Rain & Showers in Chiangmai

Generally, Chiangmai is a place that seldom rains. I have gone through periods of time for as long as three weeks without seeing a single drizzle, let alone a shower. Of late, it has started raining more often. I guess this signals the start of the rainy season which typically lasts from June to November.

I am not a fan of rain in Chiangmai. Don’t get me wrong, the rain is a welcome respite from the heat but rains and showers here are usually not of the nice, constant type that is conducive to sleep. More often than not, they are passing showers or just sudden bursts that last only a short while – from fifteen minutes to about an hour.

Also, regardless of whether the rain is a light drizzle or a heavy downpour, they are often preceded or accompanied by strong winds. These winds kick up sand and dust and are sometimes strong enough to knock over trees, power line poles, billboards, roofs, and even entire houses that are not properly constructed. I have ever been knocked off my feet, trying to hold down a tarp, in a storm with strong winds.

I like rain but I can do without the strong winds. Sweeping up leaves, clearing broken plant pots, or sitting through a power failure brought by the winds are things I can do without.