CHIANG RAI – Northern Thailand has entered its second straight day of cold weather, with clear skies in the early morning and temperatures that keep dropping. Dense fog has begun to form in low-lying areas, while on Phu Chi Fa, the temperature has fallen to 8°C with a steady cold breeze. Tourist activity continues to grow as visitors arrive to enjoy the cool season.
On 20 November, Chiang Rai recorded another chilly morning. In Mae Sai district, temperatures on the plains ranged from about 15°C to 18°C. Thick fog appeared near rivers, ponds, and other water sources, especially in the early hours. Rop Wiang subdistrict dropped to 14.7 degrees Celsius, the lowest in the country.
Drivers on the main roads had to slow down and use extra caution as visibility dropped. Later in the morning, sunlight broke through, and the air became warmer, unlike 19 November when heavy cloud cover, rain, and gloomy skies lasted almost the entire day.
At one of Chiang Rai’s most popular viewpoints, Phu Chi Fa in Phu Chi Fa National Park (preparation area) on the border of Thoeng and Wiang Kaen districts, the cold was even more intense. Temperatures on the summit dipped to just 8°C in the morning, while the park office recorded around 10°C.
The colder weather has drawn a steady flow of visitors to Phu Chi Fa, where many come to feel the chill, watch the sunrise, and take in the sea of mist spread across the valleys. Mr Thanitpong Rattanapol, head of Phu Chi Fa National Park (preparation area), has arranged parking areas, warning signs, safety ropes, and other facilities to help visitors travel more easily and stay safe.
The park has also issued an announcement asking tourists not to drive any vehicles up to the Phu Chi Fa summit area during peak times, to reduce congestion and improve safety. The restriction applies from 04.30 to 09.00 hrs on the following dates: 22 to 23 November, 29 to 30 November, 5 to 7 December, 10 December, 13 to 14 December, 20 to 21 December, 27 to 28 December, 31 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, and 10 to 11 January 2026.
During these periods, visitors can use shuttle services from seven designated parking spots: the camping ground, the three-way junction to the park entrance, the village central stage, the community shop activity area, the Good View Resort camping area, Pha Phueng area (or the Subdistrict Administrative Organisation yard), and the car park in front of the Department of Highways public toilets.
Regional weather outlook for 20 to 26 November 2025
Northern region
On 20 to 22 November and on 26 November, the North will be cold to very cold, with temperatures falling by about 2 to 3°C and strong winds in many places. Minimum temperatures will range from 13°C to 21°C, with maximums between 25°C and 32°C. On mountain tops, like Phu Chi Fa in Chiang Rai, conditions will be cold to very cold, with lows between 3°C and 10°C. North-easterly winds will blow at around 10 to 30 km/h.
From 23 to 25 November, the weather will be cool in the morning with patches of fog. Temperatures will rise slightly by about 1 to 2°C. Minimum temperatures will be between 16°C and 22°C, and maximums between 28°C and 34°C. On high peaks, the air will still be cold to very cold, with lows from 5°C to 12°C. North-easterly winds will average 10 to 20 km/h.
North-eastern region
On 20 to 22 November and on 26 November, the North-east will also feel cool to cold, with temperatures dropping by around 1 to 3°C and strong winds. Minimum temperatures will lie between 14°C and 17°C, with maximums between 23°C and 29°C. On uplands and ridges, conditions will be cold to very cold, with lows of 6°C to 12°C. North-easterly winds will reach 15 to 30 km/h.
From 23 to 25 November, the region will remain cool to cold with morning fog. Temperatures will edge up by about 1 to 2°C. Minimum temperatures will be 15°C to 20°C, and maximums 25°C to 31°C. On ridges, the air will be cold, with minimums from 7°C to 14°C. North-easterly winds will blow at around 10 to 25 km/h.
Central region
On 21 to 22 November and on 26 November, the Central region will experience cool mornings, along with a drop in temperature of about 1 to 2°C and strong breezes. Minimum temperatures will be 17°C to 20°C, and maximums 23°C to 29°C. North-easterly winds will move at 15 to 30 km/h.
From 23 to 25 November, the weather will be cool with some morning fog, and temperatures will rise slightly by 1 to 2°C. Minimums will be 19°C to 23°C, while maximums will reach 27°C to 30°C. North-easterly winds will average 10 to 20 km/h.
Eastern region
On 21 to 22 November and on 26 November, the East will have cool mornings and temperatures will drop by around 1 to 2°C with quite strong winds. Minimum temperatures will range from 18°C to 21°C, and maximums from 26°C to 27°C.
From 23 to 25 November, conditions will be cool with morning fog and a slight rise in temperatures of 1 to 2°C. Minimums will be 19°C to 23°C, and maximums 29°C to 31°C. North-easterly winds will blow at 20 to 40 km/h. Offshore, waves will be about 1 to 2 metres high, increasing to 2 to 3 metres further out to sea. In areas with thunderstorms, wave heights may exceed 3 metres.
Southern region (east coast)
On 20 to 21 November, the eastern coast of the South will see thunderstorms over about 60 to 80 percent of the area, with heavy to very heavy rain in several provinces.
From 22 to 26 November, thunderstorms will still cover about 40 to 60 percent of the area, with heavy to very heavy rain in some spots. North-easterly winds will blow at 20 to 40 km/h. Waves in the Gulf will be 2 to 3 metres high, and more than 3 metres in stormy areas. Minimum temperatures will be between 19°C and 25°C, with maximums from 26°C to 31°C.
Southern region (west coast)
On 20 to 22 November, the west coast of the South will have thunderstorms in about 60 to 70 percent of the area, with heavy rain in some places.
From Krabi northwards, north-easterly winds will blow at 20 to 35 km/h. Waves in the Andaman Sea will be around 2 metres high, rising to 2 to 3 metres further offshore, and more than 3 metres in stormy zones. From Trang southwards, north-easterly winds will run at 15 to 35 km/h. Waves will be 1 to 2 metres high, with greater heights offshore and in thunderstorms.
From 23 to 26 November, about 40 to 60 percent of the region will see thunderstorms, with heavy rain in parts of the southernmost areas.
From Krabi northwards, north-easterly winds will be 15 to 35 km/h, with seas 1 to 2 metres high and higher in thunderstorms. From Trang southwards, north-easterly winds will range from 15 to 30 km/h. Waves will be roughly 1 metre high, taller further from the coast, and in stormy conditions. Minimum temperatures will be 22°C to 25°C, and maximums 28°C to 31°C.
Bangkok and the surrounding provinces
On 21 to 22 November and on 26 November, Bangkok and nearby provinces will have cool mornings, a small drop in temperature of about 1 to 2°C, and brisk winds. Minimum temperatures will be 19°C to 21°C, with maximums of 24°C to 28°C. North-easterly winds will reach 15 to 30 km/h.
From 23 to 25 November, the capital and its outskirts will remain cool with morning fog, and temperatures will climb slightly by 1 to 2°C. Minimums will lie between 20°C and 23°C, with maximums from 27°C to 31°C. North-easterly winds will average 10 to 20 km/h.
