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Lying between the tropics puts Thailand within the monsoon belt and therefore this has a direct impact on the climate. In Thailand, the monsoon blows from the southwest and the northeast alternately resulting in three distinct seasons.
From May to October, the southwest monsoon dominates carrying with it moisture from the Indian Ocean which falls as rain to produce the so-called rainy season. The word rainy is somewhat of a misnomer and tourists are often surprised that it is not as wet as they had imagined. Yes you may be unlucky and experience a whole day or rain but much more common is a short, sharp burst of rain which may last an hour or so. This will invariably be preceded by strengthening winds and sometimes by thunderstorms. September is the wettest month. The range of temperature during this season , 22°-34°C makes this not too unpleasant a time to visit Chiang Mai although some water based activities might have to be curtailed due to rising levels of rivers and mountain paths might be quite slippery if one wishes to go trekking.
From November to February the northeast monsoon prevails, drawing cool, dry air over Thailand creating the cold season. Many visitors prefer to visit Chiang Mai during this time when it is mild and dry with a range of temperature of 13°-31°C. Temperatures in the hills to the north of Chiang Mai can plummet at night and frost has been known. December and January are the coolest months but are extremely popular months with visitors trying to escape the harsh winters of northern climes. This is a time when Chiang Mai is ablaze with colour with exotic blossom on trees , flowers and shrubs.
From March to mid-May (the pre-monsoon period) is the hot season when the position of the sun is directly overhead and the winds are backing as the southwest winds begin to dominate again. Chiang Mai at this time of year can be very unpleasant with a temperature range of 17°-36°C and it can be very dry and dusty. April is the hottest month with daily temperatures invariably in the high 30’s.
(Temperatures refer to the average minimum and maximum figures).
January |
February |
March |
April |
May |
June |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High (C) | 28 |
31 |
33 |
36 |
34 |
31 |
| Low (C) | 13 |
16 |
17 |
22 |
23 |
23 |
| Sun (%) | 39 |
38 |
39 |
38 |
27 |
25 |
| Rainfall (mm) | 0 |
10 |
7 |
35 |
122 |
110 |
July |
August |
September |
October |
November |
December |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High (C) | 30 |
29 |
29 |
29 |
29 |
27 |
| Low (C) | 23 |
23 |
22 |
22 |
18 |
16 |
| Sun % | 21 |
20 |
24 |
31 |
33 |
36 |
| Rainfall (mm) | 214 |
194 |
248 |
94 |
30 |
13 |