Current Weather
Raw METAR
Weather Briefing
MVFRMae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport is currently reporting marginal VFR (MVFR) conditions with clear skies and 6 km visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the south-southeast (160°) at 5 knots. Runway 21 is favored with a 3-knot headwind and 4-knot crosswind component.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is 6 km, below VFR minimums in some airspace classifications. Check local requirements before departing VFR. Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 38°C (100°F) with a dewpoint of 18°C, indicating very dry conditions. High temperatures at this elevation may result in significant density altitude effects. Pilots should calculate density altitude and adjust performance expectations accordingly.
Forecast Outlook
The TAF forecast covers the next 30 hours. The forecast shows a transition between VFR and IFR conditions. Pilots should monitor the forecast closely and have an alternate airport plan. Expected weather includes: Smoke.
Pilot Recommendations
VFR pilots should exercise caution. Consider filing IFR if instrument rated, or postponing the flight if conditions are expected to deteriorate further. The forecast indicates conditions may deteriorate. Ensure you have fuel reserves and a viable alternate airport.
This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.
Forecast (TAF)
View Full TAF24-Hour Weather Evolution
- • Current conditions from METAR observations
- • Historical data from past 24 hours
- • No forecast or predicted data included
- • Data updated with each new METAR report
- • Hover for exact values and timestamps
- • Click legend items to toggle data series
- • Zoom and pan for detailed analysis
- • Units automatically converted to preferences
Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
✈️ 03/21
Active: 21
|
9,843 ft | 148 ft | ASP | 29° |
↑ 3.2 kt
•
↔ 3.8 kt
50° angle
|
Weather Statistics - VTCT
5,011 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 73% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 5.7% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the W averaging 4.1 knots. Calm conditions occur 19.5% of the time. Temperatures typically range between 8°C and 38°C with an average of 23.4°C. The best months for VFR flying are October, February, November.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 5,011 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
Nearby Airports
About Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport
Overview
Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport serves the northernmost province of Thailand, providing international and domestic connectivity for the Chiang Rai region. Located at 1,280 feet MSL, the airport supports medium-sized aircraft operations with its single 9,843-foot asphalt runway positioned at 03/21.
Flying Conditions
Weather conditions at VTCT are predominantly favorable for visual flight, with 81.4% of observations reporting VFR conditions. The prevailing winds from the northeast at 45 degrees average 4.2 knots, with occasional peaks up to 15 knots. Temperature variations range from 8°C to 33°C, with an average of 22.6°C, presenting generally stable meteorological environments for aircraft operations.
Notable Features
The airport's elevation and geographic positioning in northern Thailand introduce potential terrain considerations for approaching and departing aircraft. The surrounding mountainous landscape of Chiang Rai province may influence local wind patterns and create localized turbulence, particularly during seasonal transitions. Runway 03/21 demonstrates consistent wind alignment, with 100% favorable wind conditions and minimal average crosswind of 2.1 knots.
Approach Considerations
October, November, and January represent the most consistent VFR months, offering optimal flying conditions with high visibility averaging 10 statute miles. Pilots should note minimal instances of reduced visibility, with fog occurring in only 1.6% of observations and no recorded visibility below 3 statute miles. The runway's orientation and wind characteristics suggest predictable approach and departure scenarios with minimal wind-related complexities.
Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.
Learn More
Recommended guides based on current conditions at VTCT
Official Data Sources
Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.