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THE HOT SEASON IN CHIANG MAI
During the hot season, the maximum temperatures can reach 100°F-40°C and won't drop below 77°F-25°C at night. Many rooms keep the warmth accumulated during the day so you'll definitely need a full blast fan or a proper air con to sleep well. The sun is scorching, play the lezard between noon and 2PM or you'll soon take the coloration of a boiled lobster (with a burning sensation to match). Another must is to drink loads of water, 4 or 5 liters even if you don't feel thirsty (no you won't spend your time in the toilets, the water evaporates before through every pore in your skin). Local talcum powder (with cooling effect) works wonders to keep a fresh look.
- March, you start to feel the heat but it is nothing unbearable. If you like mangoes, that's the right time to come and enjoy the fruit traditionnaly served with sticky rice and coconut milk.
- April, temperatures are at their peak, but it is also the time for the craziest celebration in the country: Songkran, the water festival also called Thai New Year. Thais come from all the provinces for the occasion. It may prove difficult to find transportation/accommodation during the festival. Festivities last about 5 days, and you don't feel the heat because you're drenched from dawn to dusk with buckets of water (not always the cleanest) thrown by everyone. It could be called the alcohol festival too as there is a huge consumption of various liquors. Consequently there is a lot of road casualties, beware if you have to drive during this period, especially on a scooter.
- May, the accumulated heat leads to regular evening thunderstorms, much welcome. This could be called Buddha month because he was born, enlighted and he died in the month of May. There is alot of genuine celebrations in the many temples. Don't be shy, you can join even if you don't know the local customs.
- June, usually very similar to May unless the rainy season comes early. If you're a fruit lover this is your month. Don't miss the Mangosteens and above all the 'jumbo' Lychees. The landscape takes brownish shades after so many month without proper watering. Maybe not the best time for jungle trekking.
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