In Thailand, the rainy season usually runs from May to October. Here in Chiang Mai, that often means short, heavy bursts of rain, especially in the afternoons or evenings. It might sound intimidating at first, but riding a motorbike in the rain is doable with a bit of preparation and common sense.
Whether you’re new to riding or just visiting, these tips will help you stay safer and more comfortable on the road when it’s wet.
1. Check the Weather Before You Go
Thai rainstorms tend to come on fast but don’t usually last too long. It’s worth checking the forecast before heading out. Apps like Windy or AccuWeather can give you a rough idea of what to expect. If it looks like a storm’s building, it’s often better to wait. You’ll usually only need to pause for 30 to 60 minutes.
2. Bring Proper Rain Gear
Always have a rain poncho or a two-piece rain suit under your seat or in your backpack. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just something that keeps you dry. For your feet, waterproof covers help, but many just ride in sandals and dry off later. A helmet with a clear visor or some basic goggles can also help you see better when it’s really pouring.
3. Slow Down and Keep Your Distance
Wet roads mean less grip. That means you need more space to stop and more time to react. Try to ride a little slower than usual and leave extra distance between you and other vehicles. Avoid sharp turns or hard braking. Painted lines, metal covers, and smooth concrete can all be super slippery when wet.
4. Be Careful of Road Hazards
Rain can make the roads in Chiang Mai unpredictable. Potholes, loose gravel, oil patches, and fallen branches are much harder to see when the surface is wet. Painted lines, metal covers, and tiled footpaths also become very slippery. Take extra care when riding near intersections, back streets, or older parts of town where the road surface can change suddenly.
Avoid riding through flood water if you can’t clearly see the road underneath. Even shallow water can hide deep holes or open drains that could damage the bike or cause you to fall. If the water is higher than your foot pegs or touches the exhaust pipe, turn back or wait it out. It’s not worth the risk of getting stuck or flooding the engine. In most cases, the water drains off quickly, and waiting a few minutes is much safer than pushing through.
5. Make Yourself Visible
When the rain rolls in, it can get dark really quickly. Ensure your headlight and taillight are working and try to wear bright colours to help other drivers see you more easily.
6. Brake Smoothly
Use both brakes gently. Most of your stopping power comes from the front brake, but you need to apply it gradually when the road is wet and keep the bike stable with some back brake. If you squeeze too hard and fast, you might lock a wheel and drop the bike. If your scooter has combi-brakes like some of our Honda Clicks, it gives you a bit more balance, but you should still need to brake with care
7. Keep Your Stuff Dry
Rain doesn’t just soak you, it can ruin your phone or passport if they’re not protected in seconds. Use a dry bag or even a couple of ziplock bags to keep your valuables safe and consider putting it under the seat before you start.
8. Pull Over if It’s Too Heavy
If the rain gets really heavy and you can’t see clearly, don’t push on. Find a safe spot to wait it out. A roadside shop, gas station, underpass or café is perfect. Most people in Thailand do the same and on many roads they have roadside shelters. It’s normal to take a short break until it passes.
9. Dry Your Brakes After Riding Through Water
If you’ve gone through a big puddle or your brakes feel a little off, gently tapping them for a couple of seconds while riding helps dry them out and restore performance. It’s a small thing, but it can really improve your stopping power.
Enjoy the Ride
Rainy season in Thailand can be beautiful. The air is cooler, the scenery turns green, and the roads are quieter. If you’re prepared and ride with care, it can be one of the best times to explore Chiang Mai by motorbike.
