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Best time to visit Chiang Rai: month by month
Short answer
November to February is the best time: the cool, dry season, with highs of about 26–29°C, lows of 14–18°C and few rain days. March and April are hotter (about 33°C) and often hazy from crop burning. May to October is the rainy season, green and quieter, with 19–26 rain days a month.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27°C | 14°C | 4 | very high |
| Feb | 29°C | 15°C | 5 | high |
| Mar | 33°C | 19°C | 6 | medium |
| Apr | 33°C | 21°C | 10 | medium |
| May | 32°C | 23°C | 19 | low |
| Jun | 31°C | 23°C | 26 | low |
| Jul | 30°C | 23°C | 25 | low |
| Aug | 29°C | 23°C | 26 | low |
| Sep | 29°C | 22°C | 25 | low |
| Oct | 29°C | 21°C | 19 | medium |
| Nov | 28°C | 18°C | 9 | high |
| Dec | 26°C | 16°C | 7 | very high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Cool season (Nov–Feb)
Highs of about 26–29°C and lows of 14–18°C, with 4–9 rain days a month; cool mornings in the mountains and flowers in December and January.
Hot season (Mar–Apr)
Highs of about 33°C and lows of 19–21°C, with 6–10 rain days; smoke haze from crop burning can affect air quality.
Rainy season (May–Sep)
Highs of about 29–32°C and lows of 22–23°C, with 19–26 rain days a month; afternoon storms, green rice fields and fewer visitors.
End of the rains (Oct)
Highs of about 29°C and lows of 21°C, with about 19 rain days as the rains ease; lush scenery before the busy season.
Events worth planning around
- Songkran (Thai New Year) — 13–15 April
- Loy Krathong and Yi Peng lantern festival — November (full moon, dates vary)
- Chiang Rai Flower Festival — around December to January
When to avoid
Avoid March and April if you are sensitive to smoke haze and heat. Late December and early January are busiest and most expensive.
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Common questions
What is the best time to visit Chiang Rai?
November to February, with highs of about 26–29°C and little rain.
Is Chiang Rai smoky in March and April?
Often. Crop burning causes haze that can affect air quality. Check air-quality apps before you go.
Is the rainy season a bad time to visit Chiang Rai?
Not necessarily. Rain often comes in afternoon storms, the landscape is green and rooms are cheaper.