When to Visit Chiang Rai
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
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Year-Round Essentials
Cool Season (Nov-Feb)
Hot Season (Mar-May)
Rainy Season (Jun-Oct)
Early Cool Season (Oct-Nov)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
This is peak season for good reason—you're getting warm days around 28-30°C with genuinely cool mornings that might dip to 14-16°C in the mountains. It's probably the most comfortable month weather-wise, though you'll be sharing the White Temple with plenty of other visitors. The air quality tends to be decent before burning season starts.
February
Still firmly in the cool season, though temperatures are starting to creep up slightly. Mornings remain pleasant, but by late February you'll notice the heat building during midday. Worth noting that this is when burning season typically begins in the surrounding countryside, which can affect air quality and visibility—something to consider if you have respiratory sensitivities.
March
The heat is really ramping up now, with temperatures climbing into the low-to-mid 30s. This is peak burning season, and the haze can get quite thick—some years worse than others. If you're sensitive to smoke or planning landscape photography, you might want to reconsider this month. That said, hotel prices start dropping as fewer tourists brave the conditions.
April
This is typically the hottest month, and it can be genuinely oppressive—think mid-to-high 30s with building humidity. The upside is Songkran (Thai New Year) in mid-April, when the entire city turns into a massive water fight. If you can handle the heat, it's an incredible cultural experience. Air quality usually improves as the burning season winds down.
May
Still hot, but you'll start seeing the first monsoon rains, which actually provide welcome relief from the heat. Showers tend to be brief and concentrated in the late afternoon or evening. The countryside starts turning green again after the dry months, and the air clears considerably. Tourism is fairly quiet, so you'll have attractions largely to yourself.
June
Monsoon season is properly underway, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Temperatures moderate slightly thanks to cloud cover and rain, but humidity is high—that sticky, tropical feeling. Mornings are often clear and beautiful, which is when you'll want to schedule activities. This is low season, so accommodation deals are excellent.
July
Similar to June—warm, humid, with regular rainfall. The landscape is lush and gorgeously green, and the rain keeps dust down and temperatures somewhat manageable. You'll want to plan indoor activities or temple visits for afternoons when storms are most likely. The Golden Triangle region can be particularly atmospheric with mist rolling through the mountains.
August
This tends to be one of the wettest months, with substantial rainfall and high humidity. Flash flooding can occasionally affect rural roads, though major routes are generally fine. If you don't mind the rain, it's actually a beautiful time—waterfalls are at their most impressive, and the rice terraces are vibrant green. Just pack accordingly and stay flexible with plans.
September
Still rainy, though the monsoon is starting to wind down by month's end. Humidity remains high, and you'll still get those afternoon deluges. The upside is everything is incredibly lush, prices are rock-bottom, and you'll have a much more authentic experience without the tourist crowds. Bring a good rain jacket and embrace the weather.
October
A transitional month as the monsoon tapers off—you'll still get rain, but less frequently and less intensely. Temperatures remain warm but start feeling more comfortable as humidity gradually drops. By late October, you're entering what many consider the sweet spot before peak tourist season. The countryside is at its most photogenic after months of rain.
November
This is when things get really lovely—the rains have mostly stopped, temperatures are dropping to comfortable levels, and the air is clearing. Loi Krathong usually falls in November, with floating lanterns creating magical scenes. Tourist numbers are picking up but haven't hit peak season chaos yet. Mornings can be genuinely cool, especially in higher elevations.
December
Peak season begins in earnest, and you'll understand why—days are warm and sunny, nights are cool enough for a light sweater, and rainfall is minimal. The cool, dry air makes everything from temple-hopping to hill tribe trekking genuinely pleasant. Book accommodation well in advance, especially around Christmas and New Year when prices spike and availability tightens.