January is one of the best months to visit Chiang Mai, with cool air, bright sunshine, and almost no rain.
The pleasant weather makes it perfect for all activities—from temple visits and mountain hikes to seasonal touches like cherry blossoms and the colorful Bo Sang Umbrella Festival.
January continues the peak season vibe—crowds linger from the holidays, and prices stay high.
How can you enjoy it all without stress? Let's break it down.
Chiang Mai's Weather and Climate in January
- Average daily highs: 29°C (84°F)
- Average daily lows: 15°C (59°F)
- Average precipitation: 5.6 mm (0.22 inch)
- Sunny days: 30
- Rainy days: 1
January in Chiang Mai feels crisp and comfortable—the air is cool but never cold, and the sun is bright but gentle.
It's the kind of weather that invites you to linger outdoors, whether exploring temples, wandering markets, or spending a day with elephants.
Daytime highs hover around 30°C (86°F), while mornings and evenings can drop to 10–15°C (50–59°F), much colder than Bangkok or Phuket.
On rare occasions, the summit of Doi Inthanon can even see frost, so packing a light down jacket is a smart idea.
The air is also at its freshest this time of year. With the burning season yet to begin, the skies stay clear and visibility is excellent—ideal for mountain views, long hikes, and photography.
What to Wear in Chiang Mai in January
January weather in Chiang Mai calls for smart layering. Think airy shirts and shorts for the day, plus a light jacket for evenings.
And when visiting temples, keep it respectful: no bare shoulders or knees.
You'll also want sunscreen and a hat—the sun can be strong even in January.
The Crowds in Chiang Mai in January
January is Chiang Mai's busiest travel month. But the city is still calmer than Bangkok or the islands, according to Thailand's tourism data.
In January, the first week around the New Year sees the most travelers.
Temples are busiest between 9 am and 4 pm, while Tha Phae Gate and the night bazaar peak between 7 pm and 9 pm. Visit earlier or later to see a calmer, more local side of the city.
In contrast, Doi Inthanon and the elephant sanctuaries are pleasantly active at any time of day.
After the first rush, Chiang Mai slows down. Tickets are easier to book, and the city feels pleasantly relaxed.
Sometimes Lunar New Year brings a small crowd in late January, mostly Asian visitors. And in 2026 and 2027, since it falls in February, late January remains a great time to visit.
The lively Food Corner at Sunday Market, Chiang MaiWant to escape the crowds hassle-free? You can check out our customized 14-Day Thailand Adventure Tour. Discover the best of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Thailand's islands—plus hidden gems.
The Costs in Chiang Mai in January
January is peak season in Chiang Mai. Prices rise with the crowds—the highest rates are around the New Year and again if the Lunar New Year falls in the same month.
These shifts are mainly driven by hotels and flights from/to Chiang Mai. Their rates can often double over the New Year and rise by about 30% during the Lunar New Year.
At Smile Lanna Hotel, for example, rooms go for around US$258 for New Year's week, US$159 for Lunar New Year, and roughly US$120 otherwise.
To avoid a premium, it's best to book at least three months ahead. We learned it the hard way last November—by the time we booked our January visit, only expensive suites were left at our favorite Old City hotels.
If you're planning a festive getaway, check out our 10-Day Best of Thailand New Year Countdown Tour for an idea of how much a New Year trip might cost—and what's worth the splurge.
6 Top Things to Do in Chiang Mai in January
January in Chiang Mai brings perfect weather for almost every activity. We've handpicked the seasonal must-dos and festival events that make January extra special.
Quick tip: Although January starts right after New Year's Eve, the main celebrations actually happen on December 31. By early January, you'll still find festive decorations and a cheerful post-holiday vibe around Tha Phae Gate—but if you want to join the countdown, plan to arrive before the 31st.
New Year Countdown in Chiang Mai1. Hike Doi Inthanon in January, the Most Beautiful Time
January has the most favorable weather to hike Doi Inthanon, Thailand's top outdoor option. Daytime temps around 20–25°C (68–77°F) make long hikes so comfortable.
At the top and along the Kew Pan Trail, you have a good chance of seeing a sea of clouds. This is a special winter view that is hard to see in other seasons.
For another seasonal highlight, cherry blossoms, look no further than the Pha Dok Siew Trail around mid-month. On this carefully chosen route, catch the cherry blossoms, along with green hills and rustic villages. For a full floral display, stop at Khun Wang at the foot of the mountain.
Wild Cherry Blossoming on Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand2. Bo Sang Umbrella Festival, Chiang Mai's Color Explosion
If your schedule allows, plan your Chiang Mai visit around the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival. It's a colorful, joyful experience you won't want to miss. In 2026, it will take place on January 16–18.
This is one of Chiang Mai's most photogenic festivals of the year. You'll find a picture-perfect folk celebration with hand-painted paper umbrellas.
Stroll down streets lined with hundreds of umbrellas and catch parades of umbrella-themed floats and traditional Thai dances.
We can even make it more immersive: join a workshop and make your own umbrella.
Chiang Ma Handicraft Village3. Cook in a Real Thai Home—Authentic & Fun
If you want to escape the January crowds, a cooking class in a real Thai home is perfect for a slower, more intimate experience. No phones, no work—just shared laughter and the occasional culinary mishap.
Step into authentic Thai life: follow your teacher to her favorite markets or her farm, smell and taste ingredients you've never seen before, and hear the little stories of her daily life.
Pro tip: Vegetarian, gluten-free, or other dietary needs? We'll tailor the class just for you. If you still want to squeeze in more foodie experiences, check out our Thailand Food Trip.
Picking up Coconut for Cooking4. Meet Elephants in Their Calm, Playful Season
January is one of the best months to see Chiang Mai's elephants at their most relaxed and playful. The cool, dry weather makes every moment—walking, washing, or simply watching—comfortable.
But to truly enjoy the experience, it's important to pick the right sanctuary.
Some parks host multiple groups back-to-back, which can make the experience feel rushed. We visited 10+ sanctuaries last January and filtered out the ones with large groups of 30–40 people, recommending instead half-day or full-day options that welcome only one group at a time.
For a more exclusive experience, try a full-day visit to ChangChill or Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, or book a glamping-style stay at Elephant Hills' Chiang Mai Bush Camp for a smaller, more intimate adventure.
As they fill up fast, make sure to book at least three months ahead to secure your spot.
Walking with Elephants Peacefully at Changchill, Thailand5. Cozy Up with a Thai Massage
Looking for a relaxing and exotic escape in Chiang Mai? You and your partner can unwind side by side with a private Thai massage. Let hot herbal ball compresses ease tired muscles after a day of walking, hiking, or exploring.
It's also flower season, so the blossom flora treatment is extra special—soft petals, gentle floral scents, and slow, soothing strokes. Not the hard stretches of a regular massage, just calm, indulgent, and a little romantic.
Thai Spa Treatments: Aromatherapy, Thailand6. Zipline Through Chiang Mai's Jungle—Thrills for Family
Ziplining is a must-do for a thrilling and phone-free family adventure in January.
The cool, dry air and clear blue skies make it the safest, most comfortable, and most scenic month of the year to fly through the jungle.
Chiang Mai's ziplines go beyond the usual jungle experience. You'll have a chance to soar over coffee and tea plantations, and some even combine jungle coasters and luge tracks for extra fun.
For thrill-seekers, the Kingkong Smile and Jungle Flight are top picks—they're both safe and super exciting.
ziplineMake the Most of the Weather with Highlights Travel
Travel with us and experience a trip tailored just for you. We'll craft personalized itineraries that match the weather, making every moment count. Make unforgettable memories while we handle the details.
Dreaming of Thailand? Check out our tips and ideas for the perfect getaway.
- Thailand Weather in January
- Best & Worst Time to Visit Thailand
- How to Plan Your First Trip to Thailand
- Popular tour packages that include Chiang Mai
Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Chiang Mai
Learn about the weather in Chiang Mai for 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month.
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Highlights Travel, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
