ThailandKnowledge

Chiang Mai Events & Festivals by Month

Month-by-month guide to Chiang Mai's cultural festivals, seasonal events, and celebrations for 2026.

January

  • • Bor Sang Umbrella Festival (3rd weekend)
  • • Cool season at its best
  • • Sunday Walking Street market peak

February

  • • Chiang Mai Flower Festival (first weekend)
  • • Makha Bucha Day at Doi Suthep
  • • Chinese New Year in Warorot Market area

March

  • • Burning season begins (air quality declines)
  • • Haze from agricultural burning
  • • Many expats leave for cleaner air

April

  • • Songkran (13-15 April) — biggest celebration in Thailand, water fights around the moat
  • • Poi Sang Long ordination festival
  • • Peak of hot season

May

  • • Inthakin Festival (City Pillar ceremony)
  • • Visakha Bucha Day
  • • Rains begin, air quality improves dramatically

June

  • • Green season begins — lush countryside
  • • Waterfall season starts
  • • Lower tourist numbers, good deals

July

  • • Asanha Bucha Day
  • • Buddhist Lent begins
  • • Doi Inthanon in full green season beauty

August

  • • Mother's Day (12 August)
  • • Peak green season
  • • Best waterfall conditions

September

  • • Last month of monsoon rains
  • • Doi Suthep temple festival
  • • Rice paddies at their greenest

October

  • • End of Buddhist Lent
  • • Kathina robe-giving ceremonies at temples
  • • Weather improving

November

  • • Yi Peng Lantern Festival — thousands of sky lanterns released
  • • Loy Krathong on the Ping River
  • • Cool season begins — best time of year

December

  • • King's Birthday / Father's Day (5 Dec)
  • • Christmas Night Bazaar events
  • • Peak tourist season begins
  • • Cool evenings (15-20°C)