Month guide · Chiang Mai · Thailand
Chiang Mai in January
What January is really like in Chiang Mai: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Setawut, CC BY-SA 4.0
.jpg){kind=link}
Quick answer
January is one of the best months to visit Chiang Mai. Expect average highs of 29°C (84°F), lows of 14°C (57°F), about 1 rainy days and roughly 11.1 hours of daylight. Sunny, dry days and cool nights, colder in the mountains; peak season with clear skies.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 29°C (84°F) / 14°C (57°F)
- Rainy days
- About 1
- Daylight
- About 11.1 hours
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in January
January is the 10th-warmest month in Chiang Mai: days average 29°C (84°F) against a yearly average high of 32°C (90°F), and nights fall to about 14°C (57°F). Rain falls on roughly 1 of its 31 days. Compared with December (28°C (82°F)), January is about as warm; by February highs climb to around 32°C (90°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 06:59
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 18:07
- Daylight
- About 11.1 hours
Late rains (September–October). Heavy showers in September give way to drier, greener days in October before the high season.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 5 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: January is one of the pricier months.
Events in January
- Bo Sang Umbrella Festival (usually mid-January)
- Chinese New Year at Warorot Market (January or February)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Religious site · Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Go at opening time to avoid the crowds; shared red songthaews leave from near Chiang Mai Zoo and Chiang Mai University, and a funicular lift spares you the stairs.
- 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
The rebuilt brick gate on the eastern side of the moat is the old city's best-known landmark and a meeting point for festivals and markets.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
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
What to pack
For highs near 29°C, lows near 14°C and 1 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit Chiang Mai?
One of the best months to visit Chiang Mai, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are February and November–December. Compare every month.
Chiang Mai in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Chiang Mai?
It is one of the best months to visit Chiang Mai. Sunny, dry days and cool nights, colder in the mountains; peak season with clear skies.
+How warm is Chiang Mai in January?
Average highs are around 29°C (84°F) and lows around 14°C (57°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Chiang Mai in January?
Expect rain on about 1 days of the month, so it is usually dry.