Thailand’s weather in December is warm/mild, and rainfall is low in most of Thailand, which makes it a great time to visit. Read more about Thailand’s December weather, places to visit, clothes to wear, and travel tips for December in this article.
The weather in Thailand in December is cool and dry. The average daily maximum is 32°C (89°F) and the average daily minimum is 24°C (75°F). There is only about 1 rainy day during the whole month in Bangkok, but it is much rainier in the south, and much cooler further north.
December in Thailand is the coolest time of the year with the least amount of rainfall.
| Averages for December | Min. Temp. (ºC) | Max. Temp. (ºC) | Rainfall (mm) | Min. Temp. (ºF) | Max. Temp. (ºF) | Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | 22 | 32 | 10 | 71 | 89 | 0.4 |
| Chiang Mai | 15 | 29 | 20 | 59 | 84 | 0.8 |
| Phuket | 24 | 32 | 71 | 76 | 89 | 2.8 |
| Krabi | 22 | 31 | 127 | 71 | 88 | 5 |
| Hua Hin | 22 | 29 | 15 | 72 | 85 | 0.6 |
| Koh Samui | 21 | 25 | 234 | 70 | 77 | 9.2 |
Central and eastern Thailand are large regions that include many popular travel destinations such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Koh Samet, Hua Hin, Ayutthaya, and Koh Chang in the southeast. Temperatures here range between 21°C (70°F) and 31°C (88°F). In December, this area of the country sees an average rainfall of 2mm (0.08 inches).
In northern Thailand, the weather can get chilly in December. In Chiang Mai, 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).
Southern Thailand is an ideal place to visit if you want beautiful beaches and warm weather. In December, temperatures range between 22°C (72°F) and 31°C (88°F). The average rainfall is roughly 200 mm (8 inches) in Phuket, Koh Lanta, and Koh Phi Phi and 66 mm (2.5 inches) in Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
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.
Best places to visit in DecemberLots of sunshine and warm weather make Bangkok a great place to visit in December. It is a special experience to walk along the riverside and enjoy the Christmas streetlights in Bangkok with other holiday-time crowds.
Bangkok in DecemberWith the cool weather of December, you can explore the elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai and help the staff feed and bathe the elephants. The hinterland of the old towns of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai holds good places for trekking, camping, and cycling.
Chiang Mai in DecemberThe 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.
Ayutthaya in DecemberDecember 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.
Khao Yai National ParkAlthough temperatures on some of Thailand’s beaches can reach up to 31°C (87°F) in December, there is always a breeze coming from the ocean that makes it feel much cooler. December is a good time to relax on the beach without overheating and participate in watersports.
The classic Thai islands such as Phuket, Ko Lanta, and Ko Phi Phi on the west coast and Ko Samui, Ko Chang, and Ko Kut in the east will all be busy and deservedly so. However, Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, and Ko Tao on the west of the Gulf of Thailand experience the tail end of their monsoon rains.
Phuket Beach in DecemberDecember 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 flights costs are much higher than in other months. So, book early to save more.
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).
Learn about the weather in Thailand for 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month.
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At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
1-to-1 Expert PlanningYour tour will be tailor-made to suit you by a destination expert. Your personal travel advisor will always reply within 24 hours. |
Personal JourneysEnjoy having your own personal local guide and ride. Explore destinations at your own pace. Have as much flexibility as possible. |
Authentic ExperiencesGo beyond the sightseeing. Understand the destinations by practicing the local culture and interacting with local people. |
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