Chiang Mai month by month

The best time to visit Chiang Mai

For most travellers, the sweet spot in Chiang Mai is January · December · November: 29° avg. high, premium prices. Peak season brings the biggest crowds of the year, while the quiet months trade weather for space and value.

Climate through the year

Month	Temp	Crowds	Price	Verdict
January	29° / 14°	High	$$$	Ideal
February	32° / 16°	High	$$$	Great
March	35° / 19°	Moderate	$$	Avoid
April	36° / 22°	Moderate	$$	Avoid
May	34° / 24°	Low	$	Fair
June	33° / 24°	Low	$	Fair
July	32° / 24°	Moderate	$$	Fair
August	31° / 24°	Moderate	$$	Fair
September	32° / 23°	Low	$	Fair
October	31° / 22°	Moderate	$$	Fair
November	30° / 19°	High	$$$	Ideal
December	28° / 15°	High	$$$	Ideal

Best months January December November February

Months to avoid March April

The year in Chiang Mai

Four broad seasons, and what each one actually feels like on the ground in Chiang Mai.

Spring Fair

Mar–May · highs around 35°C · First monsoon rains take the edge off the heat

Mar ·Apr ·May

Summer Fair

Jun–Aug · highs around 32°C · Green season, showers on about half the days

Jun ·Jul ·Aug

Autumn Ideal

Sep–Nov · highs around 31°C · Cool, dry season starts, lantern festival

Sep ·Oct ·Nov

Winter Ideal

Dec–Feb · highs around 30°C · Coolest month, dry and at its busiest

Dec ·Jan ·Feb

When to go, depending on what you want

Best weather

The months where climate comfort peaks, whatever else is happening.

November ·January

Best value

Still a good trip, at the lowest prices of the year.

September ·May

Fewest crowds

When you get the main sights closest to yourself.

September ·May

Biggest events

When the calendar gives you something the other months do not.

February ·March ·April

Practical basics

Region: Asia
Local currency: THB
Hemisphere: Northern (summer in Jun–Aug)
Yearly range: 14° – 36°
Strongest months: January, December, November
Good for: culture · food · nature · budget

Events in Chiang Mai

Feb Chiang Mai Flower Festival — A three-day festival on the first weekend of February, when the city's flowers are in full bloom.
Feb–Mar Smoke Season — Agricultural burning and forest fires fill the northern valleys with smoke; February and March are the worst months.
Apr Songkran — Thai New Year, from April 13 to 15, is known for public water fights.
Nov Yi Peng and Loy Krathong — Thousands of sky lanterns are released during the three-day festival of lights, which usually falls in November.

Every month in Chiang Mai

A dedicated breakdown for each month — weather, crowds, prices, events and a verdict.

Chiang Mai in January 29° · $$$ Ideal Chiang Mai in February 32° · $$$ Great Chiang Mai in March 35° · $$ Avoid Chiang Mai in April 36° · $$ Avoid Chiang Mai in May 34° · $ Fair Chiang Mai in June 33° · $ Fair Chiang Mai in July 32° · $$ Fair Chiang Mai in August 31° · $$ Fair Chiang Mai in September 32° · $ Fair Chiang Mai in October 31° · $$ Fair Chiang Mai in November 30° · $$$ Ideal Chiang Mai in December 28° · $$$ Ideal

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit Chiang Mai?

What is the cheapest time to visit Chiang Mai?

September — This month counts as low season: some of the best deals of the year. Save 63%.

When should you avoid Chiang Mai?

March, April.

What is the weather like in Chiang Mai?

Average highs sit around 36°C with lows near 14°C. Rainfall is moderate; the odd shower is likely.

Things to do in Chiang Mai