Climate Insights for Chiang Mai
Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
Climate Overview
The climate in Chiang Mai is hot. The average annual temperature is 26°C and approximately 1,155 mm of precipitation falls per year. August is the wettest month, receiving around 250 mm of rainfall. Chiang Mai is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: April, March, May. The coldest months are January, December, February, when temperatures can drop to 15°C.The climate in Chiang Mai is hot. The average annual temperature is 80°F and approximately 45.5 in of precipitation falls per year. August is the wettest month, receiving around 9.8 in of rainfall. Chiang Mai is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: April, March, May. The coldest months are January, December, February, when temperatures can drop to 60°F.
Temperature
Temperatures in Chiang Mai vary considerably across the year, with a 22°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. April is the hottest month, with daytime highs reaching 37°C and an average of 30°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 15°C and an average of 22°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 11°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between February and March, with a 4°C shift in average temperatures.Temperatures in Chiang Mai vary considerably across the year, with a 38°F difference between the coldest and warmest months. April is the hottest month, with daytime highs reaching 98°F and an average of 86°F. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 60°F and an average of 71°F. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 20°F between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between February and March, with a 6°F shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Chiang Mai is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 1,155 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 96 mm per month. The wettest month is August, averaging 250 mm of rainfall. September and July also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is February, with just 5 mm. That's 246 mm less than August, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.Chiang Mai is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 45.5 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 3.8 in per month. The wettest month is August, averaging 9.8 in of rainfall. September and July also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is February, with just 0.2 in. That's 9.7 in less than August, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.
Wind
Chiang Mai is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 4km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is April, averaging 5km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in October, with average winds dropping to 4km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 1km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.Chiang Mai is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 3mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is April, averaging 3mph, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in October, with average winds dropping to 2mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 1mph gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is during January, February, November and December, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 23°C with modest rainfall averaging 14 mm per month. By contrast, April can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 37°C. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.The best time to visit Chiang Mai is during January, February, November and December, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 74°F with modest rainfall averaging 0.6 in per month. By contrast, April can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 98°F. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Chiang Mai based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.The table below shows monthly climate averages for Chiang Mai based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in miles per hour (mph). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.