Middle of the drier season · Weather & things to do
Chiang Mai in January
Chiang Mai edges warmer than December, with highs of 83°F (28°C), lows of 61°F (16°C) and about 0.6 in (15 mm) of rain.
At 94/100 for comfort (the top score of the year), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 83°F (28°C)
- Avg low
- 61°F (16°C)
- Rain
- 0.6 in (15 mm)
- Humidity
- 67%
- Cloud cover
- 28%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 59 min
- Comfort score
- 94/100 · Great
What January feels like
Highs settle around 83°F (28°C), warm enough for short sleeves most of the day.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 61°F (16°C), about 12°C (22°F) below the afternoon high.
Rain is scarce: about 0.6 in (15 mm) for the whole month.
Sunny spells dominate: cloud cover averages 28%.
Plan around January
January is one of Chiang Mai's best months on the climate data.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by February, the score drops to 80/100.
- Comfort holds steady from December (93 → 94/100).
- January sits inside the Nov – Mar window our Bangkok to the Andaman route recommends.
What to pack for January
- Light, breathable clothes83°F afternoons
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 61°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Chiang Mai in January
January is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Elephant Nature Park
Sanctuary where you watch and feed rescued elephants without rides.
Why now January scores 94/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Warorot Market
Local market for dried foods, northern sausage and textiles near the river.
Why now Highs near 83°F and 0.6 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Sunday Walking Street
Weekly street market stretching from Tha Phae Gate through the old city.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Gold-spired mountaintop temple reached by a 300-step naga staircase.
Khao Soi Khun Yai
Small lunch-only shop known for its khao soi curry noodle soup.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~759 m to Chiang Mai's ~314 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Chiang Mai in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Chiang Mai?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 94/100. Expect highs of 83°F (28°C) and 0.6 in (15 mm) of rain. January is inside the Nov – Mar window our Bangkok to the Andaman route recommends.
How hot is Chiang Mai in January?
Average highs are 83°F (28°C) and average lows 61°F (16°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Chiang Mai in January?
Not much: about 0.6 in (15 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 49.1 in (1246 mm).
What should I pack for Chiang Mai in January?
Bring light, breathable clothes (83°F afternoons), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 61°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Chiang Mai
Routes in season in January
- Bangkok to the Andaman Nov – Mar
Planning Chiang Mai in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.