Thailand destinations
Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai: Weather & Burning Season
When to visit Chiang Mai — the glorious cool season, the green season, and the burning season to avoid.
Chiang Mai’s northern climate is distinct.
Cool season (Nov–Feb) — best
Warm days, cool nights, clear skies — glorious, and the most popular time.
Burning season (Mar–Apr) — avoid
Agricultural burning can drop air quality sharply; many travellers avoid these months.
Green season (Jun–Oct)
Lush, quiet and cheaper, with passing rain. Loy Krathong and Yi Peng (lantern festival, around November) are spectacular.
See also: the full Chiang Mai travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai? +
November to February for cool, clear weather — and avoid the March–April burning season for air quality.
What is the burning season in Chiang Mai? +
Roughly March to April, when agricultural burning can sharply reduce air quality.
Part of our Chiang Mai guide.
