Chiang Mai weather in January
January is an excellent time to visit Chiang Mai as it falls during the cooler winter dry season.
You can expect warm, dry weather and clear blue skies with around nine hours of sunshine daily and little or no rain.
The average temperature is 23°C (73°F). Humidity is at its lowest of the year.
Frequently asked questions
We answer the most commonly asked questions (FAQs) about Chiang Mai weather in January.
How hot is it in Chiang Mai in January?
Maximum daytime temperatures in Chiang Mai in January reach an average high of 30°C (86°F), falling to a cooler night-time low of 15°C (59°F).
How sunny is it in Chiang Mai in January?
There are usually nine hours of bright sunshine each day in Chiang Mai in January – that's around 79% of daylight hours.
Sunrise & sunset in January?
Sunrise is around 7:00am with sunset around 6:05pm.
Does it rain in Chiang Mai in January?
There is usually one day with some rain in Chiang Mai in January; the average monthly rainfall is 10mm (<1in).
How windy is it in Chiang Mai in January?
January sees an average hourly wind speed of 4 kilometres per hour (2 mph).
What to do in Chiang Mai in January?
Weather conditions in January are ideal for trekking and biking the surrounding mountainous countryside.
It’s also a great time to explore the cobblestoned sois (alleys) of the Old City on foot, climb up to the glittering shrine of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and check out the popular Bor Sang Umbrella Festival, held annually in January.
Local holidays?
New Year's Day – 1st Jan.
This is high season in Chiang Mai, with higher hotel prices and the need to book early, especially during the New Year holidays.
Chiang Mai weather in January
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High Temp: 30°C (86°F) |
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Low Temp: 15°C (59°F) |
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Sunshine: 9 hours per day |
11
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Daylight: 11 hours per day |
 |
Wind speed: 4 km/h (2 knots) |
 |
Wet Days: 1 day with some rain |
 |
Rainfall: 10mm (<1) per month |
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Comfort Level: Moderate to high heat; 64% humidity |
9
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UV Index: High |
| Chiang Mai, Thailand | |
Best time to visit Chiang Mai
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is from mid-November to early-March, when the region is mainly dry and not too hot, typically averaging 28°C (82°F).
Chiang Mai weather by month
Climate source: Meteorological data for Chiang Mai is based on weather statistics gathered for the 30-year period 1991 to 2020 by the Thai Meteorological Department from the closest weather station: Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), located around 5km (3mi) south of the centre of Chiang Mai.
Advice on the best time to visit Chiang Mai is based on average local weather statistics, when the weather conditions are generally better than at other times of the year. We consider high and low temperatures, risk of rain (and thunderstorms, etc.), amount of sunshine and sea temperature. For general outdoor activities we favour clear, rainless days with a temperature range between 18°C (64°F) and 27°C (80°F); and for hot-weather activities we favour clear, rainless days with a temperature range between 24°C (75°F) and 32°C (89°F). Often, the best times to visit correspond to high season and therefore involve higher prices.
Latest update: Chiang Mai weather in January: 24 August, 2025
Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided as is, without any assurances as to its accuracy or suitability for any purpose. Weather data and conditions at any given location and time are unpredictable and variable. We assume no responsibility and can not be held legally responsible for any decisions made on the basis of the information presented on this site.
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