March in
Chiang Mai marks the advent of the hot season, with temperatures distinctly higher than in
February. Despite the blazing sun and the intensifying heat, the weather is not excessively humid. The month experiences slightly more rainfall than February, but it remains relatively dry. With the daylight increasing to 12 hours, the warm and sunny climate is pronounced. Individuals visiting Chiang Mai in March should come prepared to embrace the tropical summer.
Temperature
With the advent of March, Chiang Mai's high-temperatures adjust to a fiery hot 35.2°C (95.4°F), closely aligning with the preceding month. Chiang Mai reports a steady low-temperature average of 19.5°C (67.1°F) throughout March, revealing a large deviation from the daytime high.
Heat index
During March, the heat index is evaluated at a blisteringly hot 42°C (107.6°F). Implement heightened safety measures - risk of heat exhaustion and heat cramps is increased. Prolonged activity may result in heatstroke.
Take into consideration that the heat index values are calculated for shade and light wind conditions. Direct sunlight exposure may result in a rise of the heat index by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'real feel' or 'apparent temperature', is a single figure representing how weather conditions feel when combining temperature and humidity. The impression of weather on a person can be swayed by additional aspects, including metabolic variations, pregnancy, and activity levels. Direct sun exposure is noteworthy in its ability to escalate the felt temperature, potentially adding 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees to the heat index. Heat index values hold particular importance for children. Young individuals are typically more threatened than adults due to their reduced perspiration. Also, the larger skin surface proportionate to their small bodies and the increased heat from their activities magnify their risk.
To cool down, the human body relies on perspiration, a process where excessive heat is eliminated as sweat evaporates. Elevated relative humidity diminishes evaporation, thereby reducing the body's ability to shed heat and creating a feeling of being too warm. Overheating and potential dehydration arise when body heat gain eclipses its release capability.
Humidity
With an average relative humidity of 52%, March is the least humid month in Chiang Mai.
Rainfall
In March, the rain falls for 2 days. Throughout March, 18mm (0.71") of precipitation is accumulated. In Chiang Mai, during the entire year, the rain falls for 113 days and collects up to 1131mm (44.53") of precipitation.
Daylight
In March, the average length of the day in Chiang Mai is 12h and 2min.
On the first day of March in Chiang Mai, sunrise is at 06:42 and sunset at 18:29. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 06:18 and sunset at 18:37 +07.
Sunshine
In March, the average sunshine is 8.7h.
UV index
March through
September, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index in Chiang Mai. A UV Index of 11, and more, symbolizes an extreme health hazard from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for the ordinary person.
Note: A maximum daily UV index of 12 during March morphs into the following directions:
Execute all crucial precautions. Warding off sun exposure is non-negotiable. The Sun emits the most powerful UV radiation between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to avoid direct sunlight during this period. Your best bet for sun defense on the face, eyes, and neck is a hat with a wide brim. Broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above should be applied generously and reapplied every two hours and right after any outdoor activity or swim.