Monthly weather averages & travel planning

Asia › 🇹🇭 Thailand › Chiang Mai
Updated: March 2026
November is a excellent time to visit Chiang Mai (8/10). With 10 daily sunshine hours and only 4 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 7th sunniest of the year in Chiang Mai. Beach and outdoor-focused visitors will find November ideal, though hotel prices reflect demand and popular sites get crowded by mid-morning. December offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. The main practical note: Chiang Mai's popular sites are busiest between 10am and 3pm regardless of season. Arriving at opening time or after 4pm makes a significant difference to the experience. Planning tips: book accommodation at least 6-8 weeks ahead, as popular hotels fill quickly during November. Purchasing skip-the-line tickets for major attractions in advance saves meaningful time. If you have flexibility, arriving a few days before or after peak weekends reduces both crowds and prices noticeably.
Chiang Mai's November climate peaks at 28°C each afternoon before cooling to 18°C overnight. 10 daily sunshine hours and just 4 wet days mean the odds of a fine day are solidly in your favour. It is an excellent window for outdoor itineraries.
28°C
82°F
Avg High
18°C
64°F
Avg Low
4 days
24 mm total
Rain Days
10h
per day avg
Sunshine
78%
Humid
Humidity
The 10°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. At 78% humidity, the 28°C daytime high feels 2-4°C warmer in practice: quick-dry fabrics and shade-seeking between noon and 3pm are the sensible response. The UV index of 3 is low, meaning sun exposure is minimal concern and sunscreen is largely optional. Winds are calm at an average 7 km/h, so wind-chill is not a factor in planning your clothing. In Fahrenheit: 82°F average high, 64°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Packing for Chiang Mai in November means dressing for 28°C days and 18°C evenings. A light cotton tee with a casual overshirt works well at 28°C, the overshirt doubles as a layer for air-conditioned venues. Evening temperatures settle at 18°C, a modest 10°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues. For temple and religious site visits, carry a lightweight scarf or sarong to cover shoulders and knees, required at most major sites across the region. At 78% average humidity, quick-dry synthetic or bamboo fabrics dry overnight and stay comfortable longer than cotton.
Local tip: Temple and religious site visits require covered shoulders and knees in most of Chiang Mai's heritage areas. A lightweight scarf or sarong weighs almost nothing and solves the problem instantly.
November has no major festivals or public holidays in Chiang Mai, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
Based on 28°C average highs and 4 rainy days
In November, Chiang Mai sits in the dry season corridor, as the ITCZ shifts away from the region and trade winds bring drier, more stable air. This produces reliably sunny days reaching 28°C, with lower humidity than the wet months. Overnight lows of 18°C offer a pleasant reprieve from the midday heat. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Chiang Mai in November
November ranks 7th sunniest of the year in Chiang Mai, with an average 10 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are January, February, and March. April is the hottest month (36°C avg high); December is the coolest (27°C). From here, temperatures fall 1°C into December. Compared to last month (October: 29°C high, 16 rain days), November is cooler and drier. November sits in the middle of the annual sunshine ranking for Chiang Mai, offering a reasonable balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C | 16°C | 1 | 10h | View |
| February | 31°C | 18°C | 1 | 11h | View |
| March | 34°C | 21°C | 2 | 11h | View |
| April | 36°C | 24°C | 5 | 11h | View |
| May | 33°C | 24°C | 14 | 10h | View |
| June | 31°C | 24°C | 20 | 9h | View |
| July | 30°C | 24°C | 23 | 7h | View |
| August | 29°C | 23°C | 25 | 7h | View |
| September | 29°C | 23°C | 24 | 8h | View |
| October | 29°C | 21°C | 16 | 10h | View |
| November | 28°C | 18°C | 4 | 10h | View |
| December | 27°C | 16°C | 2 | 10h | View |
January
1 rain days, 10h sun
February
1 rain days, 11h sun
March
2 rain days, 11h sun
April
5 rain days, 11h sun
May
14 rain days, 10h sun
June
20 rain days, 9h sun
July
23 rain days, 7h sun
August
25 rain days, 7h sun
September
24 rain days, 8h sun
October
16 rain days, 10h sun
November
4 rain days, 10h sun
December
2 rain days, 10h sun
Cities within 500 km with comparable weather conditions
Data Sources for Chiang Mai
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.