Cheapest And Most Expensive Times To Visit Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai prices swing with the seasons—cool season (November–February) is when most people want to visit, so it’s usually the most expensive. Rainy season (May–October) is usually the cheapest, since fewer travelers plan trips around the heat and downpours.

Most Expensive Time To Visit Chiang Mai

• November–February (Cool Season Peak)
  This is the most popular window—comfortable days for temples, night markets, and day trips. Hotels and tours tend to run higher, especially in the Old City and Nimman.
• Late December–Early January (Holiday Weeks)
  A double-whammy of peak season plus global vacation dates—availability tightens fast and prices climb.
• Yi Peng And Loy Krathong (Usually November, Dates Vary)
  Lantern festival season brings a big surge in demand—rooms sell out earlier than normal, and “good value” options disappear first.
• Songkran Week (Mid-April)
  Even though it’s hot season, Songkran is a huge travel week—expect higher rates and fewer choices if you book late.

Cheapest Time To Visit Chiang Mai

• May–October (Rainy Season Value Window)
  This is usually the cheapest stretch for hotels. You’ll get humid days and quick heavy showers, but deals are common and crowds are thinner.
• September–October (Often The Best Deal Pocket)
  These months are usually among the wettest—great for savings if you’re flexible with outdoor plans.
• Late May–June (Early Rainy Season)
  A nice balance for some trips—better prices than peak season, with rain that often comes in bursts instead of nonstop.

Best Time To Visit Chiang Mai For Good Weather And Decent Prices

• Late October–Early November
  Weather is often improving and the city starts feeling more comfortable—sometimes before peak prices fully kick in.
• Late February (Before Burning Season Gets Rough)
  You can still catch decent weather and decent value—just be mindful that air quality can start trending down as the season changes.

When Is Burning Season in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai’s “burning season” is the smoky/hazy time of year when farmers (and sometimes forest fires) create pollution and poor air quality across Northern Thailand.

• Typical window: late February through April
• Worst month: March is usually the roughest for haze and poor visibility
• Can start earlier / end later: Some years you’ll notice haze building as early as December or January, and it can linger into May depending on rain and winds

If you’re planning a trip and want the best odds of clear mountain views, December–January is often safer than March—but the exact timing shifts year to year.

Ways To Spend Less In Chiang Mai

• Visit May–October for the best hotel pricing
• Avoid November–February if saving money is the main goal
• If you want lantern season, book far earlier than you think you need to
• Stay just outside the Old City to save—then use short rides to get around
• Keep day trips flexible in rainy season—pick the clearest forecast day

Is Chiang Mai Expensive To Visit?

Chiang Mai can be a strong value, but it gets noticeably pricier in November–February and during major festival weeks—mostly because demand rises and the most convenient locations book out first.