The seasons in Chiang Mai, Thailand | Chiang Mai Thailand Ultimate Travel Guide.

The seasons in Chiang Mai may not be what you think. Are you wondering what is the weather in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and when is the best time to go to Chiang Mai in 2024? When do you get the best weather, the least tourists, the best room rates? Let's talk about the seasons in Chiang Mai first. Chiang Mai has three seasons. In the video you will learn about winter in Chiang Mai, summer in Chiang Mai, and the rainy season in Chiang Mai. We tell you the average temperature for each season, the festivals, and the good and bad things about each season, like the burning season (smokey season) in the summer, and the high tourism in winter. We will tell you about the weather in each month, such as Chiang Mai in November (a great month, which includes December and January). And we talk about Chiang Mai in March and April, the stay-away months due to the burning season and the heat. The weather in Thailand is different in every region and some even have two seasons (summer and rainy season), so Chiang Mai is unique. The seasons also affect the number of tourists and the prices hotels charge, so we tell you the best and worst times to go. We filmed this at the beautiful Wat Pra Singh, a temple right in the old city, and we include a lot of footage for you to see it.
Thanks to fellow KZbinr, Walkabout Wayne, for letting me use his Songkran Festival footage. Check him out here: / @walkaboutwayne
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00:00 Introduction
00:55 How many seasons in Chiang Mai?
01:40 Winter in Chiang Mai: months, temperature, festivals
05:12 Summer in Chiang Mai: months, temperature, festivals
08:22 Rainy season in Chiang Mai: months, temperature, festivals
11:04 Conclusion
12:08 Images of Wat Pra Singh
#chiangmai #chiangmaithailand #chiangmaiweather #chiangmaiseasons

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks for watching! We hope you will subscribe www.youtube.com/@RetiredGlobalLife?sub_confirmation=1 and ring the notification bell so you are notified of new videos. And please share your opinions or experiences, or ask questions. We answer all comments even months after the video was posted. Chiang Mai welcomes you!

[@Peter-tm7zp]

You guys are awesome, I can't wait to join the retirement party in Chiang Mai with you in 2025!

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Sound good, Peter! We won't eat all the Khao Soy before you get here.

[@Chai_Travel]

My favourite city, Chiang Mai :D Thanks for all the info! Mate, you're doing great with the subscriber count! Congrats 🎉

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Hey, there there is a celebrity in the house!! Chai from Chai Travel, a great KZbinr! Thanks, Chai. Nice to see you here and I hope you are back home in Chiang Mai. You seem to be all over Asia now. Every video I see of yours you are in a new place.

[@CJOLars]

You are such a great couple and likely the greatest asset of Chiang Mai. I love watching your videos .

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

What a super nice comment. Joy is next to me here and says thanks as well. (:

[@ianpatrick23]

I really admire these videos that you share about Thailand. They are very informative and very well done. Thank you so much for a great explanation of the seasons to help us plan our visit.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

That is super nice of you, Ian. Thanks and best wishes. We are glad it was helpful.

[@whistler1056]

I had a chance to visit Chiang Mai for two weeks in the rainy season of 2023. I found it absolutely wonderful! Of course it rained, sometimes very hard, but you can just duck into a coffee house (with universally great coffee) and wait it out. The temperatures were comfortable and all the ubiquitous 7/11's sell umbrellas. Another great video with the honest information about a lovely city!

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thank you and so glad you enjoyed the rainy season. And I bet you looked like a young Gene Kelly with your umbrella as you sang in the rain.

[@freeman.7238]

you are a lovely couple. Thank you for sharing your insights.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

What a nice thing to say! Thank you.

[@randyirvine5858]

Hi Randy & Joy. Great info as usual. I like the heat but this April was too hot for me, 43°. Seasons reinforce change🙏

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Yikes! 43 decrees. Yes, many reasons to skip March and April. Thanks, Randy.

[@consulthai]

Hi Joy and Randy. Good report about seasons in Chiang Mai. One thing about the rainy season which I like very much too. Some years there is flooding, especially near the Ping river. Keep an eye out for that before you come. The Loy kratong festival is the most romantic festival and my favourite, if you're coming for a visit then,try to pick a hotel centrally to see parades entertainment and to be able to float the kratongs in the moat or the river. And that way you can walk to venues ,avoiding traffic jams . Btw, at Wat Phrasing there is a great Boutique Cafe inside the grounds which is totally surprising in an old temple . And they have some great looking temple dogs in the compound,one of which I wanted to adopt but the Abbot wouldn't part with it . Keep making your videos,they're gems.👍🙏

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

You know more than all the Chiang Mai KZbinrs combined! Please reply and tell me where the cafe is. I have been to that wat many times and I think inside every building, although I've never explored to the south side of the parking area where the row of trees is, so maybe it is there? Please let me know. Best wishes.

[@consulthai]

I put the GPS coordinates in here for Araksa Cafe but it disappeared,not the Cafe but the directions . You know now how to search for it by name

[@mangostickyrice555]

Thumbs up 👍

[@bilbo2016]

Love the energy from you both. We are OTW Chiang Mai for 4 month stay. My Thai wife & I will be looking at options to buy a home in either Hua Hin or Chiang Mai. Will not miss the snowy weather in the USA while we are visiting the Kingdom. Trying to become international "snow birds" !

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Sounds great! We wish you a great adventure. And thanks for your nice comment!

[@anna_m59]

I came in October and I do much appreciated the rain because we don’t have in Southern California or just very little. I could breathe better and it was just so relaxing listen to the rain. Sadly no rain for the last 3 weeks. I agree the old city has beautiful temples just walking distance from each other.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks, Anna! Only a SoCaler would want more rain, haha. But it is my favorite times there.

[@anna_m59]

@@RetiredGlobalLife call me crazy but I really enjoyed the rain here. I am drinking my coffee and listen to the birds right now before I do some serious gym visit. Such a relaxing peaceful place. Oh I forget to say I love the rosters weak me up. I really do! 🌞

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

As Joy and I said, the rainy season is our favorite season. But I can't agree about the roosters, sorry, haha.@@anna_m59

[@tigergooner7214]

Last time I came to Chaing Mai it was cold 🥶 in the Evening I had to buy a jacket and some Socks 😊

[@jonhobson3592]

Will put this city on my list to visit 😊, thanks for the video

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks, Jon. Hope to run into you.

[@PaulinAsia_]

Thanks Randy and Joy. I only arrived in Chiang Mai 2 weeks ago. I think I may have seen you in Wat Chedi Luang today. I already have numerous mosquito bites. Will check out your video.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Joy was there a couple weeks ago but not me. But we are out and about so we hope to bump into you. The mosquito video will make sure no more bites. Really.

[@randyirvine5858]

Fantastic local knowledge, you should have your own channel...

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

We really appreciate such nice comment, Randy. Thanks!

[@user-tg2ji4ms3v]

Thanks for the detailed information about the weather and seasons. I booked airline tickets in May for a month. I warried about rain and fine dust in CM. But I feel better after I watched ur video ^^ THKS again ^^.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Usually it is clear by May, but sometimes the first week or two still has some lingering. But the worst is always over. Different every year. 2023 was terrible, 2022 not nearly as bad. So who konws for 2024.

[@doctorryanmiescke]

Good video! Thanks for the great information. Next time, try a different temple. I love Wat Jet Lin temple the most in Chiangmai. It is fun to feed the catfish.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Haha, okay. I've fed my share of catfish in Chiang Mai.

[@tigergooner7214]

I look to see you Randy and Joy Later this month 😊

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Keep your eyes open, we are often around the old city filming one thing or another. Take care.

[@debbiekirby468]

Great video! Thank you so much for sharing. This is one of the first cities I am planning to spend time in once I retire. 😊

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

We welcome you, Debbie!

[@lawrencerobison1873]

The most informative single subject travel video that I have seen on KZbin. I have watched most of the videos about Chiang Mai over the last few years. Yours are some of the best. Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Lawrence, thanks for such a wonderful comment!

[@jduncan48]

Lived in ChiAng mai fir 2.5 years…. Only months to avoid are Feb 15-may 15 due to the high air pollution during those times. Very much like Florida but generally less humid due to its elevation and location.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Good cocmparison re Florida. I'd say the smoke is worse, but it is what it is.

[@s.porter8646]

Another great vid, saw you guys when i was running with my dog, thanx for waving

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

You should have stopped to say hi, but I'm guessing you are a serious runner... no stopping. I was like that once, then I got old... 555. But glad we exchanged a wave.

[@s.porter8646]

@@RetiredGlobalLife I was in the zone then like the matrix everything got slomo...hea...hi

[@aaronroberts6606]

Thank you so much, what a well thought out and presented summary of the pros/cons of each season! I was looking at November-January but was dreading pulling my daughters out of school for 3 weeks if we went in Nov and outrageous prices if we went over Christmas break. Seriously considering June after watching your video.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

June is rainy season and usually great unless you have the bad luck of a big long storm, rare but can happen. Nov and Dec are nice, just more tourists because it it best months. Nov and Dec and the rainy season are all clean air months in Chiang Mai, no burning.

[@costaskyriacou9600]

Thanks for your warning but i will be visiting your city in mid April iam sure i will survive 😊 enjoying your vlogs very informative

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Yes, plenty of people still come and I think have a good time. But I feel bad that most didn't know about the issue in advance. So it's good you know. I get frustrated when a lot of people scold me in comments in a video about... let's say Best Breakfast in Chiand Mai. And they jump on me with, "Why don't you talk about the smokey season? Why are you hiding it?" And I wonder, am I supposed to mention it in every single video? That would be pretty boring. I think we've discussed it in three videos now. Thanks for writing in and have a great time!

[@briandumont7272]

The mosquito thing is funny. As in strange. Here in California if there is a single mosquito within a square mile, it's going to bite me. They love me here! I spent 3 weeks in Chiang Mai, and while people were getting bit around me, not one single bite. Didn't even use repellent! Struck me as weird, but seeing as Chiang Mai will be home in June, it makes me smile.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Don't tell anyone this. A government agency will take you away and run tests on your body We will never see you again.

[@lostboi3974]

This is great. I was actually going through videos, right now to see the fun things to do while I'm in Chang mai the month of January 😊

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks! And if you have not seen it, we did one about how many things you can do for under $20 in a day. And there's one on a great hike, and a free cool museum. Lot of stuff! And always, food and temples...

[@alejandrochaparro1524]

Hi Randy, I just discovered your channel and I'm so glad I did. Thank you for all the information you have provided. My wife and I are looking to retire overseas in the next couple of years once we retire from the military.. I would love to connect next time you are in San Diego..

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Always a pleasure to meet people. Joy and I will be together in San Diego starting in early April.

[@DuTran-ee3hh]

Hi Joy and Randy. Thanks for a good report about Chiang Mai. I will visit Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai in mid May 2024. Do you think burning season is still around? Thanks.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks for the nice comment. The burning season starts and ends at slightly different times each year. Depends on the farmers. But I think you are safe by mid-May completely. I think I've seen it creep into early May, but not always, and not bad. I think all will be good for you.

[@RobFomenko]

Cool video. Thanks. Here's a question why do the monks wear orange?

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

I thought a punch line was coming after your question, Rob. Joy's not here at the moment or I'd ask her but I've heard it is the color representing illumination of spirit. I have no idea if that is correct. I'll ask her and if you ask me again I'll have a better answer maybe.

[@jduncan48]

Smokey season is driving many expats to move out of ChiAng mai

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Still a popular place but yeah, it is terrible. Most of us just make sure we "vacation" away for those months.

[@Ron-rk6iz]

The burning season makes Chiangmai and the North a no-go area, it starts in January and ends in April.....Tenth of thousands of people flocked to the Hospitals with related illnesses and health issues. During the burning season this year, Chiangmai was recorded as the most polluted City in the world! Then In June, the rainy season starts and that will take until October....Have fun !

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Ah, such a pessimist! Haha. You are right about the burning season although usually little smoke in January. But the rainy season throughout Thailand is a great part of the year, less crowds, clean air, cloud cover so not too hot, and the rain can be nice and is not as often as people think. So the reality is those of us here just leave for a few months every year during the burning season and explore the islands or go back to visit our home country. Where did you settle?

[@Ron-rk6iz]

I have lived there for over 10 years with my family, ( Hangdong area ) it was just a very authentic Thai slow-going area. The quality of living went downhill due to the burning and the traffic mess, that is just reality. Perhaps for people who don't know any better, it's still o.k. and I understand that too.@@RetiredGlobalLife

[@bilbo2016]

One reason we are looking at property in Hua Hin as alternative to Chiang Mai. We have family & friends in the North and Chiang Mai but the burning season requires a "plan b" option to avoid the most intense smoke!

[@tigergooner7214]

What is the weather forecast in December I'm going to Chaing Mai for Christmas 🎄😊🇹🇭

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Usually no to little rain, about 80-85 during the day and high to mid 60s at night. But check weather.com when you get closer.

[@tedyoumans2296]

Really interesting to learn about another nation and culture! Do you guys give tours if anybody wants to travel there?

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

For you, Ted... just say the word...

[@tigergooner7214]

​@RetiredGlobalLife I'm keen to say hello 👋 to you on the 16th December until the 19th December 😊😊

[@knowthygod-olivergonsalves2336]

Whats the reasons or origins of the Lantern festival? Nice video Randy/Joy

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

I've been told it is to thank Buddha, especially for rain. Good question!

[@seunghowoo6676]

Dear Joy, Mr. Hicks, I will be going there with my wife on 10 December to live there for about a year. Could you tell me about the Internet speed/stability and electricity blackout (if any) there in Chiang Mai, at your convenience? BTW, many many thanks for providing the viewers with so many pieces of practical information in an organized manner. Best. Jim SeungHo Woo, from Seoul

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Hello. the internet speed if fast about everywhere. I don't know the numbers but I do know that it is much faster than it is in Southern California. And Chiang Mai is popular with digital nomads so you know it has to be super fast. But we do have some blackouts. They are not that unusual. But they are usually for short periods. Many places have their own generators to power on until the power comes back on. I hope you enjoy CM and perhaps you will bump into us walking around. Best wishes!

[@seunghowoo6676]

Thank you so much for your prompt, detailed answers. I will always carry a piece of paper and a pen in Chiang Mai in case I bump into you (to get your autograph) : )

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Haha, that will be a first. We always enjoy bumping into people who spot us from KZbin. Always wonderful people and from all around the world. So amazing the reach KZbin has and how it can bring people together. Best wishes!@@seunghowoo6676

[@seenbyveen]

Thank you for an informative video. We have been looking for information about going to the northern part of Thailand in June/July and planning a 4-5 weeks trip this year. We would love to explore by motorcycle/scooter but uncertain if it's possible at that time a year? We are experienced drivers and have visited Thailand many times (southern parts) as well as other countries. Appreciate any feedback if you have any! Thanks again.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

It does not rain nearly as much as people think in the rainy season, with the exception of when there are multi-day big storms. The key is if you are not just experienced on a MC but driving on the left side of the road.

[@davedaniels4967]

Thanks for the video. I hope to be retired in Thailand next June. And I will be visiting at the end of December for a month. I still haven't visited northern Thailand yet.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Hi Dave, glad to hear it and best wishes for a great time.

[@daddydaughterplaylist]

I really appreciate your videos. My dad and I are moving to Thailand in January and had settled on Chiang Mai. Now I'm not so sure. Was trying to avoid the worst heat in Thailand. Any suggestions of places that are at least slightly milder than the norm that are not affected by the smoke? Thanks for all the great info!

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Sorry to give you info you didn't want to hear. CM is still great if you are going to leavae for a few months every year. We just schedule trips then. The smoke is the worst in the north but is in the other countries to a lesser degree. Even Bangkok can be affected. I am not too up to date on other regions.

[@daddydaughterplaylist]

@@RetiredGlobalLife hey we all want the truth, so I appreciate you giving that to us. Thanks again!

[@desyfenfen]

Hi Randy ! It really helps to watch your youtube travel guide about Chiang Mai. Last time i have posted a comment and ask a few questions about the weather in Chiang Mai in Early February 2024. And you have answered me also 😊. So, me and my mom & brother have booked the Flight to Chiang Mai and we'll stay there from 3rd Feb 2024 until 7th Feb 2024. This is the 1st time we visit Chiang Mai 😁. Could you advise us, where can we rent a car with a driver if we want to visit Doi Inthanon National Park ? Or can we just book Grab Car through the apps ? Thank you for your help 😊🙏.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Grab and Bolt are both options. For that distance I suggest you hire a driver by the day. You can do it on the Grab app, about 2,000 baht and includes gas. Or better, when you get a driver you like for a short trip, as if they are available by the day. Many are. Negotiate a fee and date and get their number, then you know you will like their personality as you already met them.

[@desyfenfen]

@@RetiredGlobalLife Thank you so much for your reply and advise 🤗. Have a nice day 😇

[@thomasc4777]

Randy and Joy, very refreshing and informative video. Randy, like you, I'm of counsel, although retired. We're about the same age. I'm a widower with no history of bad relationships. I have a genuine interest in Thailand; in particular, the culture, food, climate, and learning more about Buddhism than my undergraduate philosophical studies. Like you, I have no interest in the bars and the sexual promiscuity that many of them promote. Like you, I will travel back and forth as I'll never permanently abandon my lovely home here. Is there a means to contact you for some specific questions? Thank you and best wishes!

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Hi Thomas. In other words, you are my twin... Haha. Yes you can write to me at [e-mail] Take care.

[@thomasc4777]

Thank you, Randy. I believe that's an accurate statement.

[@puruniraf]

very nice, but no sea and no beach

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Ah, you spotted it. Haha. Yes, we are a mountain town, at the foothills of great hiking and so on. No beaches. Sorry. (:

[@user-jt1ps1we1t]

We my family thinks we go Chenmai for a first time but doesn’t really good ideas to which of or affordable places n which’s at November 2024 By the guys do we a jacket or…. at theirs winter season? By the we are Malaysian n tq for letting us to see how enjoyable mom with I guys..bye

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Things are affordable all year but more expensive in Nov and Dec due to the best weather months.

[@AkwKossu]

I am coming to CM next month, is it hard to get condo for 1 month?

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

There are a ton of AirBNBs but I would book as soon as you can. And there will always be hotel rooms, but they really jack up the prices when they only have a few rooms left.

[@gif24gt60]

Any natural mosquito sprays that are very effective so you dont have to take antimalaria medication?

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Watch our mosquito video. Seriously, we never get bit now. Pepper plant derivative.

[@gif24gt60]

@@RetiredGlobalLife how do I get to that video?

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Just click on our channel name under any of our videos and it will bring you to a page showing all our videos. Thanks!@@gif24gt60

[@LiverBird22]

18 years ago in February I was in Thailand, Chiang Mai, with my current wife. We now have 2 teenage children. My son had 2 open heart surgeries 3 months ago. His dream is to discover Thailand with our family in 2025, from the end of June, for 18 days, including Chiang Mai. Which regions are best to visit during this period? He would also love to visit Khao Sok. But especially the regions that are most pleasant during this period. More information about this please 😏

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

The smokey season will be over so no worries about that in Chiang Mai in June. It is the rainy season, at least the start of it, so often cloudy skies, a relief from the sun and unless you have the bad luck to visit during a storm, which can happen for days, usually it only rains under an hour a day then pleasant. I love the rainy season. . There are many great islands to visit, or coastal cities. Koh Lipe is hard to get to but super nice and a bit remote but June may not be the best month due to weather and the ferry speedboats. Krabi is beautiful. I don't like Koh Samui as much as others but it is popular. Phuket is more like a city on the beach, but there are many areas outside the city giving you the best of both worlds, civilization and remote access, with many boat trips to beaches and islands from there. And unlike the places I mentioned above, easy to get to. The key is finding the part of Phuket region right for you. Even if you just stay in CM there are many regions a half-day drive a way or less to explore. Great hiking and countryside to contrast with the city.

[@WanderlustReports]

What's your favorite island to go to during smoky season? Or do you visit a new one each time?

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Been to Lipe, Samui, Pahngan is all for us. And beach cities, like Hua Hin. You have a favorite. We loved Lips but hard to get to.

[@maggieadams7000]

What is the average temperature in January?

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Maggie, yoiu are kidding me!!!! That's what the video is about! As punishment you now have to go back and watch it again. January is the last month of winter so one of the cooler months. Take care.

[@maggieadams7000]

lol! I could only listen to the video at first 🤷‍♀️ . I see you had a slide of temp for all months of Winter.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

You are a good sport putting up with me and my sense of humor. You may now return to the classroom with the other students. (:@@maggieadams7000

[@maggieadams7000]

⁠@@RetiredGlobalLifeLol! I enjoy your videos. And I’m a retired educator so I’m used to a good banter 😅😉

[@lopat4826]

No dancing 😢😢

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Haha, you are too funny. Maybe in the future...