November to February in Chiang Mai enjoys the best weather, with cool, pleasant temperatures. It is the prime tourist season.
The weather of northern Thailand, including Chiang Mai, differs from the traditional division of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The region has three distinct seasons: the cool season, the hot season and the rainy season. Chiang Mai is cooler than Bangkok, due to its geographical location.

Best Times to Visit Chiang Mai
Though Chiang Mai is a year-round destination, the best time to visit Chiang Mai weather-wise is from November to February. The weather is not-so-hot and mostly sunny, which is very suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
You will find big discounts if you travel between July and October due to the rainy season. It is usually the cheapest time of year to go to Chiang Mai.
If you want to experience Chiang Mai's top festivals, then come in April or November, which are the months for Thai New Year (a.k.a. Songkran Festival) and Yi Peng Festival respectively.
China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.


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Great Experience
WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy More
Stephen Hollis,
Aug 2023
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Alisa has has been great to work with
Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive. More
Ana Rausch,
Aug 2023
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Using Sharon right now to book our…
Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand More
Tracy,
Aug 2023
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Thailand, Singapore, Bali
In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable! I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze. More
Cassi Thunker,
Jul 2023
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Very supportive
Very supportive ! I have received eticket for Sky Lattern Festival very fast More
Chi?n Nguy?n Ng?c,
Jul 2023
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My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. More
Richard,
Jul 2023
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A pleasure to plan with
Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans. More
Chris Williams,
Jul 2023
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Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. More
CL,
Jul 2023
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I never used a travel agent in my life
I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience. More
Antione Barry,
Jul 2023
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Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional. More
Debi Hinerfeld,
Jul 2023
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We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot I recommend asiahilights 150% The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? More
SIMO el ghobar,
Jun 2023
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Wonderful Guides and Experience
Our large group arrived in Bangkok with Tanni as our guide. She was wonderful! An absolute joy to spend time with. She is knowledgeable, kind, and extremely funny. I don’t know what we would have done without her! After Bangkok, we traveled to Chang Mai, where Indy was our tour guide. She was a delight! She is kind, knowledgeable, and so patient. Our trip to Thailand was an adventure of a lifetime and these two women helped make it memorable. I would definitely use Asia Highlights for any future travel in Asia. More
Jessica Bennett,
Jun 2023
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Guide - Chai
We travelled from Vietnam to Bangkok and were blessed to have a guide named Chai. He was a superb guide and it is a pity we couldn't bottle him and take him home. He was very knowledgeable and an absolute gentleman. He could not have done enough to facilitate us and imparted so much knowledge about the Temples, Buddism and the History of Thailand in general. Not only did he give us a great overview of the past and current ways of living in Thailand but I also feel I came away a much better person having interacting with him. I will carry many of his teachings with me for the rest of my life and know that having met him was a very special blessing in my life. More
Customer,
Jun 2023
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Our guide Tanni was kind
Our guide Tanni was kind, knowledgeable, funny and beyond accommodating for our group. We felt like we'd made a friend and it enhanced our trip in the most positive way. Everything was coordinated perfectly which is not easy to do in a large traveling group. Excellent experience! More
Marissa Manson,
Jun 2023
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We are only on day 5 of our 15 day trip…
Our first stop so far was in Hanoi where our guide Trong was just so awesome! He shared about his culture and family life which showing us sites through a city tour. He was so funny making lots of jokes and always made sure we were having fun while learning about everything! He checked on us frequently even when we were no longer with him since we then went on a cruise in Halong Bay! Halong Bay and the cruise on Paradise Elegance went way above anything I expected. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was so beautiful and clean with such fresh, good food! And I can’t sing enough praise for the staff who took care of us- especially Anna and Belle! They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every aspect from eating meals with Anna to every other detail with Belle! I highly recommend Asian Highlights to help plan these extraordinary trips! This already has been a trip of a lifetime and we still have so much more to see all thanks to Cathy!! More
Diane Creitz,
Jun 2023
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Tanni for the win!
14 of my closest friends and family descended upon Bangkok ready to see the town. Asia highlights and Tanni took us on a tour that changed our lives. We experienced so much everyday. Tanni was amazing! She did all the thinking for us, so we all could just be present and enjoy the moment. I can’t recommend this company, and especially Tanni enough. More
Megan McGlynn,
Jun 2023
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This isn't my first trip with Asia…
This isn't my first trip with Asia Highlights. They are great at helping me plan, working my requests into the itinerary, and booking it all. We travel with friends and just got back from a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Albee did a great job with all the details and we had a wonderful time. We will use them for our next adventure! More
Katie Potesta,
Jun 2023
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Amazing service
Although we have not been our trip yet I wanted to still write a review based on customer service and the ease of booking. Alisa has been extremely prompt and responsive with planning our trip to Thailand. She has had great recommendations and guidance to add to our custom itinerary. Highly recommend using Asia highlights! -Alex More
Alex,
May 2023
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I have never hear of this company…
I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions. More
orge alvarez,
May 2023
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Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods More
Debbie Woods,
May 2023
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Weather in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has a tropical savanna climate, tempered by the low latitude and moderate elevation, with warm to hot weather all year round. Nighttime conditions during the dry season can be cool though.
Chiang Mai has a particularly chronic problem with burning (and resulting haze) in March. The mountain views disappear as the Ping River valley chokes under a dusty haze that can often be a health hazard.
Generally speaking, the weather of northern Thailand is far more temperate than that of central or southern Thailand. Northern Thailand, with its mountainous terrain and location in the Asian interior, brings cooler temperatures and less humidity.
However, there is still quite a bit of precipitation during the rainy season and the weather gets very chilly once you head up into the nearby mountains.
Below is a graph of Chiang Mai's average temperatures and rainfall.

>>>Best (and Worst) Time to Visit Thailand
Cool Season in Chiang Mai (November to February)

The best time to visit Chiang Mai (weather wise) is from November to February. The temperatures are lower, during the day it is around 25°C (77°F) and during the night it can be as cold as 13°C (55°F).
If you travel up to the mountains, for example, Doi Inthanon, you might experience temperatures as low as 3°C (37°F).
During this season rain is rare, so humidity is low. You will find it very comfortable when walking around the city. The sky is blue, without clouds. Another good thing is that you don't need to turn on the air conditioning at night.
Travel Essentials
It is wise to bring all-weather gear along; particularly if you intend hiring a motorcycle to get around, or if going on a mountain trek. However, don't leave out your summer clothes, as midday temperatures can climb up to 30°C (86°F).
Bring your photography gear if you love taking pictures; this is the best season to get stunning photos of Chiang Mai. It is recommended to go early in the morning if you are going to tourist spots because it will be crowded.
Festivals and Events
If you plan a trip in November, you will catch the Yi Peng Festival, and in February you will see the Chiang Mai flower festival.
Hot Season in Chiang Mai (March to June)

Tourists still visit Chiang Mai during this period; it's a good time to look for deals on hotels and flights.
Even if the temperature during the day is high you can spend the afternoon in the pool and head out after sunset.
April is the hottest month in Chiang Mai. Temperatures can rise up to 40°C (104°F) and rain is rare.
Travel Essentials
It is very important to drink lots of water and bring bottles of water while you are traveling.
Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are also important for you to bring as the weather can be very hot in the middle of the day. Cotton shirts, shorts, and flip flops are the gear you might wear during this season.
Festivals and Events
Songkran (Thai New Year): The Songkran festival lasts for three days in April, and the roads around the old part of the ancient city become one giant water party for that time.
Inthakhin Festival: The Inthakhin takes place mainly at Wat Chedi Luang. Every year, citizens of Chiang Mai convene for a week-long worship ritual, believed to be the annual blessing for the city.
Rainy Season in Chiang Mai (July to October)

July to October is the wettest season in Chiang Mai. Rainy season does not necessarily mean it rains all day; precipitation often comes as a quick, short blast of nature.
Temperatures are slightly lower than in the preceding months but it is seriously humid. Rainfall is usually heaviest in September.
The rainy season is otherwise a pleasant time to visit the north. The rains bring respite from the heat, and the landscape returns to its strikingly gorgeous shade of green.
Travel Essentials
Umbrella and raincoat should be in your luggage. It is also recommended to have mosquito repellant handy.
Don't risk going into rural areas, as there may be flooding; it is better to stay in or near the city.
Learn about How to Plan Your Trip Well during Thailand Rainy Season.
Festivals and Events
Rocket Festival: The rocket festival usually falls in July. The main purpose of the rocket festival is to pray for rain at the beginning of a new planting season.
Elephant sanctuary: If you don't mind getting a little wet, the rainy season from July to October is ideal for a visit: less crowds and more time with the animals. Find out the Best Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai.
Visit Chiang Mai with Asia Highlights
You may be unsure how best to plan your trip to Chiang Mai. Our experts can help you to be able to enjoy your holiday in Chiang Mai during any season you want! Drop us an inquiry and we will provide the best advice to meet your individual requests.
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How to Get in and around Chiang Mai
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