The weather in Thailand in December is cool and dry, offering a respite from the warmth of previous months. The average daily maximum temperature hovers around 32°C (89°F), while the average daily minimum temperature is a comfortable 24°C (75°F).
December is the peak season for travel in Thailand, attracting visitors with its pleasant weather and the added allure of the Christmas and New Year seasons.
Thailand Weather in December: Overview
- Average temperature range: 24–32°C (75–89°F)
- Rainfall: 12 mm (0.5 inches)
- Rainy days: 6
- Sunny days: 15
The Regional Weather in Thailand in December
Area | Min. Temp. | Max. Temp. | Rainfall (mm) |
---|---|---|---|
Bangkok | 22ºC/71ºF | 32ºC/90ºF | 10 |
Chiang Mai | 15ºC/59ºF | 29ºC/84ºF | 20 |
Phuket | 24ºC/75ºF | 32ºC/90ºF | 71 |
Krabi | 22ºC/71ºF | 31ºC/88ºF | 127 |
Koh Samui | 21ºC/70ºF | 25ºC/77ºF | 234 |
Hua Hin | 22ºC/71ºF | 29ºC/84ºF | 15 |
Weather in Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai...)
In December, the northern regions of Thailand, including Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, experience a pleasant and cool climate. The temperatures typically range from 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F), providing a refreshing break from the hotter months. Temperatures typically drop to around 15°C (59°F) at night and in some years the temperature has been as low as 12°C (54°F).
So remember to bring a few pieces of warm clothing, such as a jacket or jeans.
The cooler weather is perfect for exploring the mountainous landscapes, lush greenery, and cultural treasures that abound in this part of the country.
Weather in Central Thailand (Bangkok, Ayutthaya...)
The central regions, including Bangkok and Ayutthaya, experience mild and comfortable temperatures during December. Daytime temperatures hover around 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F), and there is typically just 1 day of low rainfall, around 2mm (0.08 inches) in December. It is pleasant to do sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Weather in Southern Thailand (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui...)
The southern regions, encompassing popular destinations like Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui, boast a warm and tropical climate in December. With temperatures ranging from 25 to 32°C (77 to 90°F), this is the perfect time to enjoy the stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life that characterize the region.
However, the weather differs between the east coast (Koh Samui and Koh Phangan) and the west coast (Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Phi Phi).
At the beginning of December, places like Phuket, Ko Lanta, and Ko Phi Phi on the west experience dry conditions and warm sea temperatures. On the other hand, Koh Samui still sees some rain, wrapping up the monsoon season. But towards the end of December, both Koh Samui and Koh Phangan enjoy more sunny days, making it a great time to visit.
Insider tip: Thailand's neighborhood countries Vietnam and Cambodia also have comfortable weather in December. For your 2-week Christmas holiday, visiting these three countries in one trip would be a smart choice as well.
Suggested reading: Planning a Family Holiday to SE Asia? 20 Expert Tips for Christmas
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Very great experience our driver D was…
Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More
Rylan Coache, Feb 2024
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Excellent guide in Siem Reap
Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More
Sharon Townshend, Feb 2024
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Asia Highlights trip to Thailand
Our first tour guide in Bangkok, Marie, was great to tour around with. She was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. Our next stop in Chang Mai we were greeted by our new tour guide, Rafael. He too was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. He made it feel as if we were traveling around with a long time friend. Every time we arrived at a new destination, we were greeted at the airport by someone with a sign with our name making our travels easy. I would definitely recommend Asia Highlights to anyone looking for a well planned trip of a lifetime! More
Tricia, Feb 2024
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Amazing Thailand experience
The tour guides were all knowledgeable and accommodating, especially Mayuree in Bangkok- absolutely wonderful. We felt taken care of and every step of the way was catered to our needs. More
Ashley White, Feb 2024
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Private tour perfect for our times
Asia highlights organized a private tour with our requests. Everything was perfect ?? the driver Tom and the guide Ying were always on time with a smile in their face. Always willing to help and make our trip perfect. Bangkok is a very hot city so we minimized the time outside. The driver always had cold towels for us in the van and cold beverages. More
Virginia, Feb 2024
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Thailand
We loved Chiang Mai and Susie did a great job showing us several temples, taking many pictures of us with the elephants at the sanctuary (a definite highlight of the entire trip!), and making sure we were well fed, which became a running joke between us.We had a very relaxing few days in Phuket enjoying the beautiful beaches. Kai was great, answering all of our questions and giving us a nice tour of the old town. The all-day speedboat tour of the Phi Phi islands started off a little shaky as the sea was quite rough so if you’re at all uncomfortable bouncing around in a speedboat, you might want to skip that tour. Things did calm down as the day went on and some of the areas they took us to for swimming, snorkeling, etc were really beautiful. A couple of the islands were too crowded with people. More
Andrea Roberts, Feb 2024
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What a Wonderful Trip
What a Wonderful Trip! We booked with Sharon and our trip was great - guides were waiting for us at each stop, and they were all very nice and helpful. I cannot stress how amazing the guides were - they made the trip. More
Rachel, Feb 2024
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Ask for Victor!
If you are traveling to Bangkhok you need to request Victor. He made our trip amazing! My family completed bucket list items with his guidance. He knew exactly how to get us places, kept us on time, made us feel safe, educated us on history, spoke excellent English and was genuinely a nice man! Everyone we encountered was awesome- but Victor is the reason for my 5 star review! More
Sandy, Jan 2024
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Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a…
Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a wonderful trip to Thailand. We had a great time. The tour guides were wonderful as were the hotels you booked for us. We will definitely contact you to plan our next trip More
Carol Yeung, Jan 2024
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Ying was the best
Ying was the best. She was really knowledgeable and kind. Thank you Ying for wonderful experience in Thailand! More
Sylvester Yeung, Jan 2024
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Very well organized
Very well organized. Our tour guide, Ying, was amazing! She had full knowledge of every location we visited and made sure our itinerary was fulfilled as expected. She was extremely helpful for our airport experiences, and made sure we arrived at an appropriate time. More
David M. Kang, Jan 2024
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Family trip to Thailand
We were lucky to be greeted by Marie and her driver.In Marie, we have made a friend for life. She is incredibly smart and knowledgeable about her home country. From the vast number of temples to safely traversing Chinatown.She helped give us tips on our free days, locate left behind lost clothing and arrange for pickup. She even helped check us in for our flight to Chiang Mai.She prepared us ahead of time for every event we had scheduled and bonded with our kids, 3x 13 year olds. More
Justin Levenbrook, Jan 2024
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Thailand with and amazing tour guide Ying
I highly recommend Ying as a tour guide in Thailand. Her expertise in Thai culture, combined with her passion for food and genuine love for her country, made the tour an exceptional experience. If you're looking for a guide who will not only show you the sights but also immerse you in the local culture and help you discover delicious Thai cuisine, Ying is the perfect choice. More
Diana Irizarry, Jan 2024
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Asia Highlights Thailand trip
Asia Highlights provided us with a great travel trip. They made it very easy to navigate through Thailand with everything going very smoothly. From the easy transportation to the great day itinerary everything was awesome. Will definitely look to use this agency again in the future. More
Taylor Jones, Jan 2024
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Perfect 2 WK Thailand Trip for a Solo Female Traveler
Bank was our guide in Bangkok and he showed us around the city with ease and we were able to see and try things I never would have planned on my own. After Bangkok, our small group flew to Chiang Mai for Yi Peng lantern festival and that was a breathtaking experience that I will never forget! Pop was our guide in this city and she was knowledgeable, kind and caring which made our experience even more memorable. More
Tia, Dec 2023
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We recently have just returned from Thailand
We recently have just returned one from a 5 week trip to Thailand through Asia Highlights. We had a wonderful time and Asia Highlights went beyond our expectations. They truly tried their best to make sure everything went smoothly and we were taken care of! Everyone was amazing and we would definitely use them in the future!! Many thanks to everyone that helped to make this an incredible once in a lifetime experience!! More
Karen Rocque, Dec 2023
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Indochina Experience
On our 5th day of our trip with Asiahighlights. We felt well taken care of before and it hasn’t changed since we started from Bangkok to Hanoi (guide Kim was verrry knowledgeable!) to Halong Bay (spectacular scenery) to Hoi An (guide Nhieu Tran, giving great local (shopping) tips and insights). More
Stefan Eisenhut, Dec 2023
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Accommodations by Asia highlights have
Accommodations by Asia highlights have been terrific so far. The Khmer Residence in Siem Reap as well as Eastin Grand hotel in Bangkok. Both had excellent pools and breakfasts.Tours in Siem Reap were particularly well given with an amazing mix of culture, history and humor throughout (Mr Poly). Tours in Bangkok by Mr Banks were informative and well organized with samples of Thai fruit and treats throughout. More
Chris Williams, Nov 2023
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Seeing Bangkok with ease
In Bangkok, our tour guide, Ying, was wonderful. She navigated all the sights with ease, gave us interesting tidbits on Thai culture and history, helped us pick the right food at all the restaurants, and was just a pleasure to be around. We had a great time, and it was so nice to not have to worry about any of the details. More
Diane Elkins, Nov 2023
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Thailand- October 2023!
The team in Thailand was also great. Shout out to our tour guides (Monchai in Bangkok, Indy in Chang Mai and Sonia in Phuket) they were the best!! It was 6 of us and they make us all feel right at home! Kudos! More
Mori P, Nov 2023
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Best Places to Visit in Thailand in December
December is one of the best months to travel to Thailand. The weather of December is hot/warm in the south and mild/cool in the north, and the monsoon rains cease in most of the country. Here are some of the best-recommended places to visit in December.
1. Bangkok
The vibrant capital city of Thailand, Bangkok, is a year-round destination, but December offers cooler temperatures, making it more comfortable for sightseeing. Explore the Grand Palace, visit bustling markets, and experience the city's lively nightlife. The cooler evenings also make it an ideal time to take a leisurely boat ride along the Chao Phraya River, admiring the city's illuminated skyline.
Additionally, the festive decorations and events during the Christmas and New Year season add to the city's charm.
If you're in Bangkok for New Year's Eve, join the festivities at CentralWorld, where a massive countdown event takes place with live music, fireworks, and a lively crowd. It's a memorable way to ring in the new year in the heart of the city.
Check the sample itineraries for Thailand tours: 10 days, 12 days, 14 days, and 21 days >>>
2. Chiang Mai
Visiting Chiang Mai in December is highly recommended, as the cool and dry weather sets the stage for an enjoyable exploration of this northern Thai city.
You can wander through the Old City to explore its historic temples, including Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. Take a trip to Doi Suthep, a mountain overlooking Chiang Mai, to visit the stunning Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and utilize the pleasant weather to engage in a Thai cooking class.
You can also experience the unique blend of Thai traditions and international holiday celebrations. Many hotels, restaurants, and bars host special events, making it a festive time to be in Chiang Mai.
If you're fortunate, you might get the chance to experience the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, typically held in November or December, where thousands of lanterns are released into the night sky.
Get more ideas on planning a family trip to Thailand.
3. Ayutthaya
The weather in Ayutthaya in December is pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze. It is comfortable to explore this once-thriving ancient city and visit the ancient temples of Ayutthaya.
Caring for rescued elephants and biking through the old French, Portuguese, British, and Dutch quarters are some of the recommended activities.
4. Khao Yai National Park
December is a great time to explore Khao Yai National Park's jungle (a UNESCO World Heritage site). You can take a half-day or day-long tour to explore caves, spot a lot of birds, see elephants (and other wild animals), and enjoy waterfalls.
Camping in the park on New Year's Eve with the starry sky might be a special gift for your family.
5. Phuket
December marks the beginning of the dry season on the west coast, including Phuket. With clear skies and warm temperatures, this popular island destination is ideal for enjoying its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and water activities. Explore the Old Town, relax on Patong Beach, or take boat trips to nearby islands.
6. Koh Samui
Despite some lingering rainfall at the beginning of December, Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand is a tropical paradise worth visiting. As the month progresses, the weather becomes more favorable, making it an excellent time to relax on the stunning beaches, explore the island's natural beauty, and participate in water activities.
Koh Samui usually has smaller crowds due to its higher airfare and fewer flights and higher price of accommodation.
Insider tip: For your first trip to Southeast Asia, you can also consider exploring Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia together in one trip as they're conveniently connected and share a similar climate. You could also see December weather in other Southeast Asian countries>>>
December Crowding and Costs
December is the peak travel season in Thailand, especially during the "Western" holiday season (the Christmas / New Year's break). The tourist areas can be extremely crowded, and hotel and flight costs are much higher than in other months. So, book early (2-3 months in advance) to save more.
Check some Thailand tours for inspiration.
What to Wear in December?
The lowest temperature in December is about 24°C (76°F) in most of Thailand. So, shorts, skirts, light trousers, T-shirts, and other light clothes are good for this month. Bring a few pieces of warm clothing, such as a jacket or jeans, if you go to northern Thailand, which can sometimes get below 15°C (70°F).
Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Thailand
Learn about the weather in Thailand for 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month.
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It was a whirlwind across a number of cities, but a very comprehensive experience across the many sides and cultures of China. Most days had sufficient activities, but weren’t overwhelming, which was great.Across cities, we had excellent tour guides, like Kitty (Beijing), Jenny (Xian), William (Guilin/Yangshuo), Kris (Shanghai), and Tony (Yellow Mountains.)
moreFrom the time we landed in Beijing until we left, we were well taken care of. My wife and I had Lily Liu as our guide and she was amazing. From arranging visits to all the different sights, to teaching us the history, it was fantastic.
moreThe tour was excellent. Selinda was very knowledgeable about all the aspects of our tour. Selinda was very interesting and knew so much Chinese history
moreWe made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
moreOther highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing,
moreOur day volunteering at the Panda Base was truly unforgettable. Helen, our guide, provided us with invaluable insights about Chengdu and the pandas, enriching our tour with her knowledge and expertise. We're grateful to Helen for accompanying us throughout the day and showcasing the highlights of China.
moreWe had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
moreWe traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great.
moreWe visited Guilin for 2 days and stayed in the Guilin Waterfall hotel. Guilin was absolutely beautiful! Our guide, William, was very knowledgeable and kind! He taught us so much about Guilin and the surrounding area! We really enjoyed trying the specialty rice noodles of Guilin. Our highlight was the Li river cruise.
moreAmazing tour and the guide Mr. 贺霄 was very accommodating with our needs and request as we have bought our 2 years old with us. Well explained for all the place we visited. Any additional cost were informed well ahead and didn't felt any pressure if we opt not to go for additional detour. The trip was relaxing/ laid back/no rushing with zero shopping!
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