November 10, 2024

What You Need to Know About Chiang Mai’s Rainy Season

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Chiang Mai’s rainy season, also known as monsoon season or wet season, usually runs from May to October. The wettest month is August, which sees an average rainfall of 7 inches. Given that you’ll have to deal with a lot of rain in Chiang Mai during this time, is it actually a good idea to visit? And if you do decide to visit, what can you expect and how can you prepare for the rain?

Table Of Contents
  1. What to expect
  2. Pros of visiting during rainy season
  3. Cons of visiting during rainy season
  4. Tips for traveling during rainy season
  5. More resources for traveling southeast Asia

What to expect

You might get a lot of advice to not travel to Chiang Mai or Thailand from May to October due to it being rainy season. But is it really bad enough to avoid these months completely or to change your travel dates? For the most part, no. However, it depends on how much you dislike the rain and whether you mind potentially adjusting your plans as you go.

To help you decide whether to visit Chiang Mai during rainy season, here’s what you can actually expect. Although there is a lot of rain, it doesn’t last long. Rain showers usually last an hour or so, and it’s rare for it to rain the entire day.

The weather forecast isn’t accurate during rainy season. So while it’s still a good idea to check, you should go about your plans whenever it’s not raining. Always bring an umbrella and poncho/rain jacket in case you run into light showers. If you get caught in a downpour, hide out in a café or check out indoor attractions, like a museum or temple, until the rain is over.

Pros of visiting during rainy season

  • Lush greenery: All the rain results in beautiful green landscapes and roaring waterfalls. If you want to see or photograph the nature of northern Thailand at its finest, visiting during the rainy season is the perfect time.
  • Fewer tourists: The rainy season turns most tourists away, which means you’ll enjoy a quieter Chiang Mai. You can have temples all to yourself and wander through night markets without feeling like you’re bumping into other people.
  • Cheaper prices: Since rainy season is the low season, it’s cheaper to travel during this time. Accommodations and tours often offer lower prices, which makes visiting Chiang Mai more budget-friendly.
  • Cooler weather: After the temperature peaks in April, it starts decreasing throughout rainy season. In May, the average high is 93°F (39°C) and the average low is 76°F (24°C). By the time it reaches October, the average high is only 88°F (31°C) and the average low is 72°F (22°C). Although the rain brings cooler temperatures, it also comes with humidity.

Cons of visiting during rainy season

  • Unpredictable weather: The most difficult part of visiting during rainy season is probably dealing with the unpredictable weather. There are unexpected downpours and outdoor activities may get canceled if there’s heavy rain or flooding. You can still have a great time in Chiang Mai during the rainy season, but you’ll need to be flexible and have backup plans.
  • Muddy roads and trails: Hiking and driving conditions can quickly turn into a muddy mess during rainy season. If you plan on hiking, be prepared for muddy, slippery trails. And if you’re not an experienced motorbike driver, you may want to rethink renting a motorbike.
  • More mosquitoes: The rain brings out more mosquitoes, so come prepared with plenty of bug spray. Although it’s easy to find bug spray in Chiang Mai, I like to bring some with me. If you’re like me and moquitoes love you, get something strong like DEET. Picaridin is also a great option since it doesn’t smell and isn’t sticky.

Tips for traveling during rainy season

  • Always bring an umbrella. A small umbrella in your daypack can save the day when there’s unexpected rain.
  • Pack a poncho or rain jacket. When all else fails, a poncho will keep you dry during a downpour. You can also bring a rain jacket. I like Columbia’s lightweight, packable rain jackets. They work well and can be folded into themselves, but they’ll eventually soak through if you’re facing heavy rain.
  • Wear flip flops. Instead of trying to dodge the rain, sometimes it’s best to just embrace the wetness. Wearing flip flops or other sandals that allow water to easily drain out can be better than trying to (unsuccessfully) keep your sneakers dry. Since streets can get flooded during the rainy season, it’s easiest to just wade through them with flip flops and then wash your feet when you get home.
  • Be flexible with your plans. Even if you come prepared to face the rain and check the weather in advance, there may be times when you can’t move forward with your original plan. It’s important to be open to making changes if needed. There’s so much to do in Chiang Mai too, so it shouldn’t be hard to find an alternative activity. You can also take rainy days as an opportunity to slow down – get a massage, have a spa day, or sit at a café.

More resources for traveling southeast Asia

What You Need to Know About Chiang Mai's Rainy Season
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Hi, I’m Felicia. Ever since studying abroad in college, I’ve had a growing passion for travel. I love sharing those experiences with others, so you’ll find travel guides, packing lists, tips, and more here!