Best time to visit · Chiang Mai · Thailand
The best time to visit Chiang Mai
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Department of Tourism Thailand: LannaPhoto, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is November to February, when the weather is dry, sunny and cool enough for temple walks and mountain trips. Avoid March, when smoke from agricultural burning frequently makes air quality unhealthy. The June–October rainy season is green and inexpensive, with showers usually in the afternoon.
Key facts
- Best months
- November–February
- Shoulder season
- April and June–October
- Warmest month
- April (avg high 36°C (97°F))
- Coldest month
- December (avg high 28°C (82°F))
- Rainiest month
- August (~21 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- June–September
Seasons
Chiang Mai has a cool, dry season from November to February with warm days and fresh nights, a hot season from March to May when smoke from agricultural burning often causes severe haze, and a rainy season from about June to October.
November–February
Cool season
Dry, sunny and comfortable with cool nights; peak season for festivals such as Yi Peng and for trekking.
March–May
Hot and smoky season
Temperatures in the mid-30s and frequent haze from crop burning, easing when the first rains arrive in May; Songkran falls in April.
June–August
Rainy season
Lush and green with afternoon storms; low prices and few visitors, with waterfalls at their best.
September–October
Late rains
Heavy showers in September give way to drier, greener days in October before the high season.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C | 14°C | 1 | 11.1 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| February | 32°C | 15°C | 1 | 11.5 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| March | 35°C | 18°C | 2 | 12 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| April | 36°C | 22°C | 6 | 12.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| May | 34°C | 23°C | 15 | 13 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| June | 32°C | 23°C | 17 | 13.3 h | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| July | 31°C | 23°C | 20 | 13.2 h | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| August | 31°C | 23°C | 21 | 12.8 h | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| September | 31°C | 22°C | 17 | 12.2 h | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| October | 31°C | 21°C | 10 | 11.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 29°C | 18°C | 4 | 11.2 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| December | 28°C | 15°C | 1 | 11 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Bo Sang Umbrella Festival (usually mid-January); Chinese New Year at Warorot Market (January or February) |
| February | Chiang Mai Flower Festival — floral floats and displays (usually the first weekend of February) |
| April | Songkran — Thai New Year water festival (13–15 April, longer in Chiang Mai) |
| May | Visakha Bucha — candlelit walk up to Doi Suthep (May or June); Inthakhin city pillar festival at Wat Chedi Luang (usually May or June) |
| July | Khao Phansa — start of Buddhist Lent (usually July) |
| October | Ok Phansa — end of Buddhist Lent (usually October) |
| November | Yi Peng and Loy Krathong — lantern and floating-offering festival (usually November full moon) |
| December | Christmas and New Year events along the Ping River |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in June–September, and the sights are quietest in March and May–September. Many visitors avoid March.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Cool season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Hot and smoky season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Rainy season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Late rains | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Chiang Mai?
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is November to February, when the weather is dry, sunny and cool enough for temple walks and mountain trips. Avoid March, when smoke from agricultural burning frequently makes air quality unhealthy. The June–October rainy season is green and inexpensive, with showers usually in the afternoon.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Chiang Mai?
Usually in June–September. Green season begins, with showers mostly in the afternoon or evening and fresh, clear mornings.
+What is the rainiest month in Chiang Mai?
August, with about 21 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Chiang Mai get?
The warmest month, April, averages highs of 36°C (97°F) and lows of 22°C (72°F).