Chiang Mai Weather in May

May weather

May feels hot, sticky and often cloudy in Chiang Mai. Days reach 33°C, and nights stay warm at 23°C. Rain falls on 22 days, so showers can interrupt a day out. It's wetter than April, though June brings even more rain.

You can still visit temples such as Wat Chedi Luang or browse the covered stalls around Warorot Market. Keep flexible plans: a downpour can make outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable, and wet paths can make hikes around Doi Suthep slippery. May's short spells of sun may also be welcome after the hotter, drier weeks of April.

Events and local plans

The Inthakin Festival, held at Wat Chedi Luang, usually takes place in May or June. Locals make offerings to Chiang Mai's city pillar, and the temple fills with flowers and incense. The dates change each year, so it may fall outside your visit.

If you hate crowds, May is generally calmer than Chiang Mai's cool-season peak. You'll find fewer visitors than in the busy winter months, and accommodation often costs less. Rain and heat put some travellers off, but the city's temples and cafés still make an easy-going city break.

Make the most of it

Travelling with kids? Choose indoor stops between outdoor visits, such as the Lanna Folklife Museum near the Three Kings Monument. It gives you a cool, sheltered break and a closer look at northern Thai culture.

For a practical local tip, keep a songthaew in mind for trips between the Old City and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. These red shared taxis run up the mountain road, so you can skip a slippery hike when rain sets in. Agree on the fare before you get in.