When to Visit Chiang Mai — Month-by-Month Planner

31° / 14° Clear skies Peak tourist season High season rates 1 rain days

Bo Sang Umbrella Festival — Mid-Jan — Handcrafted umbrella parade in San Kamphaeng

The best month for outdoor activities. Book accommodation early.

33° / 16° Haze building Still peak season High season rates 1 rain days

Chiang Mai Flower Festival — First weekend of Feb — Flower floats parade through the Old City

Last good month before burning season. Flower festival is worth catching.

36° / 20° Hazardous smoke Tourists leave Shoulder rates 2 rain days

Worst air quality of the year. Most expats leave for the coast or islands.

36° / 23° Smoke easing late month Songkran brings visitors Mixed rates 5 rain days

Songkran — Apr 13-15 — Thai New Year water festival. The biggest party of the year.

Come for Songkran if you can handle the heat and haze. It clears by late April.

34° / 23° Rain clears the air Low season starts Low season deals 15 rain days

Visakha Bucha — Full moon of May — Buddhist holy day celebrating Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death

Great value month. Rain is usually just afternoon thunderstorms, mornings are clear.

33° / 23° Fresh air Very quiet Best deals 18 rain days

Lush green everywhere. The city feels like it belongs to locals again.

32° / 23° Fresh air Very quiet Best deals 20 rain days

Asalha Bucha / Khao Phansa — Full moon of Jul — Start of Buddhist Lent. Candle processions at temples.

Pack a rain jacket. Waterfalls are at their best this month.

32° / 23° Fresh air Quiet Low season 20 rain days

Rice paddies are emerald green. Stunning drives through the countryside.

31° / 22° Fresh air Quietest month Lowest prices 18 rain days

Cheapest month to be here. Occasional flooding in low-lying areas.

31° / 21° Clear Starting to pick up Shoulder season 10 rain days

Ok Phansa — Full moon of Oct — End of Buddhist Lent. Boat races and temple celebrations.

Sweet spot month. Rain is ending, crowds haven't arrived, prices are still low.

30° / 18° Clear skies Festival crowds Rising 4 rain days

Yi Peng / Loi Krathong — Full moon of Nov — Thousands of sky lanterns released. The most photogenic event in Thailand.

The lantern festival is unforgettable. Book months in advance for Yi Peng tickets.

29° / 14° Clear skies Holiday season Peak prices 2 rain days

King Bhumibol Day — Dec 5 — National holiday. Yellow decorations everywhere.

New Year's Eve — Dec 31 — Countdown at Tha Phae Gate with lanterns and fireworks.

Perfect weather but peak prices. The mountains get cold at night — bring a jacket.