Start of the wetter season · Weather & things to do
Chiang Mai in May
Chiang Mai cools off: highs slip to 93°F (34°C), from 98°F in April, with lows of 75°F (24°C) and about 7.4 in (189 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 35/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cloud cover.
- Avg high
- 93°F (34°C)
- Avg low
- 75°F (24°C)
- Rain
- 7.4 in (189 mm)
- Humidity
- 75%
- Cloud cover
- 80%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 53 min
- Comfort score
- 35/100 · Tough
What May feels like
Expect proper heat: afternoons average 93°F (34°C), so plan walking and hiking for the morning and save midday for shade, lunch or a swim.
Nights stay warm too, with lows averaging 75°F (24°C).
With 75% average humidity, it feels muggy.
Rain is a real factor, with about 7.4 in (189 mm) across the month.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 80%.
Plan around May
May is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are December & January.
- The year's biggest cool-down: highs drop 3°C (6°F) from April.
- Humidity season begins: 75% on average, up from 56% in April.
- Comfort slips from 52/100 in April to 35/100.
- Our Bangkok to the Andaman route recommends Nov – Mar, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes93°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Quick-dry fabrics75% average humidity
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes7.4 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Chiang Mai in May
Wet days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Khao Soi Khun Yai
Small lunch-only shop known for its khao soi curry noodle soup.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 7.4 in of rain.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Nightly market for crafts, clothing and food stalls.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop for a month with 7.4 in of rain.
Huen Phen
Long-standing northern Thai restaurant serving khao soi, sai ua sausage and laab.
Why now Easy to slot in when May's rain moves in.
Ristr8to
Specialty coffee bar in Nimman, known for latte art.
Why now Keeps part of the day dry on wetter May days.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Gold-spired mountaintop temple reached by a 300-step naga staircase.
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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Chiang Mai?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 35/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are December & January. Expect highs of 93°F (34°C) and 7.4 in (189 mm) of rain. Our Bangkok to the Andaman route recommends Nov – Mar, so May is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Chiang Mai in May?
Average highs are 93°F (34°C) and average lows 75°F (24°C), making it the 3rd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Chiang Mai in May?
Yes: about 7.4 in (189 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 49.1 in (1246 mm).
What should I pack for Chiang Mai in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (93°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), quick-dry fabrics (75% average humidity) and rain jacket and waterproof shoes (7.4 in of rain on average).
More on Chiang Mai
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