Why Rainy Season is a great time to visit Chiang Mai !

In this article we will share with you everything there is to know about rainy season in Chiang Mai. We will explain why rainy season is a great time to visit Chiang Mai, and what the weather is really like.

When is the rainy season in Chiang Mai?

The rainy season in Chiang Mai usually starts in May and ends in September. Note that rainy season in northern Thailand is different from the rainy and monsoon seasons of the islands in the south. So you will need to check the individual regions that you plan to travel to for when their rainy season occurs.

What is the weather really like in rainy season?

During rainy season in the north, it does not rain all day, every day. It simply means that there is more rainfall than during the rest of the year (when there is almost no rain at all). The rain is also very localised. So whilst it may be raining in one part of Chiang Mai, only a few kilometers away there might be no rain at all.
Rainy season in Chiang Mai is best characterised by short bursts of heavy downpours during the late afternoon, or heavy rain during the night. On some days there might be brief periods of drizzle or light rain, but these do not typically last a long time, and some days are completely dry! The beginning and tail end of rainy season, will also see much less rainfall than during the middle of it.

Should I visit Chiang Mai during rainy season?

Yes absolutely! Chiang Mai is undoubtedly a great place to visit during rainy season. It is easy to be deterred from visiting Chiang Mai during the rainy season, but travelers should not be discouraged from visiting during one of the most beautiful times of year ! It is sometimes called ’green season’, because the landscapes and nature are at their most fertile and green. In terms of tourism, July and August are a little busy (due to the school holidays in Europe and USA), and the months of June and September are the quietest of the year- despite this being the best time to visit ! During June and September there are much less tourists around, and everything feels tranquil and green. You may even benefit from lower accommodation rates.

Rainy season Chiang Mai

The Advantages of visiting Chiang Mai during rainy season – it’s lush and green !

Here’s a summary of all the advantages and reasons why rainy season is a great time to visit :
– The countryside and nature is at its most fertile, landscapes are green and lush.
– This is a quieter season so there are less tourists around.
– The fruits ! During the rainy season, fruits such as rambutan, lychee, and mangosteen are in abundance at this time.
– Fresh and clean air! This is in stark contrast to the air quality in the preceding months of March and April which is ‘smoky season’ in the north.

What are the Disadvantages?

None really ! You might get caught up in the odd downpour, but apart from that, there really are no distinct disadvantages to visiting during rainy season.

Rice farming rainy season Chiang Mai

What to bring in rainy season

During the rainy season it might be handy to have a light waterproof jacket and umbrella to hand. However, travelers don’t need to bring these from their home country. These items are widely and cheaply available at local shops in Chiang Mai. For example most 711 convenience stores sell disposable rain jackets and umbrellas.

Can I still do all the activities and sightseeing during rainy season?

Yes! Contrary to popular belief, it is still possible to enjoy all of the activities that Chiang Mai has to offer during the rainy season. The rain is rarely severe or prolonged enough to interfere with travel plans and activities. Water activities such as kayaking and white water rafting are more thrilling during this season when river and water levels are at their highest. If you plan to visit waterfalls and swim, caution should be exercised as flash floods can occur.

Is it safe to visit during rainy season?

Yes it is. As with rainy weather in any country, caution should be exercised when engaging in certain activities. For example when on the roads (especially if you plan to drive on any mountain roads or rural areas), there are hazards to watch out for such as landslides, falling branches, and even broken roads and bridges. There can also be flash flooding. But apart from these situations, northern Thailand is definitely a safe place to visit during rainy season.

Conclusion

In summary, rainy season is a great time to visit Chiang Mai and northern Thailand. The rains are not usually severe or prolonged enough to interfere with travels and activities.
The rains can often be refreshing, lowering the temperatures and cleaning the air. Not to mention that it’s the most beautiful time of year when the landscapes and nature are at their most green ! The only risk is that you might get caught up in a downpour, but we think this is a small price to pay for all the advantages of visiting during this time.

Related posts: To learn more about the different seasons in Chiang Mai please visit our Chiang Mai Weather by Month post and When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai ?