Lantern skies in November, flower floats in February, smoky haze in March, and supersoaker water fights in April. Chiang Mai feels like a new city every season. This northern Thai might always run on Lanna tradition, golden temples and mountain air, but when you go, it changes everything. Here’s your season-by-season cheat sheet for when Chiang Mai shines, and when it’s better to hold off booking.

Weather: Dry, sunny, around 25°C by day, dropping to 10–15°C at night.

Events: Yi Peng and Loy Krathong lantern festivals (Nov), Bo Sang Umbrella Festival (Jan), Flower Festival (Feb).

Recommended? Yes – this is Chiang Mai at its peak, pretty.

This is the golden window: clear skies, comfy days, and the kind of crisp evenings that make hot noodle soup feel essential. It’s also festival central, from lanterns in November to floral floats in February. Expect bigger crowds and higher prices (especially around Yi Peng), but it’s absolutely worth it. Pack jumpers if you’re heading to Doi Inthanon. Nights there can feel alpine.

Weather: 35–40°C most days, smoky skies peak in March, stifling into April and May.

Events: Songkran (Thai New Year water fights) in April.

Recommended? Only if you’re here for Songkran.

March is burning season. Fields are torched, forest fires smoulder, and the air quality can tank. Views of Doi Suthep often vanish behind haze, and trekking is tough in the heat. Come April, it is still boiling, but Chiang Mai throws Thailand’s best Songkran party: three days of supersoakers, parades, and citywide chaos. Families with teens and a sense of humour? Go for it. But in peak burning season? Skip.

Weather: Warm and wet, 30–32°C, with the heaviest downpours in Aug–Sep.

Events: Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival (May), Inthakin City Pillar Festival (May/Jun), rice planting season.

Recommended? Yes, if you don’t mind rain.

Rain flips Chiang Mai into technicolour mode: neon-green rice paddies, roaring waterfalls and mist-wrapped mountains. Showers usually come in short, heavy bursts, clearing to bright afternoons. Trekking trails can get muddy, but crowds thin out, hotel deals roll in, and cooking classes start looking real good. Photographers and budget travellers, this is the time for you.

Weather: Cool and dry, 25°C in the day and 15°C at night.

Events: Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Lantern Festivals.

Recommended? Yes, if you can handle the crowds.

November deserves its own spotlight. Thousands of lanterns drift into the sky, candlelit krathongs float on the river, and the air feels fresh after the monsoon. It’s one of Asia’s most photogenic festivals – but some of Chiang Mai’s busiest weeks. Book flights and hotels months ahead.

Know when you want to go? Check out our latest offers for flights to Chiang Mai from across Australia and hotels in the northern Thai city.