Seasons at a glance
| Season | Months | Weather | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cool season | November–February | Dry, sunny, 15–30°C | Best time, busiest |
| Hot / burning season | March–May | Up to 38–40°C, hazy | Poor air quality, especially March–April |
| Rainy season | June–October | Afternoon storms, green | Quieter, lower prices |
Month by month
| Month | Conditions | Events |
|---|---|---|
| January | Cool, dry | Bo Sang umbrella festival |
| February | Warm, dry, smoke can start | Flower festival (first weekend) |
| March | Hot, often smoky | Low season begins |
| April | Hottest, smoky | Songkran water festival (13–15 April) |
| May | Hot, first rains | Air clears |
| June | Rainy, green | Quiet |
| July | Rainy | Good deals |
| August | Rainy | Waterfalls at their best |
| September | Wettest | Some flooding possible |
| October | Rain easing | Rice harvest scenery |
| November | Cool, dry | Yi Peng and Loy Krathong (around 24–25 Nov 2026) |
| December | Coolest | Peak season, cold mornings in the mountains |
Burning season (smoke)
From around February to April, farmers burn fields and forest fires spread smoke across northern Thailand. Chiang Mai can then have some of the worst air quality in the world, with views to Doi Suthep disappearing. If you must visit, check a live air quality index each day, wear an N95-type mask outdoors and choose hotels with air purifiers.
Festivals
- Yi Peng and Loy Krathong (November): lanterns and floating krathong on the Ping River. See our Yi Peng lantern festival guide.
- Songkran (13–15 April): Thai New Year, celebrated with a city-wide water fight around the Old City moat.
- Chiang Mai Flower Festival (early February): parades of flower-covered floats.
Cheapest time to visit
The rainy season (June to October) has the lowest hotel prices. Rain usually comes as afternoon storms, and the countryside is beautifully green.
What to pack
- A warm layer for December and January mornings, especially for Doi Inthanon.
- Light clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples.
- Rain jacket for June to October, and a mask if you visit in March or April.
More Chiang Mai guides
- Chiang Mai travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai itinerary: 3, 4 or 5 days
- Where to stay in Chiang Mai
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai: flight, train or bus
- Ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai day trip
- Yi Peng lantern festival
FAQ: best time to visit Chiang Mai
What is the best month to visit Chiang Mai?
November, December or January: cool, dry and clear.
When is the smoky season in Chiang Mai?
Usually February to April, worst in March and early April.
Is Chiang Mai cold in December?
Days are warm, but mornings and evenings can feel chilly, and the mountains can drop close to freezing.
Plan your trip to Chiang Mai
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