When to go · Pai
Pai in May
Mixed month. Outside the best window (Nov–Feb (cool, dry, clear)). Across Thailand: Heat plus first rains; Andaman seas turn rough; the Gulf islands are the pick.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C) / 22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 15
- Crowds
- Low
- Thailand overall
- Prices
- Low
- Thailand overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (Nov–Feb (cool, dry, clear)). Across Thailand: Heat plus first rains; Andaman seas turn rough; the Gulf islands are the pick.
Is another month better than May?
May is rated mixed. These months rate higher:
Weather in May
- PaiHighs around 33 °C (91 °F), lows around 22 °C (72 °F), rain on about 15 daysHighs around 91 °F (33 °C), lows around 72 °F (22 °C), rain on about 15 days
- North, Thailand · Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Paihot
Cool nights Dec–Jan; the burning season (Feb–Apr) puts air quality among the worst in Asia — check AQI before booking.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Thailand overall
- Low
- Prices · Thailand overall
- Low
Thailand overall: Heat plus first rains; Andaman seas turn rough; the Gulf islands are the pick.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Pai, side by side.
Verdict
May: Mixed
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
May: 33 °C (91 °F)91 °F (33 °C)
Jan: 29 °C (84 °F)84 °F (29 °C)
Night low
May: 22 °C (72 °F)72 °F (22 °C)
Jan: 13 °C (55 °F)55 °F (13 °C)
Rain days
May: 15
Jan: 1 (better)
Crowds
May: Low
Jan: High
Prices
May: Low
Jan: High
Festivals listed
May: 0
Jan: 0
May: Outside the best window (Nov–Feb (cool, dry, clear)). Across Thailand: Heat plus first rains; Andaman seas turn rough; the Gulf islands are the pick.
January: Inside Pai's best window: Nov–Feb (cool, dry, clear).
Pai: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast