By Kylian Dev
North
GreatChiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai
Dry, sunny and cool: the coldest nights of the year, especially in the mountains around Pai and Chiang Rai.
Thailand in December
Thailand in December: sunshine for Christmas
December brings the cool, dry season to its peak: sunny days in the north, pleasant Bangkok and superb Andaman beaches. The Gulf islands are drying out, and the festive season makes it the busiest month of the year.
- Great month to go
- High season
- 25 ideal destinations
Great month to go
Our verdict for December
December is excellent almost everywhere, which is why it is also the most in-demand month. The north is sunny with cool nights, Bangkok is at its most comfortable and the Andaman coast is in perfect shape. The Gulf islands usually improve through the month after their November rains. The real challenge is availability and prices around Christmas and New Year.
Bangkok & centre
GreatBangkok, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin
The most comfortable time for Bangkok: lower humidity and dry skies, perfect for walking and river trips.
Andaman coast
GreatPhuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Lanta
Prime beach season: calm, clear sea around Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Lanta and Lipe.
Gulf islands
MixedKoh Samui, Phangan, Tao
Improving: early December can still be rainy on Samui, Phangan and Tao, with better weather later in the month.
Region by region
Weather in Thailand in December, by region
The bar shows how many of our destinations in each region are in their ideal season. The strip shows the whole year, with this month outlined.
North
Great
6 of 6 destinations ideal
Central & Bangkok
Great
5 of 5 destinations ideal
Gulf of Thailand
Rainy
0 of 3 destinations ideal
Andaman Sea
Great
9 of 9 destinations ideal
East (Koh Chang)
Great
5 of 5 destinations ideal
Method: each destination has a list of ideal months in our data; a region is rated from the share of its destinations in their ideal window. It is a planning guide based on typical seasons, not a forecast.
Where to go
Best places to visit in Thailand in December
December is ideal for almost all our destinations. Here are the best of them.
Central & BangkokBangkok
The City of Angels, a thousand flavours and golden temples
31°C€35 - 65 / day
NorthChiang Mai
The Rose of the North, its teak temples and mountains
26°C€25 - 45 / day
NorthChiang Rai & the Golden Triangle
Visionary architecture on the misty edge of the Mekong
25°C€20 - 40 / day
NorthPai
A bohemian valley of rice fields and hot springs
24°C€18 - 35 / day
NorthSukhothai
Dawn of happiness: poetic ruins explored by bicycle
27°C€20 - 38 / day
Central & BangkokAyutthaya
Ruins of the old Siamese empire along the water
30°C€25 - 45 / day
Also in their best season: Kanchanaburi & Erawan, Hua Hin, Koh Chang, Khao Sok, Phuket, Krabi & Railay, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, Koh Kood, Koh Mak, Koh Samet, Pattaya, Khao Yai, Khao Lak, Koh Yao Noi, Trang Islands, Mae Hong Son, Nan
Doable, off peak (0)
None: every destination is either ideal or rainy this month.
Outside their ideal window but usually fine to visit: expect some showers, heat or rougher seas.
Rainy season (3)
In their rainy season according to our data. Still possible if you are flexible, but plan indoor options and check boat schedules.
Typical conditions
What the weather is like in December
Expect dry, sunny weather across most of the country, with comfortable warmth by day. The north has chilly mornings and evenings, sometimes around 10–15°C in the mountains. Seas are calm on the Andaman side; on the Gulf side, residual showers fade during the month.
What to pack in December
- A fleece or warm layer for the north
- Swimwear, snorkel gear and reef-safe sunscreen
- Smart-casual outfit for New Year's Eve
- Booking confirmations: availability is tight
Crowds & prices
Crowds and prices in December
High season
Peak season, especially from mid-December to the first days of January. Prices are at their highest and beaches, ferries and flights are full. Book accommodation and transport months ahead for Christmas and New Year.
Tourist season through the year
JFMAMJJASOND
Taller bar = busier and usually pricier. Based on typical tourist seasons, not live prices.
Festivals
Festivals in Thailand in December
Lunar festivals shift from year to year: check the exact date before you book.
Full Moon Party
Every month, on or around the full moon
The monthly all-night beach party at Haad Rin, Koh Phangan.
Haad Rin beach, Koh Phangan
New Year's Eve countdown
31 December (fixed)
Fireworks over the Chao Phraya and countdown parties on the islands.
Bangkok (riverside, shopping districts), the islands
FAQ
Thailand in December: your questions
Is December a good time to visit Thailand?
Yes, it is one of the best months weather-wise: dry and sunny almost everywhere. The downside is crowds and peak-season prices around Christmas and New Year; estimate yours with the Thailand budget calculator.
Where to spend Christmas in Thailand?
The Andaman coast is ideal for beach lovers (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Phi Phi), while the north offers cool, sunny weather in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
Is it cold in northern Thailand in December?
Days are warm, but nights and early mornings are chilly, often around 10–15°C in the mountains. Bring a fleece for Pai and Chiang Rai. See Pai weather by month.
Keep planning