Best time to visit Chiang Mai

November to February. Month by month below, with the weather, what's on and what it costs to fly there from your city.

November to February

Eight of the sources name the cool, dry season from November to February as best, with clear skies and the big festivals. It is also the busiest and priciest stretch.

“The perfect time to explore Chiang Mai city is between November and February.” pickyourtrail.com
“The recommended time to visit Chiang Mai, Thailand is November to February.” govoyagetravel.com
“The cool season, from November to February, is a favorite among visitors” agoda.com

6 of the 9 travel guides we read name these months.

Chiang Mai month by month

Average high and low in Chiang Mai, and days with rain

Best timeJanuary86°F / 60°F · 1 rainy daysChecking fares…January is the heart of the cool season, with clear skies and good conditions for hiking.The Chiang Mai Jazz Festival is typically held between January and February.The Bo Sang Umbrella and Handicraft Festival is listed for 17 to 19 January in 2025.Chiang Mai flower festival
Best timeFebruary91°F / 62°F · 1 rainy daysChecking fares…The Flower Festival is held in early February, usually over the first weekend.Burning season is at its worst in February and March, with poor air quality.February temperatures run about 18 to 30°C.
March96°F / 68°F · 2 rainy daysChecking fares…March starts the hot season, with highs climbing to around 35°C.Burning season brings smoke and haze, at its worst in February and March.
April98°F / 74°F · 5 rainy daysChecking fares…April is the hottest month, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C in one source.Songkran, the Thai New Year water festival, runs 13 to 15 April.Hotel and flight deals are easiest to find in the hot season.Songkran water festival
May95°F / 76°F · 12 rainy daysChecking fares…Rain starts to sprinkle toward the end of May, as humidity increases.The Inthakin City Pillar Festival happens in late May or early June.
June92°F / 76°F · 12 rainy daysChecking fares…June kicks off the rainy season, with afternoon showers that clear quickly and lush waterfalls.
July90°F / 76°F · 14 rainy daysChecking fares…The Rocket Festival takes place in July, when locals pray for rain.
August89°F / 75°F · 17 rainy daysChecking fares…The rainy season brings lush greenery and fewer tourists.
September90°F / 75°F · 15 rainy daysChecking fares…September usually has the heaviest rain of the year.The Vegetarian Festival is listed for 21 to 30 September in 2025.
October89°F / 73°F · 9 rainy daysChecking fares…Rainy season runs June to October, with rain in short bursts.Yi Peng lantern festival
Best timeNovember87°F / 68°F · 3 rainy daysChecking fares…Yi Peng and Loy Krathong, the lantern festivals, are held in November.November marks the start of cool, dry weather with low humidity.
Best timeDecember85°F / 62°F · 1 rainy daysChecking fares…Christmas and New Year events run at many hotels, restaurants and bars.In mountain areas, December and January nights can drop as low as zero.

Weather: Chiang Mai averages (1991 to 2020 averages), as listed in its climate table on Wikipedia.

Every date to Chiang Mai from your city

Live fares from your airport. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.

What's on in Chiang Mai

Festivals and seasons through the year

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

November to FebruaryHigh season: cooler weather and festivals bring crowds and higher prices, so book ahead.
Cool seasonThe cool season is the peak tourist season.

Quietest

June to SeptemberThe rainy season has lower prices on accommodation and flights, with greener scenery and fewer crowds.
Rainy seasonOne local writer calls the rainy season a favourite time, with showers, green countryside and far fewer people.

Watch for

February to March (burning season)Crop clearing and forest fires lead to poor air quality; the dry season smoke and dust haze can be very bad in some years.
March to MayCity temperatures can reach well into the 40s in April.
SeptemberHeaviest rain of the year, so choose another month if rain is a concern.

Questions people ask

Should I go to Chiang Mai in March?: March is the start of the hot season with highs near 35°C, and one local source says February and March are the worst of burning season.
What is Chiang Mai known for?: One guide ties the seasons to festivals: Yi Peng and Loy Krathong, Songkran and the Flower Festival.

Best time to visit Chiang Mai

November to February

Chiang Mai month by month

Every date to Chiang Mai from your city

What's on in Chiang Mai

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places

Best time to visit Chiang Mai

November to February

Chiang Mai month by month

Every date to Chiang Mai from your city

What's on in Chiang Mai

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places