When to Visit Northern Thailand
Northern Thailand is best visited during the dry season, between November and May. However, don't be put off from visiting at other times. See below for detailed season and festival information.
Seasons
December to February is the cold season or winter!
For all outdoor activities such as trekking we recommend you take a long sleeved sweater or a jogging suit. Nights can be chilly up in the mountains. In the town you will be fine. Temperatures in the cities can drop to 15° Celsius. However in the mountains, around the Christmas / New Year period, temperatures can often drop to 5° Celsius at night. The day and night temperature difference is large, which makes it easy to get a cold. As soon as the sun is down, put on a sweater!
June to September is the rainy season!
For all outdoor activities, bring a good pair of shoes or boots if you will be doing any walking, and a waterproof is a good idea too. The rainy season is very beautiful, as the nature is lush green. Animals also venture out after the dry season, so we can see many snakes. This is the best season for white water rafting.
April and May is the warm season!
If you are going on a trek, take a minimum of effects to carry, as you want to travel as light as you can. For other tours, such as sightseeing, you can always get refuge in the air-conditioned car, restaurant or nearby hotel.
Festivals
Flower festival (February)
Chiang Mai is the location for the colorful Flower Festival, when exhibitions and parades fill the city for three days. The festival is in February.
Loy Krathong festival (November)
During Loy Krathong thousands of little floats, covered in flowers and candles, are released in the Ping River, to thank the "mother water". This festival is at its best in Chiang Mai and Sukhothai.
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