Thailand · 18°47′N 98°59′E

Chiang Mai

Temples, night markets and jungle hills.

Good for: History & culture, Doing nothing, Food, Nature, Adventure
Rough daily spend: around $45 per person mid-range, not counting getting there (our estimate; it varies a lot)
Mildest months: January and December

Best time to visit Chiang Mai

Warmest in April (around 35° by day), coolest in January (27° by day, 17° at night). February has the fewest wet days (2). For walking around in comfortable weather, aim for January and December.

Average weather by month in Chiang Mai
Month	High	Low	Wet days	Rain	Sun / day
Jan	27°	17°	4	20 mm	10.3 h
Feb	30°	18°	2	26 mm	10.8 h
Mar	34°	21°	2	9 mm	10.9 h
Apr	35°	23°	7	58 mm	11 h
May	34°	24°	19	206 mm	10.5 h
Jun	31°	24°	26	240 mm	9.2 h
Jul	30°	24°	28	364 mm	8 h
Aug	29°	23°	30	412 mm	7.5 h
Sep	29°	23°	26	336 mm	8.8 h
Oct	29°	22°	18	178 mm	9.7 h
Nov	29°	20°	9	68 mm	10 h
Dec	27°	17°	3	25 mm	10.3 h

Averages for 2016–2025 from the Open-Meteo historical weather archive (CC BY 4.0), for the point at 18°47′N 98°59′E. Wet day = 1 mm or more. Highlighted months are mild (18–27° highs) and fairly dry.

What to pack for Chiang Mai

For four nights, based on the weather above. Every trip also needs the basics: documents, chargers, toiletries and any medication.

April

Nothing extra

January

Nothing extra

Either way

5 × underwear
5 × socks
4 × T-shirts or vests
2 × shorts or skirts
Something to sleep in
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Small cross-body bag
Transit card or app set up

Going with a group? The planner builds a shared list where each person ticks their own things and claims the shared ones.

Going with friends?

One link for the group: find the days you’re all free, vote on what to do, get a day-by-day route and a shared packing list. No sign-up.

Plan Chiang Mai