Last updated: August 27, 2025
In January, Chiang Mai, Thailand, offers a pleasant contrast of temperatures, with maximums reaching 34°C (93°F) and averages around 22°C (72°F). The nights can dip to a cool 10°C (51°F), providing a refreshing relief. With just 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain over 2 days, the humidity sits at a comfortable 51%, making it an ideal time to explore the city's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you're wandering through temples or trekking in the surrounding hills, January’s weather creates the perfect backdrop for adventure and relaxation.
In January, Chiang Mai's temperatures are particularly pleasant, with a range that starts at a cool 10°C (51°F) at night and peaks at a warm 34°C (93°F) during the day, resulting in a comfortable average of 22°C (72°F). This mild weather sets the tone for the month, enticing travelers to explore the city's rich culture and stunning landscapes. As the year progresses into February, temperatures begin to rise, with nighttime lows only slightly warmer at 11°C (53°F) and daytime highs reaching up to 36°C (97°F). This trend continues through the following months, showcasing a gradual increase in warmth, peaking in April when temperatures can soar to a scorching 42°C (107°F). Despite the rising heat, January’s mild and inviting climate remains a perfect time for visitors to experience the vibrant local scene before the hotter months take hold.
In January, Chiang Mai experiences a relatively dry start to the year, with only 10 mm of precipitation recorded over just 2 days. This light rainfall sets the stage for an arid early season, in stark contrast to the much wetter months that follow. As the year progresses, rainfall begins to intensify, particularly from April onward, culminating in a dramatic peak during the monsoon months of July and August, where precipitation can exceed 200 mm. The trend clearly indicates that while January may be mild and dry, it paves the way for increasingly frequent and heavier downpours as the seasons change, marking a transition into a lush and vibrant landscape as the year unfolds.
In January, Chiang Mai experiences a comfortable humidity level of 51%, making it one of the most pleasant months of the year. As the seasons progress into February, the humidity dips to 46%, creating a drier atmosphere ideal for outdoor activities. However, by March and April, humidity levels continue to drop, reaching their annual low of 36%, offering a brief respite before the wet season approaches. The transition into May marks a significant turnaround, with humidity rising sharply to 63%, and this climb continues throughout the summer months. By August, the city sees the peak of humidity at 91%, illustrating the steamy nature of the monsoon season. As the year winds down, humidity begins to decrease again, offering a refreshing finish with October at 67% and November settling at 60%. This cyclical pattern of rising and falling humidity showcases Chiang Mai’s tropical climate, underscoring the importance of preparing for both dry and wet conditions throughout the year.
In January, Chiang Mai experiences a notably high UV Index of 9, categorizing the exposure as very high with a burn time of just 15 minutes. This sets the stage for a gradual increase in UV intensity as the year unfolds. By February, the UV Index rises to 10, maintaining the very high category, before surging to 13 in March and April, where it reaches the extreme exposure category, reducing burn time to 10 minutes. This extreme trend continues through the warmer months of May to August, peaking at an impressive 14. As the rainy season begins to taper off, the UV levels drop slightly in September and October, yet remain in the extreme range. As the year concludes, November and December see a decrease, with the UV Index settling back to very high levels of 10 and 8, respectively. For those planning outdoor activities, understanding these trends is crucial for sun safety. For more information, visit Chiang Mai UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In January, Chiang Mai basks in a delightful 246 hours of sunshine, marking the start of a year filled with bright days. As winter transitions into spring, the sunlight gradually increases, reaching 299 hours in February and peaking at 338 hours in March. This trend showcases the city's sun-drenched allure, perfect for outdoor exploration. As the months progress, the sunny days remain consistent, with April and May offering 321 and 330 hours, respectively, before the monsoon season brings a slight dip in June to 269 hours. Despite this, Chiang Mai continues to enjoy a good amount of sunshine throughout the summer and into fall, maintaining a vibrant atmosphere as the hours fluctuate from 254 in July to 306 by December. Overall, January sets the stage for an evolving panorama of sunlight, inviting travelers to experience the beauty of Chiang Mai's seasonal transformations.
In January, Chiang Mai, Thailand enjoys a 76% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the best months for outdoor activities and exploration. As the dry season sets in, the likelihood of sunshine gradually increases in February and March, peaking at 82% and 83% respectively, before taking a notable dip in April as the rains approach. The months that follow are generally marked by significantly lower chances of sun, with the rainy season reducing the likelihood to a mere 12% in June and July. Interestingly, as the year concludes, the chance of sun returns to a more favorable 76% in December, echoing the conditions of January. This trend highlights January as an ideal time to experience Chiang Mai's vibrant culture under clear skies before the weather shifts.
In Chiang Mai, Thailand, January brings a consistent 11 hours of daylight, setting the tone for the month. This duration remains steady into February, allowing residents and visitors alike to enjoy the bright, cool days. As the seasons transition, March and April see a subtle shift, each offering a slightly longer 12 hours of daylight, which invites more outdoor activities under the warming sun. The longest days arrive in May through July, with a generous 13 hours, creating a perfect backdrop for exploration and adventure during the tropical summer. However, as August rolls in, daylight begins to taper, returning to 12 hours and then settling back to 11 hours from October through December. This cyclical pattern highlights a delightful blend of consistent daylight, allowing for both bustling day trips and serene evenings throughout the year.
As the new year dawns in Chiang Mai, Thailand, January brings a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 1.3 m/s (3 mph), setting a calm tone for the month. The wind remains consistent, matching the speed found in both March and May, while slightly fading to 1.2 m/s (3 mph) in February and April. This mild wind creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for exploring the city's scenic temples and vibrant markets. Interestingly, as the year progresses, the wind speeds show subtle fluctuations, peaking in June at 1.4 m/s (3 mph) before easing into the quieter months of the rainy season. Overall, the January winds contribute to Chiang Mai's charm, inviting visitors to enjoy its serene beauty.
Weather in Chiang Mai varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Chiang Mai, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In January, the weather in Chiang Mai features a minimum temperature of 10°C (51°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F), reaching a maximum of 34°C (93°F). With only 10 mm (0.4 in) of precipitation over two days, the humidity levels are around 51%. In contrast, February sees slightly warmer conditions, with a minimum of 11°C (53°F) and an average temperature of 24°C (75°F), peaking at 36°C (97°F). Notably, February experiences even less rainfall, with just 2 mm (0.1 in) and no rainy days, along with a decrease in humidity to 46%. For more detailed insights, check out Chiang Mai weather in February.
In comparison to January, March sees a notable increase in temperatures, with minimums rising from 10°C (51°F) to 16°C (60°F) and averages climbing from 22°C (72°F) to 28°C (82°F). March experiences even higher maximum temperatures, peaking at 40°C (104°F) compared to January's 34°C (93°F). Additionally, rainfall significantly decreases in March, with just 1 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation over 0 days, while January has 10 mm (0.4 in) over 2 days. The humidity also drops from 51% in January to 38% in March, creating a drier atmosphere. For more details on the weather in March, you can visit Chiang Mai weather in March.
When comparing the weather between January and April, January tends to be milder with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), while April experiences significantly higher temperatures, with a minimum of 18°C (65°F) and soaring daytime highs reaching up to 42°C (107°F). Additionally, January has lower precipitation levels at 10 mm (0.4 in) over just 2 days, compared to April's 42 mm (1.7 in) spread over 6 days, indicating a wetter month. Interestingly, January also has a higher humidity level at 51%, whereas April's humidity drops to 36%, making the heat in April feel more intense. For more details, you can check out Chiang Mai weather in April.
In January, weather in Chiang Mai is generally milder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F). The month experiences relatively low precipitation, totaling just 10 mm (0.4 in) over 2 days, and humidity levels are at a comfortable 51%. In contrast, May brings much warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a sweltering maximum of 41°C (106°F), averaging 30°C (86°F). Rainfall increases significantly to 82 mm (3.2 in) over 9 days, contributing to higher humidity at 63%. For more in-depth information, you can check out Chiang Mai weather in May.
In January, the weather is notably milder, with minimum temperatures around 10°C (51°F) and maximums reaching up to 34°C (93°F). The average temperature hovers at a comfortable 22°C (72°F), accompanied by low humidity levels at 51% and minimal precipitation of just 10 mm over two days. In contrast, June presents a significantly warmer climate, with minimum temperatures rising to 23°C (74°F) and maximums soaring to 40°C (104°F). The average temperature increases to 29°C (84°F), and humidity escalates to a substantial 81%. Rainfall becomes more frequent in June, with 145 mm of precipitation occurring over 17 days, marking a stark departure from the dry January conditions. For a more detailed look at the climate in June, you can visit Chiang Mai weather in June.
When comparing the weather in January and July, notable differences emerge. January enjoys a more pleasant climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), and relatively low humidity at 51%. Precipitation is minimal, averaging only 10 mm (0.4 in) over just 2 days. In contrast, July is significantly hotter and more humid, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a scorching maximum of 40°C (104°F). The month also experiences much heavier rainfall, with an average of 218 mm (8.6 in) spread across 22 days, leading to a high humidity level of 83%. For a more detailed look at the summer rain and heat, check out Chiang Mai weather in July.
January and August showcase stark contrasts in weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a mild 10°C (51°F) to a warm 34°C (93°F), with an average of 22°C (72°F) and minimal precipitation of just 10 mm across two days, resulting in a relatively low humidity level of 51%. In contrast, August experiences much higher temperatures, with minimums of 23°C (73°F) and maximums reaching 36°C (97°F). The average temperature is a comfortable 27°C (81°F); however, it sees a significant increase in rainfall, totaling 268 mm over 26 days, which contributes to high humidity levels of 91%. For more detailed information on this month's conditions, check out Chiang Mai weather in August.
January and September present contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a pleasant minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a warm maximum of 34°C (93°F), with low humidity at 51% and minimal precipitation of just 10 mm over 2 days. In contrast, September experiences a much milder minimum of 22°C (71°F) and can peak at 35°C (95°F), but it brings significant rainfall, accumulating 198 mm over 21 days, alongside a higher humidity level of 83%. The stark differences between these two months highlight the transition from a dry, cooler season to a wetter, more humid time of year in Chiang Mai. For more information, check out Chiang Mai weather in September.
January and October present distinctly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a mild 10°C (51°F) at night to a warm average of 22°C (72°F) and a high of 34°C (93°F) during the day, with minimal precipitation of just 10 mm (0.4 in) over only 2 days and a humidity level of 51%. In contrast, October sees much warmer minimum temperatures of 20°C (69°F) and an average of 26°C (80°F), peaking at 34°C (94°F). However, it is also marked by significantly higher rainfall, totaling 156 mm (6.1 in) over 18 days and increased humidity at 67%. For a more detailed look at October's weather, check out Chiang Mai weather in October.
In comparing the weather between January and November, we see notable differences in temperature and humidity levels. January features a minimum temperature of 10°C (51°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F), with a maximum that can reach up to 34°C (93°F). The month experiences relatively low precipitation of 10 mm (0.4 in) over just two days, with average humidity standing at 51%.
In contrast, November has slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 13°C (56°F) and an average of 25°C (77°F), while still reaching the same maximum of 34°C (93°F). However, it sees more precipitation at 24 mm (0.9 in) over five days, and humidity is higher at 60%. For a more detailed look at the weather patterns, you can check Chiang Mai weather in November.
In January, the weather in Chiang Mai is characterized by slightly warmer temperatures compared to December, with minimums around 10°C (51°F) and maximums reaching up to 34°C (93°F). The average temperature remains comfortable at 22°C (72°F). Precipitation is minimal, totaling 10 mm (0.4 in) over about 2 days, and humidity sits at 51%. In contrast, December experiences cooler nights with a minimum temperature of 6°C (43°F) and a similar maximum of 33°C (91°F). Although December has slightly higher precipitation at 13 mm (0.5 in) over just 1 day, the humidity is higher at 56%. For more detailed weather information, you can check Chiang Mai weather in December.
In January, Chiang Mai enjoys a delightful transition into the cooler season, offering a welcome escape from the heat typically found in the months before and after. Days are pleasantly warm, with temperatures averaging around 22°C (72°F), while nights can dip to a cooler 10°C (51°F), making it ideal for those seeking a comfortable climate. Unlike the more humid months that follow, January features a lower average humidity of 51% and negligible precipitation, ensuring mostly dry skies and ample sunshine. With only a couple of rainy days throughout the month, visitors can fully appreciate the beauty of the city and its surroundings. For a deeper understanding of how January fits into the overall climate, explore Chiang Mai Climate.