If you can be in Chiang Mai for one month, make it November. The rains are gone, the mornings are cool, the air is clear, and for one week around the full moon the city does something no other place does: thousands of lanterns rise into the sky and thousands more float down the river.
Weather in November#
Dry, clear and cool in the evenings. Days are warm, around 28 to 30°C; mornings and evenings can drop below 20°C, so bring a light jacket. Rain is rare, and the burning-season haze (February to April) is months away.
The festival week#
| Festival | What it is | When |
|---|---|---|
| Loy Krathong | Lanterns on the river: krathongs of banana leaf, candles and flowers | Around the full moon, November 24, 2026 |
| Yi Peng | Northern Thailand's sky lanterns (khom loi) | The same week |
Chiang Mai celebrates over several nights: the Ping River and the Old City moat for krathongs, parades, and organised lantern releases outside the city (releases are regulated for flight safety, so use the official events). Book rooms months ahead; the Old City and riverside fill first. Yi Peng 2026 in Chiang Mai has the detail, and Loy Krathong in Bangkok covers the capital's version.
The rest of the month#
Before and after the festival week, Chiang Mai is calm, well priced and at its most pleasant:
- Temples and the Old City in the cool mornings.
- Doi Suthep and the mountain road with clear views.
- Night markets and the Sunday Walking Street in comfortable evenings.
- Day trips to Doi Inthanon and the hill towns, green after the rains.
Bangkok vs Chiang Mai helps if you're choosing, and the best time to visit Thailand covers the whole year.
See the lanterns with someone from Chiang Mai#
Festival week is easier with a local who knows which riverbank to stand on and which release is official. Roavi Local Friends in Chiang Mai set their own rates and message you directly before you meet.
Spend Yi Peng with someone from Chiang Mai.
Meet a Local FriendWhere to base yourself: where to stay in Chiang Mai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is November a good time to visit Chiang Mai?
It's the best month. Dry, cool evenings, clear air, and the lantern festivals around the November full moon. Prices rise for festival week and ease again after.What is the weather like in Chiang Mai in November?
Warm days, around 28 to 30°C, cool mornings and evenings that can drop below 20°C, almost no rain, and clear skies. Bring a light jacket for the evenings.When are Yi Peng and Loy Krathong 2026 in Chiang Mai?
Both fall around the full moon on November 24, 2026. Loy Krathong is the river lantern festival; Yi Peng is the Northern Thai sky lantern festival. Chiang Mai celebrates over several nights that week. Check the city's official dates and the rules on lantern releases.Do I need to book early for the lantern festival?
Yes. Hotels in the Old City and along the Ping River fill up months ahead, and flights are pricier that week. Book as soon as your dates are fixed.Is there haze in Chiang Mai in November?
No. The burning-season haze is February to April. November's air is clear.