DeepSeek has implemented a dynamic pricing model for its API tokens, where costs double during peak hours. These peak periods are defined in UTC as 01:00–04:00 and 06:00–10:00. For users in the Moscow time zone, this corresponds to 04:00–07:00 and 09:00–13:00 MSK.
The platform offers reduced rates during off-peak hours, which include weekends and Chinese national holidays. Based on the UTC schedule, weekend discounts apply from 03:00 Saturday until 03:00 Monday in Moscow time. Working weekends, which are sometimes designated in China to compensate for extended holiday breaks, remain classified as off-peak.
The official schedule for Chinese public holidays is determined by the State Council of the PRC. Upcoming non-peak dates for 2026 include the Mid-Autumn Festival on September 25 and the National Day holiday period from October 1 to October 7.
