Season guide · Chiang Mai · Thailand
Chiang Mai in the cool season
November–February: weather, crowds, prices and the best things to do this time of year.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Dry, sunny and comfortable with cool nights; peak season for festivals such as Yi Peng and for trekking. Expect highs up to 32°C (90°F) and lows around 14°C (57°F), with about 7 rainy days across November–February. November–February are among the best months of the year to visit.
Key facts
- Months
- November–February
- Temperatures
- 14°C (57°F) to 32°C (90°F)
- Rainy days in the season
- About 7
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in the cool season
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C (84°F) | 14°C (57°F) | 1 | 11.1 h | 5/5 |
| February | 32°C (90°F) | 15°C (59°F) | 1 | 11.5 h | 4/5 |
| November | 29°C (84°F) | 18°C (64°F) | 4 | 11.2 h | 5/5 |
| December | 28°C (82°F) | 15°C (59°F) | 1 | 11 h | 5/5 |
Compared with the rest of the year: average highs of 30°C (86°F) against a yearly 32°C (90°F), and 7 of the year's roughly 115 rainy days fall in these 4 months. Crowds rate 5/5 and hotel prices 5/5 on average.
What's on in the cool season
Recurring events; dates move from year to year, so confirm with the organiser.
- January: Bo Sang Umbrella Festival (usually mid-January)
- 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)
- 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
Make the most of the weather
Religious site · Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Chiang Mai's most sacred temple stands on the mountain 15 km west of the city, about 1,000 metres up.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Views
- History
- Photo spot
Historic site · Old City
Tha Phae Gate and the old city walls
Walk or cycle the moat in the early morning; the gate's square hosts events at Songkran and Loy Krathong.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
Religious site · Doi Suthep foothills
Wat Umong
A forest temple at the foot of Doi Suthep with brick tunnels dating from the 14th century, lined with Buddha images in candlelit niches.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Nature
- Off the beaten path
Religious site · Doi Suthep
Wat Pha Lat and the Monk's Trail
Start early, wear proper shoes and carry water; the trail is marked with orange monk's robes tied to trees.
- Time needed
- 2–4 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Active
- Nature
- Off the beaten path
- Outdoors
Experience · Mae Taeng
Elephant Nature Park
About 60 km north of the city, this long-established sanctuary cares for rescued elephants in a river valley, along with dogs, cats and buffaloes.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Kids
- Nature
- Outdoors
Day trips in the cool season
- Doi Inthanon National Park (About 2 hours by road) — Thailand's highest mountain, at about 2,565 metres, has cool cloud forest, a boardwalk at the summit, the twin royal chedis with gardens and views, and large waterfalls such as Wachirathan.
- Chiang Rai (About 3 hours each way by road) — Chiang Rai's White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), a fantastical modern temple by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the Blue Temple and the Black House museum make a long but popular day trip; an overnight stay is more relaxed.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
Other times of year
Questions travellers ask
+Is the cool season a good time to visit Chiang Mai?
Yes: November–February are among the best months. Dry, sunny and comfortable with cool nights; peak season for festivals such as Yi Peng and for trekking.
+What is the weather like in Chiang Mai in the cool season?
Highs of up to 32°C (90°F) and lows around 14°C (57°F), with about 7 rainy days over the season.