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Best time to visit Chiang Mai: month by month
Short answer
November to February is the cool, dry season, with highs of 27–29°C, cool nights and only 3–9 rainy days a month; it is also the busiest and priciest, especially around Yi Peng. March and April are hot (34°C) and often smoky. May to October is the green, quieter rainy season.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27°C | 16°C | 4 | high |
| Feb | 29°C | 17°C | 4 | high |
| Mar | 34°C | 21°C | 3 | medium |
| Apr | 34°C | 23°C | 10 | medium |
| May | 33°C | 24°C | 22 | low |
| Jun | 32°C | 24°C | 26 | low |
| Jul | 31°C | 24°C | 27 | medium |
| Aug | 30°C | 23°C | 29 | medium |
| Sep | 29°C | 23°C | 26 | low |
| Oct | 29°C | 22°C | 19 | medium |
| Nov | 29°C | 20°C | 9 | very high |
| Dec | 27°C | 18°C | 3 | very high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Hot at 33–34°C with lows of 21–24°C; the burning-season haze peaks in March and April, and rains start in May with about 22 rainy days.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Rainy season: 30–32°C with 26–29 rainy days, but rain often comes in heavy afternoon bursts; green and quieter.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Rain eases from 26 days in September to 9 in November, with highs of 29°C; November brings Yi Peng and Loy Krathong.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Dry and pleasant at 27–29°C, with cool nights of 16–18°C and only 3–4 rainy days; peak season.
Events worth planning around
- Yi Peng lantern festival with Loy Krathong (usually November, around the full moon of the 12th lunar month).
- Songkran, Thai New Year water festival (13–15 April).
- Chiang Mai Flower Festival (early February).
When to avoid
From about February to April the smoky haze can make the air unhealthy; avoid it if you have breathing problems. Yi Peng week is the most crowded and expensive.
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Chiang Mai?
November to February: dry, 27–29°C by day and cool at night.
When is Yi Peng?
Usually in November with Loy Krathong; check the exact dates each year, as they follow the lunar calendar.
Is the rainy season a bad time?
Not necessarily. May to October is green and cheaper; rain often falls in afternoon bursts.