Lijiang or Chiang Mai in December?
On climate data, Chiang Mai comes out ahead overall in December. See the per-criterion details below.
LijiangPhoto: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas · CC BY-SA 3.0
Chiang MaiPhoto: Philip Nalangan · CC BY 4.0Key figures in December
| Criterion | Lijiang | Chiang Mai |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 11 °C | 25 °C |
| Average daily low | -2 °C | 14 °C |
| Rainy days | 1 rainy day (est.) ★ | 2 rainy days (est.) |
| Sun | 5 h/day | 6 h/day ★ |
| Humidity | 66 % | 76 % |
Winner by travel type
Trade-offs
- Chiang Mai is about 14 °C warmer by day.
Lijiang or Chiang Mai in December: the short answer
In December, Chiang Mai comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Lijiang 63/100 vs Chiang Mai 92/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
This comparison focuses on December as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Lijiang averages a climate score of 68/100, Chiang Mai 63/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in December, side by side
The average daily high is about 11 °C in Lijiang and 25 °C in Chiang Mai — warmer in Chiang Mai. Average daily lows are around -2 °C versus 14 °C.
On rain, Lijiang sees about 1 rainy days in December and Chiang Mai about 2 — drier in Lijiang. Chiang Mai gets more sunshine (5 vs 6 hours a day).
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Lijiang records roughly 130 rainy days and Chiang Mai about 164 — the drier of the two overall is Lijiang. At their sunniest, Lijiang reaches about 7 hours of sun a day (April) and Chiang Mai about 8 (April). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Lijiang is at its best in March, April, May and November, while Chiang Mai peaks in January, February, November and December. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the December scores for each travel style:
City breaks: Chiang Mai scores higher in December (Lijiang 68 vs Chiang Mai 96).
Active & hiking: Chiang Mai scores higher in December (Lijiang 71 vs Chiang Mai 84).
Family: Chiang Mai scores higher in December (Lijiang 53 vs Chiang Mai 94).
Verdict: which should you pick?
In December, Chiang Mai leads across every scored category here — the overall score and each travel type — so on the climate data it is the clearer pick this month. Over the year, Lijiang carries the higher overall climate score. Your own priority (sun, sea, low rain or sightseeing comfort) still matters, and the month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.