Chiang Mai in May
In May, Chiang Mai averages 34°C (93°F) during the day and 23°C (73°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (165 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are very hot — early-morning and evening sightseeing recommended. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May in Chiang Mai is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How May compares to the rest of the year in Chiang Mai
May is one of the warmest months in Chiang Mai (3rd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (32°C). May runs 2°C cooler than April (36°C) and cools 1°C in June (33°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Chiang Mai
Times shown for Chiang Mai local time (Asia/Bangkok), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Chiang Mai — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Chiang Mai's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Chiang Mai in May
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 May's tier (Off-peak) and Chiang Mai's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Chiang Mai
This is off-peak for Chiang Mai — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May 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 May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Chiang Mai in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Chiang Mai in May?
In May, Chiang Mai averages a high of 34°C (93°F) and a low of 23°C (73°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Chiang Mai in May?
May can be fairly wet in Chiang Mai, with about 12 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Chiang Mai?
May is hot. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Chiang Mai in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Chiang Mai for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.