Chiang Mai Holiday Weather Overview
Chiang Mai, known as the ‘culture capital’ of northern Thailand, is a charming and laidback 700-year-old city famous for sightseeing, trekking, spas and mountain resorts.
It is located in a particularly scenic part of Thailand, surrounded by mountains, valleys and meandering rivers and it actually contains more areas.
Things to do and see in Chiang Mai
In Chang Mai you will find a magnitude of temples to visit, with the number in excess of 300 and more than 120 of which located within the city’s municipal limits. These temples were built centuries ago by dedicated architects and craftsmen with no modern tools, but they still managed to achieve perfect proportion and striking buildings. A few of the most famous include Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Umong.
Just outside of Chaing Mai is Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. The Doi Suthep peak provides some of the finest views of Chiang Mai and near the summit is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the north’s most sacred temples. There is also the International Buddhism Centre found in the national parks ground which offers informal discussions as well as chanting.
Elephant Nature Park is a sanctuary and rescue centre where you can volunteer and visit to help. The park is a natural environment for elephants, buffaloes and many other animals. Meet and feed the elephants before trekking with them up to the surrounding forests.
The Chiang Mai Night Safari is the world’s third nocturnal zoo. The Night Safari has three main animal viewing areas: the Jaguar Trail Zone during the day and during the night, there is the Savanna Safari Zone and the Predator Prowl Zone.
For museum fans, there is the Chiang Mai National Museum which is the hosts Lanna artefacts, with a great selection of Buddha art, and northern Thai history. There is also the Chaing Mai Tribal Museum which displays the history of Thailand’s minority hill tribes, who each possess a unique culture and identity.
If you are visiting in February, check out the Chiang Mai flower festival which has a tropical parade and music.
Best food and places to eat in Chiang Mai
The Gallery offers a relaxing atmosphere where diners can enjoy tranquil views of the river and dine on a selection of Thai signature dishes, including pad thai and kao phad fried rice. The restaurant also has an intimate art gallery.
The Good View is situated on the Ping River and it definitely lives up to its name. It offers a selection of meat and seafood dishes, with a mix of Western and local flavours. It has a reputation for being a great evening venue with regular live music performances.
If you want to dine like a royal, the Khum Kaew Palace Khantoke is the place for you. The restaurant will introduce you to Lanna cuisine and culture which is embodied by the palace itself. During the meal, traditional Lanna dance and music is performed.
The Whole Earth was the first vegetarian restaurant in Chiang Mai and its menu still remains very vegetarian focused. It can be found at the corner of the night market street and aims to create a stress free dining experience.
What languages are spoken in Chiang Mai?
The language spoken in Chiang Mai is Thai but as tourism is quite high, there will be a fairly good understanding of English.
Try and impress the locals by learning some basic phrases before your trip.
What currency is used in Chiang Mai?
The currency used in Chiang Mai is the Thai Bhat. For the best exchange rates, it is advised you organise your money before your trip.
Top hotels in Chiang Mai
The Rachamankha hotel is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere despite being very much in the heart of the old city. The hotel’s decoration pays homage to Chiang Mai’s Lanna heritage and only has 22 rooms, so is very exclusive.
Rejuvenate yourself in one of The Four Seasons Chiang Mai pavilions. The resort even has its own Thai cooking school and one of the world’s finest tropical spas.
For those on more of a budget, there are still plenty of amazing hotels on offer. The Rimping Village is a boutique hotel in the historical trading area of Chiang Mai, Wat Kate, and has beautiful grounds.
Hotel M Chiang Mai is right on the doorstep of Tha Pae Gate, one of the liveliest areas in the city centre so there is plenty of shopping and nightlife nearby to keep you entertained.
When is the best month to visit Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai during the months of December and February is at its driest with plenty of sunshine.
If you are looking for more sun, you should consider a visit to Chiang Mai in April, the hottest month. However, for many, the high temperatures can reach up to 40°C at times.
Climate in Chiang Mai
The climate of Chiang Mai is controlled by tropical monsoons and falls into three main seasons. The weather, like in most of Thailand, is typically hot and humid with the temperatures in Chiang Mai are often close to or above to 30°C. From June to late October, you can expect frequent rain and thunder showers.
Cool Season in Chiang Mai
This season starts in November and lasts until February. Chiang Mai’s climate remains warm for most of the year and the cooler weather normally only occurs in the northern mountains, therefore tourists often prefer this season.
Hot Season in Chiang Mai
The hot season starts from mid-March until late June. Higher relative temperature and infrequent rain are the general characteristic of this season.
Rainy Season in Chiang Mai
The rainy season in Chiany Mai lasts from July to October. Heavy downpour dominates and flash floods can occur. The temperatures range from 25°C to 34 °C.
What to pack and wear in Chiang Mai?
It is very hot in Chiang Mai throughout the year so we recommend you wear light, cotton clothing such as T-Shirts and Shorts. Sandals are a comfortable footwear option for walking around during the daytime heat.
Remember to protect yourself with sun cream and sunglasses while exposed to the sun.
Remember when visiting temples, shorts and sleeveless dresses may not be allowed. Out of respect for the local people and their customs, bring clothing that will cover your legs, arms and shoulders.
When the weather is cooler and wetter, pack jackets and waterproof options to be prepared for the dramatic weather.
Best months to visit Chiang Mai?
January and February are the best month to go for holiday or travel to Chiang Mai. The weather averages gathered from Chiang Mai weather forecast and Chiang Mai weather history also forecast these months temperature to be around 29°c and average of 299.7333 hours of sunshine in a month.
Coldest months of Chiang Mai?
January and December are the coldest months with temperature at around 16°c.
Which months receive most rainfall in Chiang Mai?
September and August receive most rainfall with precipitation count of 250.28mm.
Travelling to Chiang Mai? Check out our Weather averages of Chiang Mai to better plan your holiday or travel.
If you would just like to know what the weather was for a past dates for research or education or you are just curious then visit our historical weather of Chiang Mai section.