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THE COOL SEASON IN CHIANG MAI
During the cool season , the maximum temperatures reach a comfortable 77°F-25°C. Nights and early mornings are cool in the city (59°F-15°C), cold in the countryside (50°F-10°C), possibly freezing in the mountains (ice is reported from time to time at the Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in the country). Though you'll probably find it great when you walk around the city, you'll really feel the cold if you decide to ride a motorbike, the air turns crispy and it's not uncommon to need jacket, gloves and scarf (before noon or after 6 PM especially). Otherwise the sky is blue, without clouds. The good thing is you don't need to turn on the air conditionned for sleeping.
- November, if I had to name the perfect time to visit Chiang Mai, it would be November. The weather is nice, the temperatures in the low 86°F-30°C, it's not the high season yet, prices are fair. But most importantly, it is the time for the beautiful Loy Krathong Festival. To be honest, it's in Sukhothai that you'll see it under it's most traditional aspect. In Chiang Mai fewer and fewer women put on their best sarong and jewelry, still it is great close to the Mae Ping River. Be careful, there is a lot of firecrackers around (many kinds, they can be bought anywhere), maybe not the best for young children, but kids would definitely love it.
- December, great weather, high season, prices on the rise, the Night Bazaar is crowded to its maximum, but Christmas in Thailand that sounds so cool... I have never seen Santa Claus in shorts, T-shirt & sandals though.
- January, the weather is almost perfect, but it is considered the touristic high season and prices for accommodations are at their highest. It may be seen exotic to spend the new year's eve in Thailand but there is not much celebration. International restaurants offer traditional meals from their home country. Quite popular with the expats, maybe not for the tourists.
- February, almost like January weather wise, but with less tourist and prices back to normal.
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