The climate of Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai,
Thailand, situated on the Ping River, is subject to the Aw, Tropical wet and dry or savanna, Köppen climate classification. Influenced by both monsoons and heat, this city endures a climate that deviates between extremes in temperature, humidity, and rainfall. The yearly swing in these climatological elements is momentous, providing distinct wet and dry periods.
Yearly temperatures in Chiang Mai deviate between 14.9°C at their coolest in
January, reaching pinnacles of up to 36.5°C by
April. Humidity follows a similar gradient, ranging from a low of 52% in
March, up to a maximum of 81% between
August and
September. Rainfall is distinctly seasonal, with minimal amounts registered from 4mm to 18mm, between January to March, followed by a surge to rainfall levels as high as 217mm, notably in August. This rainfall is sustained with visibly extended daylight hours from 12.6 hours in April, to 13.3 hours in
June.
Observing sunlight hours unveils that the sunniest period falls between January and March, above 8.6 hours daily, contrasting a relative solar scarcity from June through to September with only 5.2 to 5.5 hours daily. Notably, UV Index readings consistently peak at 12 from March to September. Highlighted by these patterns, Chiang Mai’s climate is characterized by warm, wet summers and milder, dryer winters.
The best time to visit Chiang Mai
Optimally,
Chiang Mai should be visited from
November to
February. During these months, temperatures maintain a comfortable range from 15.7°C to 30.1°C. Humidity is relatively low, rotating between 73% to 75%. Rainfall is minimal with rates between 16mm and 54mm, and daylight lasts for approximately 11 to 11.3 hours. Additionally, travelers can enjoy substantial sunshine, averaging from 7.8 to 8.5 hours daily. The UV index ranges from 8 to 9, mitigating the likelihood of sunburn.
The worst time to visit Chiang Mai
The least favorable time to visit
Chiang Mai is during the peak monsoon season, spanning from
June to
September. This period records elevated rainfall, with values towering from 125mm in June, up to 217mm in
August. Humidity peaks to a surging 81%, and daily temperatures still hover between 31.5°C to 34.2°C. Daily sunshine reduces to its lowest - between 5.2 to 5.9 hours, despite long daylight hours from 12.7 to 13.1 hours. The UV Index maxes out at 12, indicating extreme potential for harm from unprotected sun exposure.
Spring weather in Chiang Mai
Spring, between
March and
May, in
Chiang Mai is intensely hot. March commences with temperatures escalating from 19.5°C to 35.2°C and culminates in May with temperatures oscillating from 23.8°C to 34.2°C. Humidity oscillates from a low 52% in March, gradually ascending to a more noticeable 71% in May. Rainfall begins to increase during this period, moving from 18mm in March to a substantial 162mm in May. Daily sunshine hours remain constant at 8.6 to 7 hours and daylight periods gradually increase from 12 to 13 hours. UV Index maxes out at 12, indicating a need for suitable sun protection.
Summer weather in Chiang Mai
The summer,
June to
August, is the wettest season in
Chiang Mai with consistent heavy rainfall, peaking at 217mm in August. Temperature oscillations remain elevated, between 31.5°C to 34.2°C. The humidity also reaches its zenith at 81%. Despite the long daylight hours from 13.1 to 12.7 hours, actual sunshine dwindles to 5.5 to 5.2 hours. Additionally, the UV Index maintains its maximum reading of 12, necessitating good sun protection measures.
Autumn weather in Chiang Mai
Autumn,
September to
November, ushers in a decline in rainfall with values receding from 211mm in September to 54mm by November. Temperatures cool somewhat, fluctuating from 31.7°C at the start of the season, easing to 30.1°C by November. Humidity levels also decrease, reducing from an 81% high in September to 75% by November. Daily sunshine hours progressively increase from 5.2 hours in September to 7.8 hours in November. Daylight hours shorten from 12.2 hours to 11.3 hours, and the UV Index lessens its intensity from 12 to 9.
Winter weather in Chiang Mai
Winter,
December to
February, welcomes the driest season with rainfall amounting to a minimal 16mm in December, increasing slightly to 9mm in February. Temperatures soften, varying between 14.9°C and 32.6°C. Relative humidity remains low, registering 73% to 68%. Winter days offer an abundance of sunshine - from 8.5 to 9 hours and daylight persists for 11 to 11.5 hours. The UV Index lowers to a less harsh 8 to 9 during these months.
Weather in January
Start of the year in
Chiang Mai greets residents and visitors with pleasant weather. This month is characterised by dry conditions with a moderate amount of sunshine. With high temperatures slightly below 30°C, the weather feels comfortable, especially considering the relatively lower humidity of 68%.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February showcases a subtle waning of the cool season in
Chiang Mai. It is a month of a sun-filled sky, with temperatures on the rise, compared to
January. The rainfall remains low as dry conditions continue, with a relative humidity of 58%, the second lowest in the year.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
Chiang Mai marks the advent of the hot season, with temperatures distinctly higher than in
February. Despite the blazing sun and the intensifying heat, the weather is not excessively humid. The month experiences slightly more rainfall than February, but it remains relatively dry.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April holds the reputation of being the hottest month of the year in
Chiang Mai. The temperature peaks, reaching an average high of 36.5°C. Consistent length of daylight hours and an increase in relative humidity from
March to 57% create a markedly balmy climate.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Transition into the rainy season begins in
May. The temperatures see a slight dip from the scorching highs of
April. An abrupt surge in rainfall characterises this month, with 162mm falling over 14 days, signalling the end of the hot and dry spell.
Weather in May »Weather in June
In
June,
Chiang Mai navigates into the wet season in full stride. Although the temperatures stay fairly stable compared to
May, the slight fluctuation hardly impacts the humidity level. The city experiences humidity of 77% which is a remarkable jump from the previous months.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Chiang Mai features a typical monsoon climate, with high humidity and rainfall. Despite the similar conditions as
June, the rainfall shows a gradual rise with an average of 140mm over 16 days. The days are a bit shorter than the peak summertime, still providing ample daylight for tourists to explore the city.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August experiences one of the most voluminous and consistent rainfall in
Chiang Mai, with 217mm spreading over 18 days. The weather, hence, is cooler than the scorching heat of the summer but continues to be humid. The touchdown of heavy showers doesn't drastically decrease the temperatures.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September continues the monsoon trend with high humidity and substantial rain. The rainfall begins to slightly decrease with 211mm registering over 20 days. The daylight hours reduce to 12.2, and temperatures remain relatively stable compared to
August.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Weather in November
November brings much-awaited relief from the lengthy monsoon as
Chiang Mai steps into the cold season. There is a significant fall in rainfall from
October to 54mm, and humidity substantially lowers. The average temperatures also decrease, creating a cooler atmosphere.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December, the last month of the year, is cool and dry in
Chiang Mai. The temperatures drop notably from
November, offering a refreshing climax to the year. It experiences the lowest rainfall in the year, only 16mm over one day, making it the most appealing time to enjoy outdoor activities.
Weather in December » [Resources]