Thailand in December – Weather, Best Places & Tips 2026

Is December a Good Time to Visit Thailand?

Yes—if you choose the right region.
December is dry and beautiful in northern Thailand and on the Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi). But the Gulf islands like Koh Samui or Koh Phangan can still be rainy, especially in early December. I’ve spent many Decembers here, and location matters more than the month itself.

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.

Our Quick Picks
🌴 Planning your trip? Check my Thailand Itinerary and big Weather Guide.
🤿 Here’s my list of top Scuba Diving Sites in Thailand.

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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).

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 chilly in the mountains and at night. In our first December in Chiang Mai in 2019, we had a couple of chilling 10°C (50°F) mornings. I couldn’t believe that was possible in Thailand.

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 not as humid as the rest of the year. Great for walking around, hopping on boats, or exploring street markets without feeling like you’re melting.

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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 good option if you want beach time in December. The weather is usually stable, and the sea is calm enough for boat trips.

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. It’s hot, sunny, and perfect for island hopping (like this tour). You’ll get great visibility for snorkeling and diving, and calm seas for boat trips. This is where I’d go if I wanted a worry-free beach holiday in December.

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, and it’s still rainy in early December. Sometimes it pours for hours. Other times, it’s sunny in the morning and stormy by afternoon. By mid-December, things slowly start to shift, but you still have to be flexible. In 2024, the rain and storms went on until New Year’s Eve. January is much more reliable.

Festivals and Seasonal Events in December

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 photos and lights in many towns.

Christmas – December 24–25

Thailand isn’t a Christian country, but big cities and tourist spots (like Bangkok, Phuket, and Samui) decorate with lights and trees. Most international resorts offer Christmas dinners.

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New Year’s Eve – December 31

Big celebration, especially in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Phangan. Expect fireworks, parties, and big crowds. In Chiang Mai, you’ll also see sky lanterns released at midnight.

Bonus: Loy Krathong / Yi Peng

Some years this falls in late November or early December. If your trip overlaps, don’t miss it! Floating candles and lanterns fill the sky in Chiang Mai and Sukhothai. Magical, even with kids. Celebrating Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai was one of the most memorable experiences we had in Thailand so far.

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Travel Tips for December in Thailand

1. Book Early

Flights, ferries, and hotels fill up fast around Christmas and New Year. Prices go up. If you’re traveling mid-late December, don’t wait. 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 cold if you’re used to tropical heat.

👉 Here’s my guide on what to wear in Thailand.

3. Watch Out for Holiday Surcharges

Around the holidays, some hotels and restaurants charge extra. Especially Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinners. Check the fine print before you book.

4. Protect Yourself from the Sun

Even in cooler weather, the UV is strong. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and drink tons of water, especially if you’re exploring on foot with kids.

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Sample 10-Day Thailand Itinerary for December

This plan gives you a bit of everything: culture, nature, 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.

Key Takeaways – Thailand in December

• December is a great time to visit most parts of Thailand, especially the north and the Andaman Coast.
• The Gulf islands (Samui, Phangan, Tao) can still be rainy—wait until mid-December or later if you’re going there.
• Expect peak season crowds and prices around Christmas and New Year—book early.
• Weather is mostly dry and warm, but the north gets cool at night—pack layers.
• Best beach weather is on the Andaman side: Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta.
• Perfect month for a mix of culture and beach, with festivals, good food, and beautiful sunsets.

👉 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.

If you’re chasing sunshine, stick to the north or the Andaman Coast. If you’re heading to the Gulf islands, come later in the month and keep your plans flexible.

Either way, December is a great time to explore.

Have you visited Thailand in December? How was it? Please let me know in the comments! 

Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu

FAQ – Thailand in December