The short answer
When to go to Chiang Mai
The best window is November to early February, when days are warm but not harsh, nights are cool and the air is clearest. From late February to April, heat and smoke from regional crop burning can make the air unhealthy, which is a real concern for older travellers and anyone with breathing problems. The rainy season from May to October is greener and cheaper, but afternoon downpours and mountain roads can slow day trips. Whatever the month, plan temples and markets in the morning and rest in the afternoon.
Month by month
Chiang Mai weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C | 16°C | 11 mm | Cool, dry and clear; busy season | |
| February | 33°C | 17°C | 10 mm | Warming; smoke risk begins late in the month | |
| March | 35°C | 20°C | 20 mm | Hot, often the smokiest month | |
| April | 37°C | 23°C | 54 mm | Hottest month; smoke and Songkran crowds | |
| May | 35°C | 24°C | 168 mm | Rains arrive and clear the air | |
| June | 33°C | 25°C | 118 mm | Green and humid with afternoon rain | |
| July | 32°C | 24°C | 149 mm | Wet; fewer visitors | |
| August | 32°C | 24°C | 223 mm | Among the wettest months | |
| September | 32°C | 24°C | 207 mm | Very wet; road trips can be slow | |
| October | 32°C | 23°C | 124 mm | Rain easing, skies clearing | |
| November | 31°C | 20°C | 41 mm | Cooler and drier; lantern festivals | |
| December | 29°C | 17°C | 14 mm | Cool mornings, dry, clear |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Chiang Mai seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January, November and December
- January: Cool, dry and clear; busy season
- November: Cooler and drier; lantern festivals
- December: Cool mornings, dry, clear
Good, with small trade-offs: February and October
- February: Warming; smoke risk begins late in the month
- October: Rain easing, skies clearing
Possible, with planning: May, June, July, August and September
- May: Rains arrive and clear the air
- June: Green and humid with afternoon rain
- July: Wet; fewer visitors
- August: Among the wettest months
- September: Very wet; road trips can be slow
Best avoided with parents or children: March and April
- March: Hot, often the smokiest month
- April: Hottest month; smoke and Songkran crowds
Useful answers
Best time to visit Chiang Mai: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Chiang Mai?
January, November and December are the best months to visit Chiang Mai, with February and October also good. The best window is November to early February, when days are warm but not harsh, nights are cool and the air is clearest. From late February to April, heat and smoke from regional crop burning can make the air unhealthy, which is a real concern for older travellers and anyone with breathing problems. The rainy season from May to October is greener and cheaper, but afternoon downpours and mountain roads can slow day trips. Whatever the month, plan temples and markets in the morning and rest in the afternoon.
Which months should I avoid in Chiang Mai with elderly parents?
March and April are the months to avoid with older travellers. Hot, often the smokiest month Hottest month; smoke and Songkran crowds
When does it rain most in Chiang Mai?
August is the wettest month, with about 223 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is April, with average highs around 37°C.