When to Visit Chiang Khong
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
What to Pack
Year-Round Essentials
Hot Season (Mar-May)
Monsoon Season (Jun-Sep)
Cool Season (Oct-Nov)
Peak Cool Season (Dec-Feb)
Skip These Items
Month-by-Month Guide
January
This is peak cool season, and it's genuinely lovely—mornings can be quite crisp, especially by the river where mist often lingers until mid-morning. Days are warm and sunny but not oppressively hot, making it perfect for exploring. You'll find this is peak tourist season, so the town sees more visitors than usual, though Chiang Khong never gets truly crowded.
February
Still comfortably cool, though you'll notice temperatures starting to creep up as the month progresses. The air remains dry and clear, which makes for excellent visibility across the Mekong into Laos. It's actually one of the best months for photography, with that crisp light you get in dry season.
March
The heat starts building in earnest now, and you'll definitely feel the shift from cool to hot season. Afternoons can be quite warm, though mornings are still pleasant enough. This is also when burning season sometimes affects air quality in northern Thailand, so hazy days aren't uncommon.
April
This is typically the hottest month of the year, with temperatures that can feel quite intense, especially in the afternoon. That said, Chiang Khong's riverside location and elevation keep it slightly more bearable than lowland areas. You might catch the Thai New Year (Songkran) celebrations mid-month, which brings water fights and festivities.
May
Still hot, but you'll start seeing the first proper rains of the monsoon season, which actually bring welcome relief from the heat. The landscape begins greening up after the dry months, and the Mekong starts to swell. Afternoon thunderstorms become increasingly common as the month progresses.
June
The monsoon is properly underway now, though it's worth noting that rain typically comes in bursts rather than lasting all day. Mornings are often clear, with clouds building through the afternoon and rain arriving late in the day. The humidity combined with warmth can feel quite sticky.
July
Solidly in the wet season, you'll see frequent afternoon downpours that can be quite dramatic but usually pass relatively quickly. The Mekong is running high and brown now, and everything is lush and green. Tourist numbers are at their lowest, which means you'll have the town largely to yourself.
August
Similar to July with regular rainfall, though there's often a brief drier spell mid-month that locals sometimes refer to as the "little summer." The countryside is at its most verdant, and if you don't mind the occasional soaking, it's actually quite beautiful. Just pack accordingly.
September
This tends to be one of the wettest months, with the Mekong at or near its highest levels. Rain can be persistent, and you'll want to plan indoor alternatives for some days. That said, the rain keeps temperatures moderate, and there's something atmospheric about the town during heavy downpours.
October
The rains start tapering off, especially toward the end of the month, though you'll still see occasional showers. The landscape is still beautifully green, and the Mekong remains high. This is actually a nice shoulder season month—fewer crowds, reasonable weather, and the air starts feeling fresher.
November
The transition to cool season brings some of the year's most pleasant weather. Rain becomes rare, temperatures drop to comfortable levels, and the humidity eases up. The Mekong is still full from the monsoon, making for impressive river views. Tourist numbers start picking up again.
December
Cool, dry, and lovely—this is why people visit northern Thailand in winter. Mornings can be genuinely chilly, especially down by the river, and you might actually want a light jacket or sweater. Days are sunny and warm but not hot, making it ideal for just about any activity.