Last updated: August 27, 2025
May in Chiang Rai, Thailand, presents a blend of warmth and moisture, making it a unique time of year to experience this vibrant region. With maximum temperatures soaring to 41°C (106°F), the average daytime warmth rests comfortably at 27°C (82°F), offering a mix of heat and pleasant evenings. However, be prepared for the rainy side of May, as the area experiences about 203 mm (8.0 in) of precipitation spread over 19 days, creating a lush landscape. The humidity sits at a tropical 63%, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere while making it a quintessential time for outdoor adventures—or cozy indoor relaxation amidst the rain.
In May, Chiang Rai experiences a notable rise in temperatures, marking the transition into the hotter months of the year. With a minimum of around 20°C (69°F) and a maximum reaching a sizzling 41°C (106°F), the average temperature settles at a comfortable 27°C (82°F). This shift reflects a steady upward trend from the cooler days of April, where temperatures peaked at 40°C (105°F), and indicates the arrival of the warm season characterized by intense heat. As the month progresses, both locals and visitors find ways to adapt to the increasing warmth, making it an ideal time to enjoy the lush greenery and vibrant culture that Chiang Rai has to offer.
May marks a significant turning point in Chiang Rai, Thailand, as the region transitions into its wet season. With 203 mm (8.0 in) of rainfall recorded over 19 days, May experiences one of the highest precipitation levels of the year, setting the stage for the vibrant landscapes that follow. This increase from April's 171 mm (6.7 in) is a clear indication of the intensifying monsoon, paving the way for even wetter months ahead, such as June and July. The frequency of rain brings lush greenery, yet it also signifies the onset of daily showers that characterize the coming months, shaping not just the climate but also the local rhythms of life.
May marks a significant shift in humidity levels in Chiang Rai, Thailand, with a notable increase to 63%, after a series of drier months. Following the lower humidity of 36% in April and gradually diminishing from 51% in January, the climb to 63% in May heralds the onset of the wet season. This rise continues into June and July, where humidity peaks at an impressive 83%. As the temperatures heat up, May draws a clear line between the drier early months of the year and the coming tropical rains. Travelers and residents can expect a more humid atmosphere, setting the stage for lush greenery and vibrant landscapes as the rainy season unfolds.
In May, Chiang Rai experiences a notably high UV Index of 14, marking it as part of the extreme exposure category. With a swift burn time of just 10 minutes, it's crucial for residents and visitors alike to take proper precautions while enjoying the radiant sunshine. This trend of increasing UV levels begins in March, with the UV Index gradually climbing from 9 in January to a peak of 14 in May, a level it maintains through the following months. As the region prepares for the monsoon season, recognizing the importance of sun safety becomes increasingly vital. For detailed information on UV levels throughout the year, visit Chiang Rai UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In May, Chiang Rai basks in a glorious 333 hours of sunshine, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. This follows a trend where the city experiences increasing daylight hours from January's 240 hours to April's 318 hours. As spring transitions into early summer, it seems the sun becomes more generous, peaking in May before gradually declining into the rainy season. This delightful weather not only invites locals and tourists alike to explore the city's stunning landscapes and vibrant culture but also hints at the potential for outdoor adventures. With just a slight drop in sunlight in June, May stands as a beacon of warmth and light, setting the stage for Chiang Rai’s lush greenery and blossoming beauty.
As the vibrant month of May approaches in Chiang Rai, Thailand, the likelihood of sunny weather dips notably, with a mere 39% chance of sunshine. This marks a significant decline from the preceding months of March (80%) and April (39%), where the sun graced the region more generously. Following May, the chances of clear skies plummet further, with June and July seeing only 11% and 15% sunshine respectively. These trends suggest that while the early months of the year offer a promise of brighter days, May transitions the region into a wetter season, thus setting the stage for the lush greenery that characterizes Chiang Rai's landscape in the months to follow.
In Chiang Rai, Thailand, the daylight duration reflects a captivating rhythm throughout the year, gradually shifting as the seasons change. Starting off in January and February, the days are relatively shorter, embracing about 11 hours of daylight. As spring approaches in March and April, this duration extends to 12 hours, hinting at the imminent warmth of summer. May ushers in a significant increase, with daylight reaching its peak at 13 hours, a trend that sustains through to July. The gradual waning begins in August and September, when daylight tapers back to 12 hours, before descending again as the year concludes, settling at 10 hours by December. This rhythmic ebb and flow not only highlights the beauty of the seasons in Chiang Rai but also sets a backdrop for vibrant outdoor activities during the longer days of summer.
In Chiang Rai, Thailand, the winds in May are consistently gentle, with an average speed of 1.3 m/s (3 mph), mirroring the calm conditions seen throughout the earlier months of the year. This steady breeze carries the warmth of pre-monsoon days, contributing to an inviting atmosphere for outdoor exploration. As the region transitions into June, a slight uptick to 1.6 m/s (4 mph) hints at the impending rainy season, suggesting that while May may feel tranquil, the shifting winds are a precursor to the more dynamic weather ahead. Overall, the consistent wind patterns in Chiang Rai highlight a serene month, perfect for enjoying the lush landscapes as nature prepares for the rains.
Weather in Chiang Rai varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Chiang Rai, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present stark contrasts in weather conditions. May is much warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a scorching maximum of 41°C (106°F), while January sees cooler temperatures between 7°C (46°F) and 33°C (91°F). Additionally, May is substantially wetter, receiving 203 mm (8.0 in) of precipitation over 19 days, compared to January's modest 39 mm (1.5 in) spread across just 4 days. Humidity levels also vary, with May averaging 63%, while January's humidity is lower at 51%. For more information, you can check Chiang Rai weather in January.
May and February present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a scorching maximum of 41°C (106°F), with an average of 27°C (82°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 63% and significant rainfall, receiving 203 mm (8.0 in) over 19 days. In contrast, February is much milder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F). February experiences minimal precipitation, with only 16 mm (0.6 in) falling on just 1 day, and lower humidity at 46%. For more detailed information, you can check Chiang Rai weather in February.
When comparing the weather in May and March, it’s clear that May experiences significantly warmer temperatures and higher humidity. In May, the minimum temperature hovers around 20°C (69°F), with an average of 27°C (82°F) and can soar up to 41°C (106°F). In contrast, March starts off cooler, with a minimum of 12°C (53°F) and an average of 25°C (78°F), peaking at 39°C (102°F). Precipitation levels also differ greatly, as May sees 203 mm (8.0 in) of rain over 19 days, while March typically has just 13 mm (0.5 in) over only 2 days. Consequently, March is drier and more comfortable, with a humidity level of 38%, compared to May's more humid environment at 63%. For a detailed look at March weather, you can visit Chiang Rai weather in March.
When comparing the weather in May and April, we find that May tends to be slightly warmer, with minimum temperatures of 20°C (69°F) compared to April's 16°C (61°F). Both months have the same average temperature of 27°C (80°F), but May reaches higher maximum temperatures of 41°C (106°F), just edging out April’s 40°C (105°F). Precipitation is more frequent in May, with 203 mm (8.0 in) falling over 19 days, while April experiences 171 mm (6.7 in) over 13 days. Additionally, May has a higher humidity level at 63%, compared to April's 36%. For more specific details on April's weather, you can check Chiang Rai weather in April.
May and June in Chiang Rai present notable differences in weather patterns. May experiences a wide temperature range, with minimums reaching 20°C (69°F) and maximums soaring up to 41°C (106°F), while June maintains slightly milder temperatures, averaging between 23°C (73°F) and a maximum of 37°C (99°F). In terms of precipitation, June is wetter than May, receiving 277 mm (10.9 in) over 25 days compared to May's 203 mm (8.0 in) across 19 days. Additionally, humidity levels rise in June to 81%, compared to May's 63%, contributing to a muggy atmosphere. For more detailed insights about the weather during this time, visit Chiang Rai weather in June.
In May, the weather features a warmer range with minimum temperatures of 20°C (69°F) and maximums peaking at 41°C (106°F), creating quite a hot climate. However, it also experiences significant rainfall, with 203 mm (8.0 in) of precipitation over 19 days and a humidity level of 63%. In contrast, July sees slightly higher minimum temperatures at 22°C (72°F) but lower maximum temperatures at 37°C (98°F). Despite the cooler highs, July is much wetter, delivering 327 mm (12.9 in) of rain over 27 days and higher humidity at 83%. For more detailed information, check out Chiang Rai weather in July.
In comparing the weather between May and August, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation. May enjoys a warmer climate with minimum temperatures reaching around 20°C (69°F) and maximums soaring to 41°C (106°F), while August has slightly higher minimums at 23°C (73°F) but lower maximums peaking at 36°C (96°F). Additionally, May experiences 203 mm (8.0 in) of precipitation over 19 days, while August is significantly wetter, with 382 mm (15.1 in) falling over 28 days, contributing to a much higher humidity level of 91%. For more specific insights into August weather, you can refer to Chiang Rai weather in August.
May and September in Chiang Rai showcase distinct weather patterns. May typically experiences higher temperatures, with averages around 27°C (82°F) and maximums reaching up to 41°C (106°F), while September sees slightly cooler averages of 26°C (80°F) and maximums of 35°C (96°F). Both months are characterized by considerable rainfall, but September registers more precipitation at 260 mm (10.2 in) compared to May's 203 mm (8.0 in), with September also experiencing a greater number of rainy days (24) versus May's 19. Additionally, September's humidity is notably higher at 83%, compared to May's 63%. For more detailed insights, you can check Chiang Rai weather in September.
When comparing the weather in May and October, we can see some notable differences. May typically experiences warmer temperatures, with average highs reaching up to 41°C (106°F) and an average of 27°C (82°F), while October sees more moderate highs of 34°C (93°F) and an average temperature of 25°C (78°F). Both months have roughly the same number of rainy days, at 19, but May has higher precipitation overall, receiving 203 mm (8.0 in) compared to October's 161 mm (6.3 in). Additionally, humidity levels are slightly elevated in October at 67%, compared to 63% in May. For a more detailed look at October weather, you can explore Chiang Rai weather in October.
May and November present distinct weather patterns. In May, temperatures climb from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a scorching maximum of 41°C (106°F), averaging around 27°C (82°F). This month also sees significant rainfall, with an average of 203 mm (8.0 in) spread over 19 days, resulting in a humidity level of 63%. In contrast, November offers milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 13°C (57°F) to a maximum of 33°C (93°F), averaging 23°C (74°F). The precipitation is much lighter at 48 mm (1.9 in) over just 9 days, with humidity slightly lower at 60%. For a detailed look at the weather conditions in November, visit Chiang Rai weather in November.
In May, the weather is significantly warmer, with minimum temperatures around 20°C (69°F) and maximum highs reaching up to 41°C (106°F), along with humidity levels at 63%. This month also sees considerable rainfall, totaling 203 mm (8.0 in) over 19 days. In contrast, December offers much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and a pleasant average of 20°C (68°F), peaking at 32°C (90°F). Additionally, December experiences far less rainfall, accumulating just 33 mm (1.3 in) over only 4 days, and has a slightly lower humidity of 56%. For more insights, visit Chiang Rai weather in December.
In May, Chiang Rai's weather takes on a unique character compared to the rest of the year. The temperatures peak at sweltering highs, often reaching 41°C (106°F), while the average sits comfortably at around 27°C (82°F). This month marks the onset of the rainy season, with significant precipitation occurring on nearly 19 days, leading to increased humidity levels at 63%. These conditions create a vibrant atmosphere, with lush landscapes coming to life while offering a respite from the intense heat. For those interested in understanding more about the city's unique climate variations, visit Chiang Rai Climate.