Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chiang Mai and Buenos Aires, Argentina. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Chiang Mai or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $45Buenos Aires, Argentina $10
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $45, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chiang Mai and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $26Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.07
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $52Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.14
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Buenos Aires, Argentina? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices and Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.61Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.55
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.09
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Moped Rental$4.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 2-Day Transfer Luang Prabang from Chiang Mai by Sleeper Bus : $83
- ATV Riding and Grand Canyon Chiang Mai Include Pickup Transfer: $90
- Chiang Mai #1 Way Private Car transfer to/from Bangkok City: $273
- Chiang Mai #Private Car transfer to/from Mae Sot: $196
- Chiang Mai : Sticky Waterfalls transfer: $23
- Chiang Mai Airport (CNX): One-Way Private Transfer: $12
- Chiang Mai Airport Arrival – Private Transfer from Airport to Four Seasons Hotel: $24
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Private Arrival Transfer: $27
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $154
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $77
- Chiang Mai Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $13
- Chiang Mai Airport PRIVATE Arrival or Departure Transfer : $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Taxi from Airport$0.13
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Local Bus$0.00
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Metro Ride$0.00
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Taxi to airport$0.03
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Taxi$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City - ROUND TRIP: $263
- Rojo Tango Show with private transfers in Buenos Aires: $259
- Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $250
- Private City Tour & Transfer to the International Airport: $250
- Rojo Tango Show: Skip the Line Ticket including Private Transfer: $250
- Ministro Pistarini Airport to Gualeguaychú Round Trip Transfer: $241
- Rojo Tango Show Ticket with Private Transfers From Port & Hotels in Buenos Aires: $229
- Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $222
- Transfer from EZEIZA or AEP Airport + Private City Tour: $210
- Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
- LOCAL AIRPORT TRANSFER (AEP) ROUND TRIP with english speaking driver: $200
- Private Transfer Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) In Buenos Aires: $185
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Chiang Mai change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayChiang Mai $10Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.19
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.30
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.65
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Casual Breakfast$1.09
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.43
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Mangoes$0.82
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Coffee$1.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $11
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $11
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $19
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $22
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class in Organic Garden Chiang Mai: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $25
- Authentic Easy Thai Recipes for Home-Style Cooking Half Day AM: $25
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Half-Day Thai Cuisine Cooking Experience in Chiang Mai : $27
- Thai and Isaan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $27
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Lunch$0.03
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Cup of Coffee$0.01
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Empandas$0.02
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Espresso$0.01
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Dinner (Pizza)$0.01
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Ice Cream$0.01
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Breakfast at Airport$0.04
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Dinner (Sandwiches)$0.01
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Sweets$0.01
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Hot Dog$0.01
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Breakfast (Take-Away)$0.01
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Lunch for 2$0.16
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Cake and Coffee$0.52
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Dinner$1.85
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Powerade$0.11
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Lunch$0.82
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Dinner$1.19
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Chocolate$3.07
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
- 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
- Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
- Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
- Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $40
- Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $40
- Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
- Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
- Small Group Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Blending: $49
- La Ventana Tango Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $49
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $13Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$35
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.63
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Kratong Lessons$2.72
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Pedicure$4.08
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$4.89
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Scavenger Hunt City Tour for Your Smartphone: $7.73
- Chiang Mai Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Art in Paradise Illusion Museum Entry Ticket: $11
- Mae Ping River Cruise: $12
- Old City and Temples Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Local Food and Markets Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $14
- Tweechol Botanic Garden Half Day Adventure : $15
- Chiang Mai Michelin Food Walking Tour with Professional Tour Guide: $15
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 2 Hrs: $15
- Circuit Karting Experience at Chiang Mai Circuit - Go Kart: $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)$0.04
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Movie Ticket$0.02
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Tango Class$0.03
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Bar entrance$0.57
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2x1: Día de Campo + Tour Nocturno en Buenos Aires: $220
- Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with electric bikes: $59
- Premium Buenos Aires by Night Small-Group City Tour: $59
- Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
- Small group Yerba Mate Experience with snacks: $35
- 1-hour Paramotor Experience in Buenos Aires Argentina: $100
- 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
- 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
- 3-Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisian: $45
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70
- 5hs Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires (optional street food): $35
- @argentinahighlights Private City Tour in Buenos Aires: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $6.73Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.78
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$2.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Bars & Pubs in Chiang Mai!: $9.55
Typical Alcohol Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:
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Beer$0.01
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Beer (0.66L)$0.02
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Cocktail$0.03
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Alcohol$0.65
Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $30
- Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
- Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $42
- Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
- Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $62
- Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $70
- Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Chiang Mai is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chiang Mai is in Asia and Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Chiang Mai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chiang Mai than you might in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Buenos Aires, Argentina, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chiang Mai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 279 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
In October, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Buenos Aires, Argentina during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 220 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Chiang Mai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Chiang Mai is much warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 227 hours of full sun in the spring.
Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Buenos Aires, Argentina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.