Chiang Mai is one of the ingenious cities in northern Thailand and has also been tagged “Creative City” by UNESCO. Going by the record of Chiang Mai’s weather, it is a place which is fit for all seasons and events as you get to see a new face of Chiang Mai in every season. The best time to visit Chiang Mai is between October and April, as the weather is moderate and pleasing. Chiang Mai is vivacious and lively during its festivities; especially Loy Krathong in November and the flower festival in February gives you a chance to know more of Thai culture.

As the Indian monsoons hit Thailand from June to November, visitors during this season should be prepared to smack mosquitoes or carry plenty of mosquito repellant. Thus, the weather of Chiang Mai can be distinguished into hot, cool and rainy seasons. Let’s take a look at the best time to visit Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai starts heating by mid-March and the summer season is on in full swing. Tourists still visit Chiang Mai, as the crowd is thin and the prices of hotels and flights are comparatively cheaper. The temperature on some days rises upto 40°C, so the visitors are suggested to move out after sunset and carry sunglasses and hats. The heat in Chiang Mai is humid and sweaty, although nearby mountains are a great place for a casual getaway from the heat. The heat wave usually ends by the month of June.

The advent of rains is experienced by the second week of June and continues till late October. Rains cool down the humidity and as they are moderately heavy, the visitors who are looking for a peaceful and quiet holiday may go for Chiang Mai in monsoons. The rush is least during the monsoons and tourist visiting Chiang Mai during monsoons should come equipped with umbrellas, raincoats etc.  the temperature falls to 32°C in the day and 23°C by night. Chiang Mai experiences heavy rains but they are shortlived and they sweep the city clean. Rains bring back the blossoming green vegetation of Chiang Mai and making it a pleasant stay for visitors during that period.

The ideal time to visit Chiang Mai is in winters, starting from November and lasting till the end of February. Chiang Mai experiences huge crowds of visitors in winters as it is the perfect timing for going outdoors, especially for trekking and activities like rock climbing, cliff diving etc. The temperature goes till 30°C in the day time but may go to lows of 10°C also. It is suggested to carry a sweatshirt or a jacket in case temperature suddenly drops. January observes floods of tourists and is considered to be the best time to visit Chiang Mai. The tourists may also witness the Loi Krathong festival in November and the flower festival in February. There might be one or two showers in a month. 

Thailand lies between the Tropic of Cancer and Equator, which means the climate here is warm and moderately humid, and perfect for beach holidays all year long. Chiang Mai is a perfect holiday fit for everyone specially in the winter season.