Chiang Mai Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Chiang Mai. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Now, let’s break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Chiang Mai has a relatively rainy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1197 mm of rainfall annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)

Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wet season, August receives substantial rainfall, averaging 260 mm of precipitation, recorded across 21 rainy days.

In contrast, the drier season, February brings less rainfall, with 4.8 mm over a single rainy day.

August, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 32°C and receives 116 hours of sunshine. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of 34°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Chiang Mai Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in Thailand

The map below shows the annual precipitation across Thailand. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Chiang Mai’s average annual precipitation is 1197 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Athens, Greece, receives an average annual precipitation of 400 mm, making it one of the drier Mediterranean climates with rainfall mostly in winter.

In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm, with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.

In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm, making it wetter than Sydney.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.

How is Precipitation Measured?

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Interesting weather facts

• "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
• The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm wide and 20 cm thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
• The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA—over 31.5 meters fell during the winter of 1972.

For more detailed information about Chiang Mai’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Chiang Mai Climate page.