Month guide · Chiang Mai · Thailand
Chiang Mai in March
What March is really like in Chiang Mai: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
March is a month many travellers avoid. Expect average highs of 35°C (95°F), lows of 18°C (64°F), about 2 rainy days and roughly 12 hours of daylight. Hot and often very smoky; air quality is frequently among the poorest of the year, hiding Doi Suthep from the city.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 35°C (95°F) / 18°C (64°F)
- Rainy days
- About 2
- Daylight
- About 12 hours
- Crowds
- Quiet
- Hotel prices
- Low
Weather in March
March is the 2nd-warmest month in Chiang Mai: days average 35°C (95°F) against a yearly average high of 32°C (90°F), and nights fall to about 18°C (64°F). Rain falls on roughly 2 of its 31 days. Compared with February (32°C (90°F)), March is warmer; by April highs stay near 36°C (97°F).
- Sunrise (15 March)
- About 06:33
- Sunset (15 March)
- About 18:34
- Daylight
- About 12 hours
Cool season (November–February). Dry, sunny and comfortable with cool nights; peak season for festivals such as Yi Peng and for trekking.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, March rates 2 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 2 for hotel prices (highest in January). That makes March one of the better-value months to book.
Events in March
March has no major recurring festival in Chiang Mai, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in March
With intense heat, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Market · Tha Phae and Night Bazaar
Night Bazaar
Bargain with a smile and compare prices; the Sunday and Saturday walking streets often have more original crafts.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- After dark
- Food
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
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Religious site · Nimmanhaemin
Wat Suan Dok
Visit near sunset, when the white chedis glow against the mountain.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Photo spot
- History
Religious site · Wua Lai
Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple)
In the silversmiths' quarter south of the moat, this temple's ordination hall is clad inside and out in embossed silver and aluminium panels made by local craftsmen.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Architecture
- Art
- Photo spot
- After dark
What to pack
For highs near 35°C, lows near 18°C and 2 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is March a good time to visit Chiang Mai?
A month many travellers avoid. If your dates are flexible, November–February are better overall. Compare every month.
Chiang Mai in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is March a good time to visit Chiang Mai?
It is a month many travellers avoid. Hot and often very smoky; air quality is frequently among the poorest of the year, hiding Doi Suthep from the city.
+How warm is Chiang Mai in March?
Average highs are around 35°C (95°F) and lows around 18°C (64°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Chiang Mai in March?
Expect rain on about 2 days of the month, so it is usually dry.