Chiang Mai in January
In January, Chiang Mai averages 29°C (84°F) during the day and 14°C (57°F) at night, with only about 1 rainy day.
High seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Skies are generally dry and clear.
January is a great month to visit Chiang Mai: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Chiang Mai
January is one of the coolest months in Chiang Mai (11th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C below the annual average (32°C). January runs 1°C warmer than December (28°C) and warms a further 3°C into February (32°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Chiang Mai
Times shown for Chiang Mai local time (Asia/Bangkok), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Chiang Mai — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Chiang Mai's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Chiang Mai in January
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on January's tier (High season) and Chiang Mai's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Chiang Mai
This is a busy month in Chiang Mai — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — January in Chiang Mai
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Chiang Mai in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C / 84°F | 14°C / 57°F | 5 mm | 1 | 0 |
| February | 32°C / 90°F | 15°C / 59°F | 10 mm | 1 | 0 |
| March | 34°C / 93°F | 18°C / 64°F | 30 mm | 3 | 0 |
| April | 36°C / 97°F | 22°C / 72°F | 55 mm | 5 | 0 |
| May | 34°C / 93°F | 23°C / 73°F | 165 mm | 12 | 0 |
| June | 33°C / 91°F | 23°C / 73°F | 150 mm | 12 | 0 |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | 23°C / 73°F | 165 mm | 15 | 0 |
| August | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 205 mm | 17 | 0 |
| September | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 250 mm | 18 | 0 |
| October | 31°C / 88°F | 22°C / 72°F | 140 mm | 10 | 0 |
| November | 30°C / 86°F | 19°C / 66°F | 50 mm | 5 | 0 |
| December | 28°C / 82°F | 16°C / 61°F | 15 mm | 2 | 0 |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Chiang Mai in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Chiang Mai in January?
In January, Chiang Mai averages a high of 29°C (84°F) and a low of 14°C (57°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Chiang Mai in January?
January is generally dry in Chiang Mai, with about 1 rainy day on average.
Is January a good time to visit Chiang Mai?
January is warm and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Chiang Mai in January?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full January packing list for Chiang Mai for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.