Ideal Time to Travel to Chiang Mai — If you are looking to travel to Chiang Mai then this blog will guide you as to which months you should be travelling. Chiang Mai is one of the most important tourist destinations in Northern Thailand. It is the perfect blend of historical significance, cultural heritage and natural beauty. There are a number of places that you can visit in Chiang Mai. Some of the famous tourist places that you visit are Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Doi Inthanon National Park. Other places of significance are Chiang Mai Night Safari and the Sunday Walking Street. It is perfect for solo travellers who want some time away from the crowd and want to enjoy the cool weather. The best months to travel would be from the month of November – February.
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is from November to February. The weather stays cool and pleasant during these months. Skies remain clear, and the temperature is good for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Many famous festivals like Yi Peng and Loy Krathong also take place during this season. Most tourists prefer this time because the natural beauty looks fresh and green after the rains.
Peak Season (November to February)
The best time to visit Chiang Mai would be from the month of November – February. You will get to experience calm and chill weather. The skies are also clear, cooler temperature and minimal rainfall. Also get to witness major celebrations like new year and christmas. You will experience no to little rainfall and absolutely no humidity. You can fully make the most of Pattaya during this period.
How is the weather during November to February?
The weather in the month of November – February is quite pleasant. The daytime is cool but the night time is the best time. So if you want to explore Chiang Mai, evening time would be the most ideal time. The weather is best in the months of December and January. However if you want to avoid the crowd and enjoy the cool breeze then morning would be better. The humidity level is also low and falls down to 40% – 60% during this period.
Temperature: The temperature is quite cool and pleasant. The temperature during the daytime ranges from 25°C to 35°C. At night the temperature falls down to around 10°C. That is why the evenings are the best for street walk, shopping and exploring the other corners of the city.
Rainfall: Chiang Mai generally receives low rainfall during the winter season. December and January are the driest months. In January and February Chiang Mai receives a rainfall of 30mm. Overall it is the best time for the tourist to enjoy the beach and outdoor activities
Reasons to visit during November – February
Firstly November – February marks the cool and dry weather which makes it an ideal location for tourists. Most of the places are open and activities are also operational. So you can really enjoy your trip to Chiang Mai. Also the season brings many festivals along with it. Some of the famous festivals celebrated during this period is Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights) and PYi Peng (Lantern Festival)
Events and Festivals from November to February
Some of the major events celebrated in Chiang Mai are –
- Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights): This day is celebrated on the 4th of November. It involves floating decorated baskets on waterways to celebrate the water goddess.
- PYi Peng (Lantern Festival): This festival is also known as the festival of light. People release lanterns into the sky and floating decorated baskets on water. It’s one of the major festivals in Chiang Mia and Thailand.
- Christmas and New Year’s Eve: You will find grand celebrations happening in Chiang Mai during Christmas and New Year’s Eve. There is the Christmas tree lighting, firework displays, and New Year’s parties.
- Bo Sang Umbrella Festival: This festival celebrates the town of Bo Sang’s famous handmade umbrellas. There are parades. Traditional music and stalls which sell crafts.
- Chiang Mai Flower Festival: This festival showcases Chiang Mai diverse varieties of flowers. There are floral parades, garden displays and beautiful flowers like orchids, roses, and chrysanthemums.
Places to visit from November – February
Some of the places in Chiang Mai to visit from November – February are:
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
It is Situated in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, it is a famous Buddhist temple. The temple is considered to be pious and holy by most of the Thai people. It was built in the year 1383 and is placed in the mountain called Doi Suthep.
Doi Inthanon National Park
It spans an area of about 482 km². King Inthawichayanon was the last ruler who was deeply committed to preserve the forest and save its rich wildlife. He wanted his remains to be placed in the park after his death. The park was placed in his honour.
Sunday Night Market
It is one of the busiest markets in Chiang Mai and is the main bargaining hub for most of the visitors. You will find authentic goods made by the local Thai people. It shows the craftsmanship of the people who make the goods from silk, paper, fabric, wood, metal, glass, ceramic.
Lanna Folklife Museum
The museum was built in 1935 and was mainly used for administrative matters. It was the home of the eight rulers of Chiang Mai, Chao Intavaroros Suriyavongse. To learn about the tradition, culture and history about the area it is best to visit this museum.
Shoulder Season (March to June & September to October)
The months between winter and summer, generally fall under the shoulder season in Chiang Mai. If you’re planning a trip to Chiang Mai during these months, there’s a good chance you’ll find budget-friendly deals since these months are neither part of the low season nor the peak season. The shoulder season in Chiang Mai typically falls between March to June and September to October. Not many tourists visit during these months. Most of the outdoor activities are closed and not operational during these months.
How is the weather?
If you are visiting Chiang Mai during March – June then you will experience a bit warmer climate. This season comes right after the peak season of November – February. You ought to get some of the best deals during this time. However the month of September and October comes between the cool and rainy season. If you are planning to visit during this time you will get to experience a little drizzle every now and then.
Temperature: You will find warm and humid weather. The temperature during the shoulder months ranges between 25 – 35 degrees Celsius. The humidity level is really high during these months making it even hotter. It is the best time for water activities. Some of the activities that you can engage in are exploring temples like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Other activities you can engage in are enjoying the Grand Canyon Water Park, and taking part in cooking classes.
Rainfall: September is the rainiest month in Chiang Mai, making it the best time to visit if you enjoy the rains in Thailand. However, the heavy rainfall can affect your outdoor activities. September typically sees around 150 mm of rainfall. During the shoulder season from March to June, rainfall is much lower, as these months are not part of the monsoon season. So, if you’re looking for an off-rainy experience in Thailand, March to June is a better choice.
Reasons to visit during this time?
There are many reasons as to why you should visit Chiang Mai during this time.The first reason is that you will experience good weather conditions. You will get to experience a mix of varied weather conditions. There is sunshine, cool weather, breezy environment, clear skies and occasional showers during this time. Another important reason is that there are chances of you getting cheaper deals if booked in the shoulder season months. You can have a trip within a budget.
Events & Festivals
Enjoying some stunning events in Chiang Mai during the peak season here comes with a wonderful feeling. Here are some festivals to celebrate in Chiang Mai during this time :
Vegetarian Festival: It is a nine day celebration with celebrations and street processions. It focuses on purification and not eating non-vegetarian meals, specifically meat.
Salak Yom Ceremony: One of the oldest festivals celebrated in Chiang Mai. There are beautiful parades. You will find towering colourful tree donations at Wat Hariphunchai.
Inthakin Festival: It is a week-long celebration conducted in the city centre. It is basically to pray for the city of Chiang Mai.
Places to visit during this time?
Here are some places that you should not miss during December to February in Chiang Mai
The Tiger Kingdom
Have you ever visited a zoo and got close with the animal in your wildest dream? I do not think so. But it is very much possible in the Tiger Kingdom to get close to the tiger and take instagram worthy pictures
Elephant Nature Park
Lek Chailert began her work in elephant conservation in 1996. In 1998, Chailert discovered Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai Province with Adam Flinn of Green Tours. Chailert held a separate area called “Elephant Heaven” for especially traumatised elephants. Her long-term vision was to transform the park into a sanctuary.
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
If you are a nature lover then head straight to the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs. The San Kamphaeng Hot Springs is amidst a beautiful garden which has many beautiful flowers
It is the best spot to relax and chill.
Low Season (September to November)
How is the weather?
It rains heavily in Chiang Mai during this season. Chiang Mai receives a minimal rainfall of 100mm. You can definitely not enjoy the outdoor activities as most of the places will also be closed.You will find lush green landscapes around you and much cooler temperatures. It rains quite frequently and in short bursts. The day time is much hotter with higher levels of humidity. This makes it inconvenient for people to travel during the day time. Also there are flood like conditions on most of the major roads in Chiang Mai. Most of the people do not prefer to visit Chiang Mai during this season.
Temperature:During the monsoon season in Chiang Mai the temperature usually ranges between 24°C to 31°C. This season is anyway better than the summer season. It is much cooler compared to the summer season. There is heavy rainfall and thunderstorms during the night. The humidity level is usually high during the day.
Rainfall: On an average Chiang Mai receives an annual rainfall of 1,100 millimeters annually. Chiang Mai receives 130 millimetres of heavy rainfall in July . It gets 200 to 300 mm in August, which is higher than other monsoon months. September is usually the wettest month in Chiang Mai with an average of 200 millimetres of rain. October is also quite rainy and receives 240 mm of rainfall. October marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the dry season.
Reasons to visit during this time?
There are many reasons to visit during this period. Since it is the rainy season most people do not want to travel. But it is also the best time to explore the lush greenery all around Chiang Mai. It is quieter and calmer as compared to before. If you want to experience the beautiful scenic views and do not mind the slight rain then visiting during this period would be the best. The rates of almost everything right from accommodation to transportation will be reasonable.
Events & Festivals
There are quite a few events and festivals during the low season. Some of them are:
Songkran: It is celebrated in the month of April. It marks the end of the dry season and the start of the rainy season. There are water fights. It symbolises the cleansing of the previous year and the start of the next year.
Inthakhin Festival: This festival celebrates the city pillar of Chiang Mai. This festival is celebrated in Wat Chedi Luang. There are religious ceremonies, dance, music and other rituals.
Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival: This festival is mainly celebrated in Ubon Ratchathani. It marks the beginning of Buddhist lent.
Places to visit during this time?
Some of the places that can be visited during the rainy season are:
Chiang Mai Old City
Chiang Mai old city is the second largest city after Bangkok. It is surrounded by a canal and has a lot of small coffee shops, hotels, temples and many massage spots. There are around 117 temples in the old city.
Lanna Folklife Museum
The museum was built in 1935 and was mainly used for administrative matters. It was the home of the eight rulers of Chiang Mai, Chao Intavaroros Suriyavongse. To learn about the tradition, culture and history about the area it is best to visit this museum.
Chang Puak Gate Night Market
If you want to get the authentic thai taste in Chiang Mai then you have to visit the Chang Puak Gate Night Market. Here you will get the best thai food that will leave your tummy wanting for more. Some of the must try dishes include the Khao Soi (Northern Thai noodle soup), Sai Oua (a spicy sausage), and Mango Sticky Rice.
Conclusion — Good Time to Plan Chiang Mai Tour
Through this article, you will come to know about the best time to travel to Chiang Mai would be from November – February. The weather is quite cool and pleasant during this time. The temperature ranges between 20°C to 30°C. Most of the outdoor activities are open and operational. There is minimal to no rainfall during this time. However, if you are okay with slight rainfall then the month from May – October is also good. Though you will not be able to enjoy most of the outdoor activities. You can engage in indoor activities and escape in the scenic beauty of Chiang Mai.
