Chiang Mai Province, Thailand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Chiang Mai Province, Thailand? If you're planning to go to Chiang Mai Province, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Chiang Mai Province
- Important essentials for Chiang Mai Province
- Activities for Chiang Mai Province
- Chiang Mai Province in January: weather and what to pack
- Chiang Mai Province in February: weather and what to pack
- Chiang Mai Province in March: weather and what to pack
- Chiang Mai Province in April: weather and what to pack
- Chiang Mai Province in May: weather and what to pack
- Chiang Mai Province in June: weather and what to pack
- Chiang Mai Province in July: weather and what to pack
- Chiang Mai Province in August: weather and what to pack
- Chiang Mai Province in September: weather and what to pack
- Chiang Mai Province in October: weather and what to pack
- Chiang Mai Province in November: weather and what to pack
- Chiang Mai Province in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
Based on the climate and weather in Chiang Mai Province, the best time to go is January. See below for details.
Important essentials for Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Chiang Mai Province, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly choice.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently get worn. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb kit.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Airplane or car necessities
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and O. This one works in most countries, but you may want to check with your hotel.
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For families with young children
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Chiang Mai Province. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
What to wear/what to pack for Chiang Mai Province, Thailand by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Chiang Mai Province is extremely warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
February
February for Chiang Mai Province can be very hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
March
If you vacation in Chiang Mai Province during March, you will probably see that it is blindingly hot and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Sunglasses
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Skirts
-
Personal cooling fan
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to keep you cool:
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Do pack additional, since these are likely to get wet or dirty.
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed for cooling and to provide UV protection.
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
UV protecting pants
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Light linen shorts
-
Bug repellent
April
April in Chiang Mai Province can be blisteringly hot. Temperatures average in the high 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to help you stay cool and offer UV protection.
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Be sure bring additional, as these get wet or dirty.
-
Skirts
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Light linen shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
UV protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to keep you cool:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Personal cooling fan
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
May
May in Chiang Mai Province is consistently hot and somewhat stormy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
June
June for Chiang Mai Province can be very hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
July
If you go to Chiang Mai Province in July, you will notice that it can be very hot. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
August
In August, Chiang Mai Province can be very hot. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Chiang Mai Province, with most of the days of the month having rain. In August, humidity reaches as high as 70%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
September
If you vacation in Chiang Mai Province during September, you are likely to find that it is consistently hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
October
October in Chiang Mai Province can be sweltering. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
November
November in Chiang Mai Province is pretty consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
December
If you visit Chiang Mai Province during December, you might notice that it is hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
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