Chiang Mai Weather in May
Thinking of visiting Chiang Mai in May? Expect extremely high temperatures reaching 36°C (97°F) during the day, dropping to 25°C (77°F) at night, and note that quite a bit of rainfall is likely.
Rainfall in Chiang Mai in May
You can expect rain on around 16 days based on historical patterns, with 117 mm (4.6 in) average for the month. Rain falls regularly this month and can be quite heavy when it does. Showers can be substantial, so waterproof gear is a good idea.
Temperature in Chiang Mai in May
Daytime highs in Chiang Mai in May reach 36°C (97°F), with nights around 25°C (77°F). Sunshine and humidity can make it feel even warmer than the raw temperature suggests. Nights are warm at 25°C (77°F). It's worth making sure your accommodation has decent ventilation or air conditioning.
Sunshine in Chiang Mai in May
There are approximately 199 hours of sunshine this month, resulting in mostly clear days.
Wind Speed in Chiang Mai in May
Average wind conditions reach 1 m/s (2 knots) in May. This creates generally peaceful weather with subtle air movement. Remember this is an average: some days are windless while others have noticeable or very gentle breezes.If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, May may not be the ideal month to visit Chiang Mai. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Thailand, check out our Chiang Mai's climate page.
Chiang Mai Temperature in May
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Chiang Mai typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 36°C (97°F). Nights are warm, with lows around 24°C (75°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather for Chiang Mai in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Chiang Mai spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Chiang Mai historical weather extremes in May
The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Chiang Mai from 1976 through 2025.
- On May 1, 2005, temperatures climbed to 42°C (108°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
- The lowest daytime temperature in May was 23°C (73°F), recorded on May 20, 2000.
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to 18°C (64°F) on May 16, 2006, marking the coldest May night on record.
Best Places in Thailand in May
Find out more about the weather in Thailand and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Thailand in May →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Chiang Mai in May
Hot weather in May means keeping cool is the priority. Loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics work best. Pack plenty of shorts, tank tops, and breathable shirts. Don't forget a hat, swimwear, and comfortable sandals. Prepare for significant rainfall with proper waterproof clothing and shoes. And with plenty of sunshine hours, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a sun hat.What To Do in Chiang Mai in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Thailand, check out our Chiang Mai's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Chiang Mai climate overview or explore weather in Thailand.