Weather in Nan

About Nan

Nan province rises into northern mountains where rare Buddhist murals decorate temple walls and ancient temples preserve artistic traditions distinct from Chiang Mai's tourist-focused temple trail. This mountain province requires effort to reach, rewarding visitors with authentic religious art and uncrowded monasteries.

Country

Thailand

Best months to visit

January, February, November, December

Currency

THB

Language

Thai, English

Things to do in Nan

Temple mural documentation and photography Buddhist art history lectures from monks Mountain village homestay cultural stays Local handicraft and weaving workshops National park hiking to waterfalls Highland agricultural market visits

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

Recommended

January

28C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

February

30C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

March

34C

Hot and humid, with occasional showers.

April

34C

Hot and humid, with some rainy days.

May

33C

Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.

June

31C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

July

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

August

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

September

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

October

29C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

Recommended

November

30C

Hot and humid, with occasional showers.

Recommended

December

28C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Nan is a remote province tucked against the Laos border in northern Thailand, its provincial capital home to Wat Phumin, a unique cruciform temple famous for murals depicting everyday 19th-century life — including the much-photographed 'whispering man' mural. Beyond the town, Nan's mountains are dotted with hill-tribe villages, terraced rice and a sense of being well off the well-trodden Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai circuit.

Best areas to stay in Nan

Nan Old Town

The historic centre around Wat Phumin and the Nan National Museum, with traditional houses and local markets.

Doi Phu Kha National Park

A mountainous park a couple of hours from town, known for hiking trails, viewpoints and the rare Chompoo Phu Kha flower in bloom season.

Ban Bo Kluea

A small village known for its centuries-old salt wells, where salt is still extracted using traditional methods.

Nan Riverside

The area along the Nan River, host to the colourful annual boat racing festival and a pleasant spot for an evening walk.

Getting to Nan

✈

Flights

Fly into Nan Nakhon Airport via Bangkok or Chiang Mai.

⏱

From London

~13-15 hours from London via Bangkok, plus a short domestic flight.

🚕

Getting around

Motorbike or car rental is recommended for exploring beyond the town, as public transport to outlying sights is limited.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Nan?

November to February offers the coolest, clearest weather for exploring the town and surrounding mountains; the boat racing festival on the Nan River usually takes place around October.

How do I get to Nan?

Nan has its own small airport with domestic flights from Bangkok and Chiang Mai; overland buses from Chiang Mai or Phitsanulok take considerably longer due to mountainous roads.

What should I see in Nan town?

Wat Phumin, with its famous murals, and the Nan National Museum housed in a former royal palace are the main highlights within easy walking distance of each other.

Are there good day trips from Nan town?

Yes — Doi Phu Kha National Park offers mountain scenery and hiking, while Ban Bo Kluea is a small salt-mining village with traditional wells still in use.

Is Nan touristy?

Compared to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, no — Nan sees far fewer foreign visitors, which means a quieter experience but also less English signage and fewer organised tours.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Wat Phumin's murals were even more striking in person than in photos — the 'whispering man' image is everywhere in Thailand but seeing it in context in this small cruciform temple was special.

Ploy K. · November 2024

★★★★☆

Happened to be there for the boat racing festival on the river and the atmosphere was brilliant — clearly more for locals than tourists, which made it feel authentic.

Graham D. · October 2023

★★★★☆

Rented a car and drove up to Doi Phu Kha for a couple of days of hiking and cool mountain air. Nan town itself is small but charming and very easy to explore on foot.

Anya P. · February 2025