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When to go · Thailand

Thailand in December

Great month. Peak season: dry except the Gulf in early December; 20 Dec – 5 Jan prices are the year's highest.

Key facts

Verdict
Great
Crowds
High
Thailand
Prices
High
Thailand

Verdict

GreatVoykit month rating for Thailand

Peak season: dry except the Gulf in early December; 20 Dec – 5 Jan prices are the year's highest.

Is another month better than December?

No other month rates higher than December for Thailand in this guide.

Weather in December

  • Bangkok and centre · Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburibest weather

    Cool season Nov–Feb is the easy window; April reaches 38 °C (100 °F); September and October bring street flooding in short bursts.

  • North · Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Paibest weather

    Cool nights Dec–Jan; the burning season (Feb–Apr) puts air quality among the worst in Asia — check AQI before booking.

  • Andaman coast · Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Khao Lakbest weather

    Southwest monsoon May–Oct: rough seas, red-flag beaches, and the Similan and Surin parks closed.

  • Gulf islands · Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Taorainy

    Opposite rhythm: dry and calm Feb–Sep, wettest Oct–Dec when ferries can cancel.

  • Eastern Thailand: Eastern Gulf Coast · Pattaya, Rayong, Ko Samet, Ko Changbest weather

    The Gulf side takes most of its rain from May to October; November to February is the drier, cooler window and the peak for island beds.

  • Isaan: Khorat Plateau · All of Isaancool

    Dec–Jan days 25–30 °C (77–86 °F), nights down to about 10 °C (50 °F). Feb–Apr 30–35 °C (86–95 °F) and humid, with smoky air from cane burning. May–Aug very wet.

  • Ko Pha-ngan: Ko Pha-ngan · Gulf of Thailandbest weather

    Best months Dec–Mar (dry, clear water). Jul–Aug is a secondary warm season with less rain. May–Oct is monsoon with heavy rain and rough seas.

  • Ko Samui: Ko Samui · Gulf of Thailandrainy

    Dry season Feb–Sep; rainy season Oct–Dec with heavy downpours. Best months: Jan–Feb (dry and slightly cooler).

  • Northern Thailand: Chiang Mai and the plains · valleys and lowland citiesbest weather

    Cool season Nov–Feb brings 15–20 °C (59–68 °F) nights; Mar–May is 35 °C (95 °F)+ and smoky; Jun–Oct is green with afternoon rain.

  • Northern Thailand: Hill country (Mae Hong Son, Doi Inthanon) · above about 1,000 mcold

    Cold-season nights on the ridges can drop near freezing; bring a layer even in the hot season.

  • Southern Thailand: Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Lanta, Lipe) · west-facing coastbest weather

    Dry roughly Nov–Apr; May–Oct brings rain and rougher seas, and some islands and dive sites shut.

  • Southern Thailand: Gulf coast (Samui, Phangan, Tao) · east-facing coast south of Chumphonfine

    Driest roughly Feb–Sep; heaviest rain and wind Oct–Dec.

  • Bangkok31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Amnat Charoen28 °C (82 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 2 rain days
  • Amphawa31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days
  • Ang Thong31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 3 rain days
  • Ao Luek32 °C (90 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 6 rain days
  • Ao Nai Wok29 °C (84 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 12 rain days
  • Ao Nang31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 7 rain days
  • Aranyaprathet31 °C (88 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 1 rain days
  • Ban Kai30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 10 rain days
  • Ban Krut30 °C (86 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 2 rain days
  • Ban Phe30 °C (86 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 2 rain days
  • Ban Rak Thai22 °C (72 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 4 rain days
  • Ban Tai32 °C (90 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 5 rain days
  • Bang Pa‑In31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Bang Rak30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 12 rain days
  • Bang Saen30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Bang Thao31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 5 rain days
  • Betong27 °C (81 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 11 rain days
  • Bophut29 °C (84 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 13 rain days
  • Bottle Beach30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 13 rain days
  • Buriram30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 5 rain days
  • Cape Panwa31 °C (88 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 5 rain days
  • Cha-am30 °C (86 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 2 rain days
  • Chachoengsao28 °C (82 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 1 rain days
  • Chai Nat31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Chaiya32 °C (90 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 5 rain days
  • Chaiyaphum29 °C (84 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 5 rain days
  • Chalok Lam30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 2 rain days
  • Chalong Bay30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 2 rain days
  • Chaweng29 °C (84 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 13 rain days
  • Chiang Dao28 °C (82 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 1 rain days
  • Chiang Khan24 °C (75 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 5 rain days
  • Chiang Khong28 °C (82 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 2 rain days
  • Chiang Rai28 °C (82 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 2 rain days
  • Chiang Saen28 °C (82 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 2 rain days
  • Choeng Mon29 °C (84 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 13 rain days
  • Chonburi31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Chong Mek28 °C (82 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 4 rain days
  • Chumphon30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 8 rain days
  • Damnoen Saduak31 °C (88 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 2 rain days
  • Dan Chang31 °C (88 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 1 rain days
  • Doi Tung27 °C (81 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 2 rain days
  • Fang27 °C (81 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 2 rain days
  • Haad Chao Phao29 °C (84 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 12 rain days
  • Haad Rin30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days
  • Haad Salad30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 15 rain days
  • Haad Son29 °C (84 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 14 rain days
  • Haad Yao30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 2 rain days
  • Had Yao31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 7 rain days
  • Hang Chat30 °C (86 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 1 rain days
  • Hat Lek30 °C (86 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 5 rain days
  • Hat Yai30 °C (86 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 18 rain days
  • Hua Hin30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 3 rain days
  • Jom Jang29 °C (84 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 1 rain days
  • Jomtien31 °C (88 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 1 rain days
  • Kalasin30 °C (86 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 2 rain days
  • Kamala31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 5 rain days
  • Kamphaeng Phet31 °C (88 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 1 rain days
  • Kanchanaburi32 °C (90 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 1 rain days
  • Karon31 °C (88 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 7 rain days
  • Kata32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 6 rain days
  • Khanom30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Khok Kloi28 °C (82 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days
  • Khon Kaen31 °C (88 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 1 rain days
  • Khun Yuam28 °C (82 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 1 rain days
  • Ko Bulon Leh31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 5 rain days
  • Ko Kret31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 1 rain days
  • Ko Kut30 °C (86 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 3 rain days
  • Ko Lipe31 °C (88 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 6 rain days
  • Ko Mak31 °C (88 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 3 rain days
  • Ko Muk30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 6 rain days
  • Ko Nang Yuan30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 2 rain days
  • Ko Samet31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Ko Sichang28 °C (82 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 3 rain days
  • Ko Sire32 °C (90 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 7 rain days
  • Ko Tao29 °C (84 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 10 rain days
  • Krabi Town31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 7 rain days
  • Laem Chabang31 °C (88 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 2 rain days
  • Laem Sing31 °C (88 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 2 rain days
  • Laem Yai30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 11 rain days
  • Lamai29 °C (84 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 11 rain days
  • Lampang30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 1 rain days
  • Lamphun27 °C (81 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 2 rain days
  • Lang Suan30 °C (86 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 5 rain days
  • Loei30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 2 rain days
  • Lom Sak31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Lopburi31 °C (88 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 1 rain days
  • Mae Hong Son29 °C (84 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 2 rain days
  • Mae La Noi30 °C (86 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 1 rain days
  • Mae Nam28 °C (82 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 2 rain days
  • Mae Rim29 °C (84 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 1 rain days
  • Mae Sai27 °C (81 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 2 rain days
  • Mae Salong23 °C (73 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 2 rain days
  • Mae Sariang27 °C (81 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 2 rain days
  • Mae Sot31 °C (88 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 1 rain days
  • Maha Sarakham30 °C (86 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 2 rain days
  • Mai Khao31 °C (88 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 3 rain days
  • Mukdahan29 °C (84 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 5 rain days
  • Nai Han30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 2 rain days
  • Nai Thon and Nai Yang32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 2 rain days
  • Nakhon Nayok28 °C (82 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 5 rain days
  • Nakhon Pathom29 °C (84 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 4 rain days
  • Nakhon Phanom29 °C (84 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 2 rain days
  • Nakhon Ratchasima30 °C (86 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 1 rain days
  • Nakhon Sawan31 °C (88 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 1 rain days
  • Nakhon Si Thammarat29 °C (84 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 12 rain days
  • Nan29 °C (84 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 1 rain days
  • Nang Rong30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 5 rain days
  • Narathiwat30 °C (86 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 14 rain days
  • Nathon29 °C (84 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 12 rain days
  • Nong Bua Lamphu29 °C (84 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 2 rain days
  • Nong Khai30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 1 rain days
  • Nonthaburi31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 5 rain days
  • Padang Besar31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days
  • Pai28 °C (82 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 2 rain days
  • Pak Bara31 °C (88 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 6 rain days
  • Pak Chong30 °C (86 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 2 rain days
  • Pangmapha28 °C (82 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 1 rain days
  • Pathum Thani30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Patong31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 6 rain days
  • Pattani29 °C (84 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 13 rain days
  • Phatthalung28 °C (82 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 5 rain days
  • Phayao28 °C (82 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 1 rain days
  • Phetchabun30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 5 rain days
  • Phetchaburi31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 5 rain days
  • Phichit30 °C (86 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 5 rain days
  • Phimai31 °C (88 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 2 rain days
  • Phitsanulok31 °C (88 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 1 rain days
  • Phon Phisai30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 1 rain days
  • Phrae28 °C (82 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 2 rain days
  • Phuket Town32 °C (90 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 7 rain days
  • Prachinburi30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 1 rain days
  • Prachuap Khiri Khan30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 4 rain days
  • Rai Leh31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 7 rain days
  • Rangsit30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 4 rain days
  • Ranong32 °C (90 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 6 rain days
  • Ratchaburi31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 2 rain days
  • Rawai31 °C (88 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 2 rain days
  • Roi Et30 °C (86 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 1 rain days
  • Sadao31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 6 rain days
  • Sakon Nakhon30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 1 rain days
  • Samoeng24 °C (75 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 4 rain days
  • Samut Prakan31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 4 rain days
  • Samut Sakhon30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Samut Songkhram31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 5 rain days
  • Sangkhla Buri31 °C (88 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 2 rain days
  • Saraburi31 °C (88 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 1 rain days
  • Sathing Phra30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Satun31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 6 rain days
  • Si Racha32 °C (90 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 2 rain days
  • Si Satchanalai24 °C (75 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 5 rain days
  • Sing Buri31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days
  • Sisaket28 °C (82 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 2 rain days
  • Songkhla28 °C (82 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 3 rain days
  • Sri Thanu29 °C (84 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 13 rain days
  • Sukhothai30 °C (86 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 1 rain days
  • Sungai Kolok30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Suphanburi31 °C (88 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 1 rain days
  • Surat Thani29 °C (84 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 13 rain days
  • Surin, Southern Thailand31 °C (88 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 7 rain days
  • Surin30 °C (86 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 1 rain days
  • Tak Bai30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Tak30 °C (86 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 4 rain days
  • Takua Pa31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 6 rain days
  • Thaton28 °C (82 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 1 rain days
  • Thong Nai Pan30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 3 rain days
  • Thong Sala30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 6 rain days
  • Thonglang Bay30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 12 rain days
  • Ton Sai32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 5 rain days
  • Trat30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Ubon Ratchathani31 °C (88 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 1 rain days
  • Udon Thani30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 1 rain days
  • Umphang31 °C (88 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 1 rain days
  • Uthai Thani30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days
  • Uttaradit29 °C (84 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 5 rain days
  • Yala30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 6 rain days
  • Yasothon29 °C (84 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 5 rain days
  • Chiang Mai28 °C (82 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 2 rain days
  • Phuket31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 11 rain days
  • Pattaya31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 2 rain days

Festivals and holidays

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

  • New Year

    31 Dec – 1 Jan

    Beach and island beds sell out; Bangkok roads and trains packed on 30 Dec and 2 Jan.

  • Royal and memorial days

    28 Jul, 12 Aug, 13 Oct, 23 Oct, 5 Dec

    Public holidays; government offices closed, some roads closed for ceremonies.

  • Bangkok Marathon and city runs check

    Autumn weekends (check) · Bangkok

    Early-morning road closures in the old city.

  • Father's Day and Constitution Day

    5 and 10 December · Bangkok

    Public holidays; events around Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen.

  • New Year countdown

    31 December · Bangkok

    River fireworks and huge crowds; roads close and taxis disappear after midnight — use the BTS or MRT, which run late (check).

Crowds and prices

Crowds · Thailand
High
Prices · Thailand
High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Thailand, side by side.

  • Verdict

    Dec: Great

    Jan: Great

  • Crowds

    Dec: High

    Jan: High

  • Prices

    Dec: High

    Jan: High

  • Festivals listed

    Dec: 5

    Jan: 3

December: Peak season: dry except the Gulf in early December; 20 Dec – 5 Jan prices are the year's highest.

January: Cool and dry nearly everywhere: the easiest month; book islands and Chiang Mai early.

Thailand: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

  • A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Where to go in December

Rated best or good this month

  • Bangkok and centre

    Best weather of the year (Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi)

  • North

    Best weather of the year (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai)

  • Andaman coast

    Best weather of the year (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Khao Lak)

  • Bangkok

    Cool and dry; peak crowds and prices around New Year.

  • Amnat Charoen

    Best months: Nov–Feb

  • Amphawa

    Best months: Nov–Feb (dry, cooler)

  • Ang Thong

    Best months: Nov–Feb

  • Ao Luek

    Best months: Nov–Apr

  • Ao Nang

    Best months: Nov–Apr

  • Aranyaprathet

    Best months: Nov–Feb

  • Ban Krut

    Best months: Nov–Apr

  • Ban Phe

    Best months: Nov–Feb (dry, cooler)