The Best Time to Visit the Sticky Waterfall

The best time to visit the Sticky Waterfall is the cool, dry season, from about mid-October to mid-February, when Chiang Mai has clear skies, little rain and January highs around 30 °C. The falls run all year, because a spring feeds them, so there is water on the rock in every month. February to May is the smoke season, when haze covers Chiang Mai, and April is the hottest month. The rains run from about mid-May to mid-October, heaviest in August and September, when storms can close the park. Whatever the month, a morning departure gets the cooler part of the day.

Thailand’s three seasons

Thailand’s weather department divides the year into three seasons, with dates that move a little from year to year:

• Cool season, about mid-October to mid-February. The north-east monsoon brings clear skies and cool, dry weather, especially in the north.
• Hot season, about mid-February to mid-May. The heat builds to April, and in Chiang Mai this is also the smoke season.
• Rainy season, about mid-May to mid-October. Rain on most days from June to September.

Chiang Mai by month

Thai Meteorological Department climate normals, 1991-2020, Chiang Mai station, 305 m above sea level, rounded. The park lies higher, between about 350 and 950 m, so take these as the city’s weather, not readings at the falls.

The cool season: November to mid-February

This is the season to choose if you can. Rain is rare from November to February, the days are warm rather than hot, and the water on the rock is cool but welcome by late morning. Mornings and evenings can be fresh on the open ride in a songthaew: bring a layer. It is also the busy season: after the Yi Peng lantern festival in November 2025, the national parks department counted more than 2,500 foreign visitors at the park over the holiday.

The smoke season: February to May

Every year from about February to May, haze from burning covers Chiang Mai, in the province’s own words. The city weather station logs haze on 22 days in an average February and 27 in March. In late March and early April 2026 the government’s public relations department reported fine-dust readings of up to 198.3 micrograms per cubic metre at Mueang Na in Chiang Dao district, north of the falls. The falls still run, and the water is a relief in the April heat, but if you are sensitive to smoke, check the air quality before you go.

The rainy season: mid-May to mid-October

Rain falls on most days from June to September, and August and September are the wettest months. The falls run as they do all year; the national parks department gives no figures for water level by season. The risk is the weather itself: a storm on 24 September 2023 brought down trees and closed the park with no set reopening date. In the rains, pick a morning trip, keep an eye on the sky, and leave the water if a storm comes in. Local CNX Tours runs its half days through the rains but cancels and refunds in bad weather, or when the park does not allow entry.

Closures to plan around

• 30 September, every year: closed for one day of maintenance at the spring and in the stream.
• After storms and other events: at short notice. Call 093 193 3556 or check the park’s Facebook page before you set off.

Morning or afternoon?

The park is open from 8 am to 5 pm every day. The half days run morning and afternoon rounds: First Smile collects at 7:30 to 8 am, 10 to 10:30 am or 1 to 1:30 pm, and Northern All Star and Local CNX Tours offer a morning or an afternoon departure. A morning round has the cooler air and, in the rains, the drier part of the day.

Listing prices: GetYourGuide checked November 2026; Viator checked November 2026. Per person, adult fare.

Prices, ratings and review counts from the listings (GetYourGuide checked November 2026). Operators price by date and season, so treat the figures as the shape of the market, not a quote.