When to go to Chiang Mai?
Within the old moat, Chiang Mai keeps more temples than a weekend allows: the gilded viharn of Wat Phra Singh, the eroded brick mass of Wat Chedi Luang, chanting at dusk. Doi Suthep sits above the city at the top of a naga staircase, and on Sunday evenings the Walking Street fills with silverwork, hill-tribe textiles and grilled skewers. Ethical elephant sanctuaries lie an hour or so out.
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The best time to go
For the best weather in Chiang Mai, aim for January to April, November to December.
See also: Where to go in January? · Where to go in February? · Where to go in March? · Where to go in April?
Month-by-month weather in Chiang Mai
| Month | ☀️ h/day | 🌧️ mm | 🌡️ °C | Score /100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10.6 | 19 | 22 | 83 |
| February | 10.6 | 56 | 23 | 81 |
| March | 10.6 | 19 | 27 | 86 |
| April | 11.2 | 40 | 30 | 87 |
| May | 10.4 | 320 | 28 | 57 |
| June | 10.1 | 255 | 27 | 56 |
| July | 9.6 | 412 | 27 | 44 |
| August | 8.1 | 430 | 26 | 37 |
| September | 8.6 | 451 | 26 | 36 |
| October | 10.0 | 227 | 25 | 63 |
| November | 10.3 | 42 | 24 | 79 |
| December | 10.5 | 32 | 23 | 81 |
Estimated from 3 years of data. The score (0–100) combines sunshine, dry weather, clear skies and temperature.
The climate in brief
In Chiang Mai, the sunniest month is April, and the driest is March (about 19 mm). Temperatures peak in April (about 30°C). Over the year, an average of 2,305 mm of rain falls, and 6 months in 12 offer ideal weather for a trip.
What to do in Chiang Mai?
- Old town and temples (Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang)
- Doi Suthep (temple, panorama)
- Night markets (Sunday Walking Street)
- Ethical elephant camps (day trip)
Practical info
- Country: Thailand
Destinations near Chiang Mai
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