Chiang Mai, Thailand Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Chiang Mai
Weather in Chiang Mai is shaped by its tropical wet-and-dry climate - expect year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season. April afternoons typically reach 96°F (35°C), while January highs hover near 81°F (27°C). Annual precipitation averages 71.5 inches (1815 mm) over about 167 rainy days.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: April - highs near 96°F (35°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 81°F (27°C)
- Record high: 108°F (42°C) · Record low: 49°F (10°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: August (29 rainy days) · Sunniest: April (11.1 h sun/day)
- Climate type: tropical wet-and-dry - year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on April. Highs average 96°F (35°C) and overnight lows stay near 74°F (24°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 81°F (27°C) and lows around 62°F (17°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 108°F (42°C) and dropped as low as 49°F (10°C).
Rain, sun and snow
August is usually the wettest month. It brings about 15.4 inches (390 mm) of rain over 29 days, while March is the driest. April brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.1 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 81° | 62° | 4 | 1.0 in | 10.2 h/day | 71% |
| February | 86° | 64° | 1 | 0.8 in | 10.8 h/day | 59% |
| March | 94° | 70° | 2 | 0.4 in | 10.9 h/day | 52% |
| April | 96° | 74° | 7 | 2.2 in | 11.1 h/day | 55% |
| May | 93° | 76° | 17 | 7.2 in | 10.7 h/day | 69% |
| June | 88° | 75° | 24 | 8.7 in | 9.3 h/day | 80% |
| July | 86° | 75° | 27 | 13.1 in | 8.0 h/day | 85% |
| August | 85° | 74° | 29 | 15.4 in | 7.4 h/day | 87% |
| September | 85° | 74° | 26 | 12.9 in | 8.7 h/day | 86% |
| October | 84° | 72° | 18 | 6.8 in | 9.7 h/day | 84% |
| November | 84° | 69° | 8 | 1.9 in | 10.1 h/day | 79% |
| December | 81° | 64° | 3 | 1.0 in | 10.2 h/day | 74% |
Chiang Mai month by month
Chiang Mai weather in January
January brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 62°F (17°C), about 4 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai weather in February
February brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 64°F (18°C), about 1 wet days.
Chiang Mai weather in March
March brings highs around 94°F (34°C), lows near 70°F (21°C), about 2 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai weather in April
April brings highs around 96°F (35°C), lows near 74°F (24°C), about 7 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai weather in May
May brings highs around 93°F (34°C), lows near 76°F (25°C), about 17 wet days.
Chiang Mai weather in June
June brings highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 24 wet days.
Chiang Mai weather in July
July brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 27 wet days.
Chiang Mai weather in August
August brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 74°F (24°C), about 29 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai weather in September
September brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 26 wet days.
Chiang Mai weather in October
October brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), about 18 wet days.
Chiang Mai weather in November
November brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 69°F (20°C), about 8 wet days.
Chiang Mai weather in December
December brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 64°F (18°C), about 3 wet days.
Seasons in Chiang Mai
March through May
March through May in Chiang Mai brings serious heat, with daytime highs averaging 94°F (34°C) and nights around 74°F (23°C); expect showers on roughly 26 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
June through August
June through August in Chiang Mai is hot, with daytime highs averaging 86°F (30°C) and nights around 75°F (24°C); expect showers on roughly 81 days across the season.
September through November
September through November in Chiang Mai runs hot, with daytime highs averaging 84°F (29°C) and nights around 71°F (22°C); expect showers on roughly 52 days across the season.
December through February
December through February in Chiang Mai brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 83°F (28°C) and nights around 63°F (17°C); rain falls on about 9 days over the three months.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Chiang Mai?
Is Chiang Mai hot in summer?
Is Chiang Mai cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Chiang Mai get in a year?
Best time to visit Chiang Mai
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is generally November to February, when these months combine the driest skies with the most comfortable heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 83°F (28°C).
Pack for Chiang Mai with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - April nights average 74°F (24°C).
Chiang Mai temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.