Not applicable |
| May | ± Average | 22~33°C | 198 mm | 15 d | 68% | 11 h | Not applicable |
| June | ± Average | 24~32°C | 172 mm | 16 d | 75% | 9 h | Not applicable |
| July | - Not recommended | 24~31°C | 287 mm | 19 d | 78% | 8 h | Not applicable |
| August | - Not recommended | 23~31°C | 321 mm | 20 d | 80% | 8 h | Not applicable |
| September | - Not recommended | 23~31°C | 272 mm | 18 d | 80% | 8 h | Not applicable |
| October | ± Average | 21~31°C | 121 mm | 12 d | 76% | 8 h | Not applicable |
| November | ++ Very good | 17~29°C | 47 mm | 5 d | 70% | 7 h | Not applicable |
| December | ++ Very good | 14~28°C | 12 mm | 2 d | 68% | 7 h | Not applicable |
| Month | Weather and travel advice |
|---|---|
| January | This is the coldest month. Days are clear, but frost is possible in mountain areas at night. |
| February | The weather is dry and clear. Smoke from agricultural burning begins to appear. |
| March | Air pollution from agricultural burning is at its worst. The weather is hot and the sky is hazy. |
| April | The hottest month coincides with Songkran. Smoke gradually decreases. |
| May | The rainy season begins, bringing fresher air and greener scenery. Smoke from burning also decreases. |
| June | The rainy season supports lush growth in rice fields and tea plantations. |
| July | Humid weather brings frequent showers. The mountains of the Golden Triangle turn green. |
| August | This is the wettest month. Heavy rain and occasional landslides can occur. |
| September | Rain continues amid lush scenery. Visitor numbers tend to be lower. |
| October | Rain decreases, and the seasonal transition brings fresher weather. |
| November | The dry season begins, with cool, fresh evenings. |
| December | The weather is cold and dry, with morning mist in the valleys. |