Is December a Good Time to Visit Thailand?
December is a fantastic time for most of Thailand, with dry, warm weather in the north and on the Andaman Coast. Some Gulf islands see rain into mid-December, but overall it’s one of the best months to visit for a mix of culture, festivals, and beach weather.
What Thailand in December Is Really Like
We’ve been living in Thailand with our two kids since 2019, mostly in the Gulf of Thailand. After many Decembers, I’ll be honest: Especially in the Gulf, like Koh Phangan or Koh Samui, the rainy season is longer than you’d think. We’ve had plenty of soggy Decembers there. Meh.
Here’s everything I know and experienced about Thailand in December.
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Quick Facts, Thailand in December
- Best regions for dry weather: North + Andaman Coast
- Still rainy: Gulf of Thailand (especially early December)
- Average temps: 25-31 °C (77-88 °F)
- Cool mornings: Chiang Mai can drop to 15 °C (59 °F)
- Peak season: Yes, so book ahead
- Busiest time: Christmas and New Year
- Packing tip: Light clothes for the south, a jacket for the north
- Best beach picks: Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta
- Still risky: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao (before mid-December)
What’s the Weather Like in Thailand in December?
Here’s how the weather looks in each region so you know where to go, and what to avoid. The short version: the north and the Andaman Coast are reliably gorgeous. The Gulf is a gamble until mid-month.
Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai)
- Daytime: 26-28 °C (79-82 °F)
- Morning/Night: 14-18 °C (57-64 °F)
- Rain: Very rare
This is the cool season up north. You’ll get sunny days, blue skies, and crisp mornings, great for hiking, sightseeing, and not sweating your way through a temple tour. Bring a light jacket; it gets genuinely chilly in the mountains and at night. In our first December in Chiang Mai in 2019, we had a couple of 10 °C (50 °F) mornings. I couldn’t believe that was possible in Thailand.
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
- From $291 (€255) per night (Deluxe Room)
- Riverside resort with minimalist design
- Infinity pool overlooking the Mae Ping River
Central Thailand (Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi)
- Daytime: 30-32 °C (86-90 °F)
- Morning/Night: 21-23 °C (70-73 °F)
- Rain: Almost none
Bangkok in December is actually enjoyable. It’s still warm, but nowhere near as humid as the rest of the year. You can actually walk between temples without feeling like you’ve jumped into a swimming pool. Great for hopping on boats, wandering street markets, or doing day trips to Ayutthaya without melting into the pavement.
MUU Bangkok
- From $140 (€130) per night (Studio Room)
- Trendy Thonglor location with rooftop pool and boutique vibe
Eastern Thailand (Koh Chang, Koh Mak, Koh Kut)
- Daytime: 29-31 °C (84-88 °F)
- Morning/Night: 22-24 °C (72-75 °F)
- Rain: Just a few light showers, usually short
This area is less crowded than the south and a genuinely good option if you want beach time in December without competing with half of Europe for a sunlounger. The weather is usually stable, the sea is calm enough for boat trips, and the vibe is much more relaxed.
Santhiya Koh Chang Resort
- From $200 (€170) per night (Pool Suite)
- Traditional wooden Thai hotel directly on the beach
Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Khao Lak)
- Daytime: 30-32 °C (86-90 °F)
- Morning/Night: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- Rain: Almost none
This side of Thailand has the best beach weather in December, full stop. It’s hot, sunny, and ideal for island hopping (like this tour). You’ll get excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving, and calm seas for boat trips. If you want a worry-free beach holiday in December, the Andaman Coast is where to go.
Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach
- From $331 (€305) per night (Family Room)
- Overlooking Naithon Beach with direct access
- Read my honest review here!
Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao)
- Daytime: 28-31 °C (82-88 °F)
- Morning/Night: 24-25 °C (75-77 °F)
- Rain: Still very possible, especially early December
This is where we live most of the time, so I’ll be completely straight with you: it’s still rainy in early December. Sometimes it pours for hours. Other times, it’s glorious in the morning and stormy by afternoon. By mid-December, things slowly start to shift, but you still need to stay flexible. In 2024, the rain and storms went on until New Year’s Eve. January is much more reliable if you’re set on the Gulf.
Koh Tao Cabana
- From $122 (€108) per night (Deluxe Villa)
- At the quiet end of Sairee, with lush gardens and sea-view bungalows.
Festivals and Seasonal Events in December
December is actually one of the most festive months in Thailand, which is a big part of why it’s peak season. Here’s what’s happening and when.
King’s Birthday, December 5
A national holiday with yellow decorations, candle ceremonies, and public events in honor of the late King Bhumibol. You’ll see photographs, banners, and lights displayed in towns and cities across the country. It’s a respectful, low-key celebration, worth pausing to notice even as a visitor.
Christmas, December 24-25
Thailand isn’t a Christian country, but big cities and tourist hotspots (Bangkok, Phuket, Samui) go all-in on festive decorations. Shopping malls twinkle with lights and Christmas trees, and most international resorts offer set-menu Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners, sometimes with a mandatory surcharge, so check the fine print before you book. It’s fun and festive without being overwhelming.
New Year’s Eve, December 31
This is a big one. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Phangan throw some of the best New Year’s Eve parties in Southeast Asia. Expect fireworks, beach parties, rooftop events, and massive crowds. In Chiang Mai, you’ll also see sky lanterns released at midnight, which is genuinely one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever watched. Book accommodation and any special dinners well in advance, things sell out weeks ahead.
Bonus: Loy Krathong / Yi Peng
Some years this falls in late November, other years in early December, depending on the lunar calendar. If your trip overlaps with it, do not miss it. Floating candles drift down rivers while paper lanterns rise into the sky in Chiang Mai and Sukhothai. Magical, even with kids, especially with kids, actually.
Celebrating Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai was one of the most memorable experiences we’ve had in Thailand so far.
Travel Tips for December in Thailand
1. Book Early
Flights, ferries, and hotels fill up fast around Christmas and New Year. Prices go up, sometimes significantly. If you’re traveling mid-to-late December, don’t wait and hope for the best. Book as far ahead as you can, especially for popular destinations like Phuket, Krabi, and Chiang Mai.
Book your Thailand adventure right here!
2. Pack for Different Climates
Bring light clothes for the south and a sweater or hoodie for the north. Chiang Mai mornings can feel genuinely cold if you’re used to tropical heat, and mountain day trips can be surprisingly brisk. You don’t need much, laundry is cheap and easy across Thailand, but a single layering option makes a big difference up north.
👉 Here’s my guide on what to wear in Thailand.
Borogo Rain Poncho (2-Pack) – $9.99
Faleave Cotton Linen Palazzo Pants – $29.69
Lululemon Align Yoga Pants – $106 – $128
COOFANDY Men’s 2-Piece Cotton Linen Set – $35.99
32 Degrees Cool Men’s Active T-Shirt – $11.99
3. Watch Out for Holiday Surcharges
Around the holidays, some hotels and restaurants charge significantly more. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinners are particularly notorious for mandatory set menus and added fees. Always check the fine print before you book a special dinner or stay, especially at resorts.
4. Protect Yourself from the Sun
Even in the cooler months, the UV in Thailand is intense. Sunscreen is non-negotiable, especially if you’re spending time at the beach or exploring temples on foot. Bring a hat, a reusable water bottle, and drink far more water than you think you need. This goes double if you’re traveling with kids.
Sample 10-Day Thailand Itinerary for December
This plan gives you a bit of everything: culture, nature, and beach. It works well for couples or first-timers. Families should have a look at the Thailand itineraries I put together here.
Days 1-3: Bangkok
- Explore temples (Grand Palace, Wat Pho)
- Ride a longtail boat on the Chao Phraya River
- Visit IconSiam or Chatuchak Market
- Optional day trip to Ayutthaya (historic ruins)
- Weather: Dry and warm, around 30-32 °C (86-90 °F)
- Tip: Stay near the river or in Sukhumvit for easy transport
Days 4-5: Chiang Mai
- Visit temples in the Old City
- Day trip to Doi Inthanon or sticky waterfalls
- Explore night markets and street food stalls
- Weather: Cool and dry, 26-28 °C (79-82 °F) during the day, 15-18 °C (59-64 °F) in the morning
- Tip: Bring a jacket for mornings and mountain trips
Days 6-7: Khao Sok National Park
- Stay in a floating bungalow
- Kayak, hike, or take a boat on Cheow Lan Lake
- Spot monkeys, birds, and (if you’re lucky) wild elephants
- Weather: Dry and cooler than the beach
- Tip: Great for a nature break before hitting the coast
Days 8-10: Phuket or Krabi
- Relax on the beach (Ao Nang, Railay, Kata, etc.)
- Take a boat trip to nearby islands (Phi Phi, Hong, James Bond Island)
- Catch the sunset and enjoy seafood (or veggie!) dinners by the sea
- Weather: Hot and sunny, 30-32 °C (86-90 °F)
- Tip: Book island tours in advance if traveling around the holidays
Want to swap the Andaman Coast for the Gulf Islands? You can go to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao instead, but aim for mid-December or later for better weather. Be ready for some rain.
What Should You Wear in Thailand in December?
It depends heavily on where you’re going, which is what makes December packing slightly trickier than other months.
- Up north (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai): Plan for chilly mornings and cool evenings. Bring a sweater or light jacket, at least one pair of long pants, and closed-toe shoes for mountain trips. Daytime is fine in a T-shirt, but you’ll want layers by sunset.
- Central and southern Thailand: Warm and humid, so breathable fabrics are your best friend. Shorts, T-shirts, linen pants, sandals, and a sunhat are the essentials. The sun is intense even when there’s a breeze, so sunscreen is non-negotiable.
- For temples: Wherever you are, you’ll need shoulder-covering tops and long skirts or pants to enter. A lightweight scarf or sarong works perfectly and doubles as a beach cover-up.
- For the Gulf Islands in early December: Toss in a foldable rain poncho or a light rain jacket. You probably won’t need it every day, but you’ll be glad it’s there when an afternoon storm rolls in.
The good news: laundry is cheap and easy across Thailand, so you don’t need to overpack. Keep it light and top up as needed.
Is Thailand Expensive in December?
December is high season in Thailand, which means higher prices, simple as that.
Flights can cost noticeably more than they would in October or November, especially if you’re booking last-minute. Hotels in popular areas like Phuket, Krabi, and Chiang Mai often fill up weeks in advance, and prices reflect the demand. Around Christmas and New Year, some resorts charge mandatory surcharges for special dinners, sometimes quite steep ones.
That said, Thailand doesn’t suddenly become expensive across the board. Street food, local markets, and basic guesthouses remain affordable throughout the country. Transportation (tuk-tuks, songthaews, local ferries) is usually stable in price too.
Money-saving tips for December in Thailand:
- Book flights and accommodation as far ahead as possible, the earlier, the cheaper
- Look at locally-owned guesthouses and smaller hotels instead of big resort chains
- Eat at markets and local restaurants rather than tourist-facing spots
- Skip the mandatory Christmas or NYE resort dinners if they’re not your thing, street food celebrations are often just as fun and a fraction of the price
- If you’re flexible, consider arriving before December 20 to beat the biggest price spike
Top Things to Do in Thailand in December
December is genuinely one of the best months to be here, and there’s no shortage of things to do.
- In the north: Hiking, mountain biking, and exploring night markets are all at their best during cool season. Day trips to Doi Inthanon (Thailand’s highest peak), the sticky waterfalls near Chiang Mai, or the hill tribe villages around Chiang Rai are all very doable in December’s pleasant temperatures.
- In central Thailand: Bangkok shines for riverside walks, temple-hopping, and market exploring. The cooler, less humid air makes long days of sightseeing far more manageable than in peak summer.
- On the Andaman Coast: December is prime time for beach hopping, snorkeling, diving, and boat tours to the islands. Visibility underwater is excellent, seas are calm, and the sunsets are ridiculous in the best possible way.
- Festive events: Christmas decorations and events pop up in bigger cities and tourist areas, New Year’s Eve fireworks are spectacular in Bangkok and Phuket, and if you time it right, Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai or Sukhothai is one of those experiences you’ll be talking about for years.
- For families: Kid-friendly attractions run as normal throughout December, and the cooler temperatures (especially up north) make outdoor exploring much more comfortable than in the sticky, humid months.
Key Takeaways
- Go north or to the Andaman Coast for the most reliable, beautiful weather in December, these regions are genuinely hard to beat
- Book flights and hotels far in advance, especially if you’re traveling anywhere from December 20 onward
- Pack for both cool and hot climates, a jacket for Chiang Mai mornings, breathable layers for the south
- December is high season, so expect higher prices on flights, hotels, and some tours compared to the rest of the year
- Gulf Islands carry a rain risk until mid-December, if you’re set on Samui, Phangan, or Tao, aim for the second half of the month and stay flexible
- Temples require modest clothing everywhere in Thailand, cover shoulders and knees, or carry a sarong
- Christmas and New Year bring big crowds and holiday surcharges at resorts and restaurants, read the fine print
- Markets and street food remain affordable throughout December, even when hotel prices spike
👉 You might also like:
– 12 Best Places to Stay in Thailand – Top Family Picks
– How Much is a Trip to Thailand?
Final Thoughts on Visiting Thailand in December
Thailand in December can be magical, if you choose the right spots. Stick to the north or the Andaman Coast and you’ll get sunshine, blue skies, and some of the best travel conditions of the year. Head to the Gulf islands, and you might be fine, or you might spend a few days watching it pour while checking the weather app obsessively. We’ve done both.
Either way, December is a wonderful time to explore Thailand. The festive atmosphere, the cooler temperatures (relative to the rest of the year), and the sheer variety of things to do make it one of my favourite months to be here.
Have you visited Thailand in December? How was it? Let me know in the comments!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day!
Yours, Lulu
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack for Thailand in December?
Pack light, breathable clothing for the south and coast, shorts, T-shirts, linen pants, and sandals. For northern Thailand, bring a sweater or light jacket and long pants, as mornings and evenings can be genuinely chilly. Temple visits require shoulder-covering tops and long skirts or pants. If you’re heading to the Gulf Islands in early December, a foldable rain poncho is worth the small amount of bag space it takes. And sunscreen, always sunscreen.
Does it rain in Thailand in December?
Rain in December depends entirely on the region. The north and Andaman Coast get very little rain, making them reliable choices. The Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, can still see heavy rain, especially in the first two weeks of December. In 2024, storms on the Gulf coast continued all the way through New Year’s Eve, so the timing really does vary year to year.
Can you swim in Thailand in December?
Yes, swimming is great in December, on the right coast. The Andaman side (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta) has calm, clear water with excellent conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The Gulf can be rougher if storms are still passing through in early December. Aim for the Andaman Coast if reliable beach conditions are a priority.
Is Thailand crowded in December?
Very. December is one of the busiest months of the year, particularly from mid-December through New Year. Popular areas like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi get packed. Book flights, ferries, and accommodation well in advance, especially for travel between December 20 and January 2, which is the absolute peak window.
Are there any special events in December in Thailand?
Yes, December has several notable events. King Bhumibol’s Birthday is celebrated on December 5 with candle ceremonies and public commemorations. Christmas is celebrated in tourist areas with decorations, lights, and festive dinners at resorts. New Year’s Eve brings fireworks, sky lanterns (in Chiang Mai), and parties across the country. If the lunar calendar lines up, Loy Krathong and Yi Peng can also fall in late November or early December, a lantern festival that is genuinely not to be missed.
Is Thailand good to visit at Christmas?
Absolutely. Resorts and cities across Thailand decorate for Christmas, and many hotels offer special festive dinners. It’s not a local holiday, but the tourist infrastructure fully embraces it. Just be aware that it’s one of the busiest and most expensive travel windows of the year, so plan and book well ahead.
