Last updated: January 18, 2025
Chiang Rai, located in northern Thailand, experiences a tropical savanna climate classified under the Koppen-Geiger system as Aw. Characterized by its warm temperatures, the region sees a minimum temperature of 5°C (42°F) during December, while averages hover around 25°C (78°F) throughout the year. The peak of the heat arrives in May, with maximum temperatures soaring to an impressive 42°C (108°F). This climatic profile not only shapes the ecological surroundings but also influences local agriculture and lifestyles, making Chiang Rai a unique area of study in the context of climate dynamics.
In Chiang Rai, Thailand, temperature patterns exhibit a distinct seasonal rhythm throughout the year. The year begins with cooler months, where January and February see minimum temperatures ranging from 7°C (44°F) to 9°C (49°F) and average highs in the mid-thirties, signaling a mild start to the year. As March progresses, temperatures rise, with averages reaching 26°C (79°F) and maximums climbing to 40°C (104°F), heralding the onset of hotter weather. April and May are characterized by peak summer conditions, with May recording maximums of 42°C (108°F), making it the hottest month. Following this, June through August brings slightly cooler weather, maintaining consistent averages of around 27°C (81°F) but still experiencing highs in the upper 30s. The transition into September and October sees a gradual cooling, with temperatures dipping slightly, while November and December introduce the coolest conditions of the year, particularly December, where lows can drop to 5°C (42°F). This seasonal cycle not only influences local weather patterns but also shapes the agricultural practices and cultural events of the region.
In Chiang Rai, temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) in December to a maximum of 41°C (106°F) in May, making it a destination with notable seasonal variation. Similarly, Mae Sai experiences a slightly cooler minimum of 6°C (44°F) in December, with a maximum peaking at 41°C (107°F) in May. Over in Chiang Saen, the weather mirrors Chiang Rai's, with a December minimum of 7°C (45°F) and a maximum reaching 42°C (108°F) in the hotter month of May. For more detailed climate information, visit monthly temperatures in Chiang Rai, monthly temperatures in Mae Sai, and monthly temperatures in Chiang Saen.
Chiang Rai experiences a distinct precipitation pattern throughout the year, which correlates with its seasonal transitions. The dry months of January, February, and March are characterized by minimal rainfall, with January receiving 34 mm (1.3 in) and February even less at 13 mm (0.5 in). As temperatures rise in April, rainfall begins to increase dramatically, accumulating 129 mm (5.1 in), followed by May, which marks the onset of the rainy season with 155 mm (6.1 in). This transition is felt not just in the amount of rain but also in the frequency of precipitation, as April sees about 10 rainy days, escalating to 17 days by May.
The peak of the rainy season occurs from June to August, where precipitation reaches its zenith; June records 239 mm (9.4 in), while July sees a staggering 300 mm (11.8 in), and August peaks at 363 mm (14.3 in), with each month bringing around 24 to 27 rainy days. Following this intense rainy period, September and October continue to see considerable rainfall, though tapering off to 149 mm (5.9 in) in October. The rain lessens significantly in November and December, with total rainfall dropping to 36 mm (1.4 in) and 26 mm (1.0 in), respectively, as the region transitions back into its dry season. This variability in precipitation plays a crucial role in the region's agriculture and overall ecosystem health.
In Chiang Rai, Thailand, sunshine duration demonstrates a clear seasonal progression, reflecting the broader climate patterns observed in the region. The year kicks off with January recording 239 hours of sunlight, gradually increasing until it peaks in March with 331 hours—the highest sunshine duration for the year. Following March, April maintains a robust exposure with 316 hours, while May continues this trend with 329 hours, marking it as one of the sunniest months. This rise in sunlight during the late dry season not only fosters warmer temperatures but also encourages outdoor activities and agricultural preparations in the lead-up to the rainy season.
As the monsoon approaches in June, sunshine hours begin to wane, dropping to 280 hours, and further decrease in July to 257 hours—the lowest of the year. This diminishing sunlight coincides with increased rainfall and cloud cover typical of this period. However, as the rainy season starts to retreat in September and October, sunshine duration begins to recover, with September seeing 273 hours and October rising to 287 hours. The year concludes with relatively stable sunshine levels in November (297 hours) and December (305 hours), indicating a return to drier conditions. Overall, the data showcases a dynamic interplay between sunshine, rainfall, and seasonal shifts, underlining Chiang Rai's vibrant weather patterns.
The UV Index in Chiang Rai, Thailand, showcases significant seasonal variation, with notably high levels throughout much of the year. Beginning in January, the UV Index registers at 9, categorizing it as very high, and allows for a burn time of just 15 minutes. As summer approaches, February sees a slight increase to 10, maintaining this very high exposure level. However, the real intensification occurs in March and April, where the UV Index escalates to 13, entering the extreme category, which drastically reduces safe sun exposure to just 10 minutes. This trend continues into May, making it one of the sunniest and most dangerous months for UV exposure, reaching a peak of 14.
From June through September, the UV Index remains high at 14, reinforcing the extreme risk associated with sun exposure during the rainy season. Even with cloud cover, the potential for sunburn remains significant, necessitating protective measures. In October, the index dips slightly to 13 but still signifies extreme conditions. As the year concludes, November and December present a return to very high exposure levels with indices of 10 and 8, respectively. Both months allow for a burn time of 15 minutes, marking a crucial reminder of the importance of sun protection strategies throughout the year, especially during peak UV periods.
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In Chiang Rai, Thailand, daylight duration exhibits a rhythmic pattern throughout the year, closely tied to the region's tropical climate. Starting with 11 hours of daylight in both January and February, the transition towards spring gradually introduces more sunlight, peaking at 12 hours in March and April. As May rolls in, the days extend to 13 hours, representing the longest daylight duration of the year. This increase not only promotes outdoor activities but also facilitates agricultural practices, maximizing the sunlight needed for crop growth during the pre-monsoon season.
As the rainy season approaches in June, July, and August, daylight remains consistent at 13 hours, providing ample time for sunlight, despite the onset of seasonal rains. However, a gradual decrease in daylight occurs in September and October, returning to 12 hours before tapering off to 11 hours in November. The year concludes with December, marked by a shorter duration of 10 hours of daylight. This annual cycle underscores the importance of understanding daylight patterns for both ecological and human activities, influencing not only lifestyle but also the region’s agricultural calendar.
Chiang Khong, Thailand, experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations. January sees cool temperatures ranging from 9°C to 33°C, while April and May are notably hot, with highs reaching up to 41°C. The rainy season peaks from June to August, accumulating significant precipitation, with July recording up to 286 mm. Despite the rainfall, sunshine is abundant, especially in March and April, offering over 300 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Chiang Khong climate.
Chiang Rai, Thailand, experiences a tropical climate marked by distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a cool 7°C (46°F) in January to a scorching 41°C (106°F) in May, with average annual temperatures hovering around 26°C (79°F). Rainfall peaks in the monsoon months of June, July, and August, accumulating over 300 mm (11.8 in) each month. Despite the heavy rains, Chiang Rai enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, with March and May registering around 333 hours of sun. For more details, visit Chiang Rai climate.
Chiang Saen, Thailand experiences a tropical climate characterized by hot and humid conditions, particularly from April to August. Temperatures soar during the hottest months, with average highs reaching up to 41°C (106°F) in April and May. Rainfall is abundant, especially in July and August, when monthly precipitation can exceed 300 mm (11.9 in). Despite the wet season, sunshine is prevalent, with the year averaging over 2,500 hours of sunshine. For more detailed climate information, visit Chiang Saen climate.
The climate in Doi Luang, Thailand, is characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall, particularly from May to September. January temperatures range from 10°C (49°F) to 33°C (92°F), whereas April sees a rise to between 18°C (64°F) and 41°C (106°F). Rainfall peaks in August with 354 mm (13.9 in), contributing to a lush environment, while sunshine hours remain high, especially in March with 330 hours. For more details, visit Doi Luang climate.
Mae Fa Luang, Thailand experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from cool winters around 6-16°C (42-60°F) to hot summers peaking at 41°C (106°F) in May. Precipitation is highest during the monsoon months from June to August, accumulating significant rainfall (up to 399 mm or 15.7 in in August), while the dry season from January to February sees much lighter rain (16 mm or 0.6 in). Moreover, sunshine is abundant, particularly from February to May, with over 330 hours of sun recorded monthly. For detailed climate statistics, visit Mae Fa Luang climate.
Mae Sai, Thailand experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a cool 6°C (44°F) in December to a scorching 41°C (107°F) in May, with averages around 25°C (77°F) in March and 27°C (81°F) during the rainy months of June to September. Precipitation peaks in July and August, with rainfall reaching up to 430 mm (16.9 in) and creating lush surroundings. The region enjoys significant sunshine, particularly in February with 290 hours, while June sees a decrease to 272 hours. For more detailed information, refer to Mae Sai climate.
In summary, the climate of Chiang Rai, Thailand, is characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The region experiences a warm tropical savanna climate, with notable temperature peaks during the summer months, especially in May. Precipitation patterns reveal a marked increase during the monsoon season, significantly impacting local agriculture and lifestyle. Additionally, the UV Index highlights the extreme sun exposure prevalent from March through October, necessitating vigilant sun protection measures. Finally, the rhythmic fluctuations in daylight duration throughout the year enhance the region's ecological balance and agricultural productivity. Together, these climatic factors create a unique environment that profoundly affects both the natural landscape and the daily lives of Chiang Rai's residents.