Chiang Mai in May
Rains arrive
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
The short answer
May is a reasonable month in Chiang Mai — with trade-offs.
May brings the first rains, clearing the haze and greening the hills.
May in detail
What May actually feels like
- Weather
- 24–35°C
- Hot and humid with the start of the rains.
- Crowds
- Low
- Light crowds, and most sights can be visited without booking far ahead.
- Prices
- $$
- Good-value hotel rates.
+First rains clear the air and lower prices.
–Humid and wet.
My tip for May
Carry a rain jacket for afternoon showers.
- Hiking
- Temples
- Cafés
How May compares
Against the other eleven months
7th of 12 overall in Chiang Mai, 6th for weather, 5th for space, 5th for value. The emptiest month is June; the best value is June.
See all twelve months for Chiang MaiNot set on May?
Even stronger months in Chiang Mai
Weather
Weather in Chiang Mai in May
In May Chiang Mai averages a high of 35°C (95°F) and a low of 24°C (75°F), with about 168 mm of rain or snow over 12 wet days. The warmest month is April (around 37°C) and the coolest is December (around 29°C); the wettest month is August.
- Average high
- 35°C
- 95°F
- Average low
- 24°C
- 75°F
- Precipitation
- 168 mm
- Wet days
- 12
Climate data: World Meteorological Organization. Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Quick answers
Chiang Mai in May: the questions people ask
- Is May a good time to visit Chiang Mai?
- May is a reasonable month in Chiang Mai — with trade-offs. It ranks 7 of 12 months in Chiang Mai overall (6 for weather, 5 for space, 5 for value). The main upside: First rains clear the air and lower prices. The main downside: Humid and wet.
- What is the weather like in Chiang Mai in May?
- Average highs are around 35°C and lows around 24°C. Expect about 168 mm of rain or snow over roughly 12 wet days. Hot and humid with the start of the rains. For comparison, the warmest month is April (around 37°C) and the coolest is December (around 29°C).
- Is Chiang Mai crowded in May?
- Crowds are low. Light crowds, and most sights can be visited without booking far ahead. The quietest month is June.
- How expensive is Chiang Mai in May?
- Prices are at level 2 of 5 ($$). Good-value hotel rates. The best-value month is June.
- When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?
- In the CrowdFreeViews month scores, January is the best month overall (May ranks 7 of 12). The quietest month is June and the best value is June.
Ready to book May in Chiang Mai?
First rains clear the air and lower prices.
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