Key Takeaways
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December is a peak month to visit Thailand. The weather is cooler and drier across most of Thailand, which is ideal for beach vacations and sightseeing.
However, the place you choose to visit in December matters. Bangkok and Chiang Mai have dry weather, while Phuket and Krabi enter the best beach season. Koh Samui, on the other hand, can still receive more rain because the Gulf coast follows a different rainfall pattern.
If you are travelling from India to Thailand during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday, December is a good month to consider. All you have to do is choose the right part of the country and book early if your trip falls around Christmas or New Year.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Thailand?
December is among the best months to visit Thailand for a mix of beach activities and city sightseeing.
The main reason to visit in December is the weather: it’s a cool season, and temperatures are more comfortable than during the hotter months.
Bangkok is 23°C – 32° C, without the intense heat and humidity that begins in March, while northern Thailand places like Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai have the best weather with 17 – 29°C.
The beaches are also a major reason people choose December. People make Phuket and Krabi itineraries and enjoy complete beach experiences such as island hopping, swimming, snorkelling and boat trips.
One Drawback in Thailand During December
With so many benefits, there is one catch, that is December is the peak season. If you travel during the last two weeks of December, you will pay more for flights and accommodation, and popular places can get crowded. Christmas and New Year especially bring more crowds across Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, and the islands.
So, if you have flexibility, the first half of December can give you similar weather without the rush.
Thailand Weather in December
Thailand does not have one weather pattern in December. The north, central region, and southern coasts can feel quite different. So, here are the top destinations in the country and their climate details.
| Destination | Avg. Day temperature | Avg. Night temperature |
| Bangkok | 32°C | 23°C |
| Pattaya | 31°C | 24°C |
| Chiang Mai | 29°C | 17°C |
| Phuket | 33°C | 25°C |
| Krabi | 32°C | 23°C |
| Koh Samui | 29°C | 24°C |
Note: These are just average December climate conditions, so actual weather can change from year to year.
Best Places to Visit in Thailand in December
December gives you plenty of options in Thailand, but each destination offers a different experience during this month.
Here are the places worth considering to add to your Thailand itinerary that make a perfect December vacation from India.
1. Bangkok
- Temperature: 23°C to 32°C.
- Ideal Stay: 2 – 3 days.
December is the top month to visit Bangkok because the city is warm without the heat. Rainfall is also lower, so you can spend your mornings visiting temples in Bangkok. After 6:00 PM, experience the energetic nightclubs, rooftop bars, food streets, and night markets in Bangkok.
The city also has Christmas decorations and New Year celebrations during the last weeks of December, although this is when shopping areas and popular attractions become crowded.
The Best Bangkok Experiences in December
- Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew around 9:00 AM before many people visit.
- Go on a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River and see the city lights from the water.
- Walk around Chinatown and Yaowarat in the evening for street food and souvenir shopping in Bangkok.
- Visit Bangkok’s shopping malls around Siam and Ratchaprasong, especially if you want to see the Christmas and New Year decorations.
- Visit the Jim Thompson House for indoor activities such as admiring Asian art, traditional Thai houses, walking in the garden, and shopping for silk.
- Join the New Year countdown celebrations in Bangkok on December 31 at ICONSIAM or CentralWorld.
2. Chiang Mai
- Temperature: 17°C to 29°C.
- Ideal Stay: 2 – 3 days.
Daytime in Chiang Mai is comfortable for sightseeing, but early mornings and evenings can be cool.
This is also the month to take advantage of Chiang Mai’s outdoor attractions as the climate is ideal for walking around. You can spend the morning visiting temples, hiking the mountains, ziplining, trying whitewater rafting, and going on ATV rides.
If you plan any activities in Chiang Mai at noon, it is good to carry a light jacket, especially when visiting mountain peaks, as the weather is cool.
Chiang Mai Activities in December
- Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple and enjoy the cooler weather on the mountain.
- Take a day trip to Doi Inthanon, especially if you want to experience the colder side of Thailand.
- Visit Chiang Mai Old City for ancient temples.
- For Chiang Mai nightlife, visit Nimmanhaemin Road for cafes, DJ bars, restaurants, and local shops.
- Visit Royal Park Rajapruek and spend time outdoors among the gardens.
- Spend an evening at Chiang Mai’s night markets for local food and shopping.
3. Phuket
- Temperature: 25°C to 33°C.
- Ideal Stay: 3 – 4 days.
Phuket is among Thailand’s top island destinations, and December is ideal, as it falls in the dry season. The warmer weather and lower rainfall make it easier to plan boat trips, swimming and other water activities.
However, December also brings crowds; the place you stay in Phuket can change the vacation vibe. To experience the loud Christmas and New Year celebration, stay in the Patong Beach area. For a quiet atmosphere, choose Kata Beach and Mai Khao.
Things to do in Phuket in December
- Take a Phi Phi Islands tour for swimming and snorkelling.
- Visit Phang Nga Bay and visit the limestone islands by boat.
- Head to Phuket Old Town to see its Sino-Portuguese buildings and go cafe hopping.
- Go to Wat Chalong, Phuket’s important Buddhist temple.
- Don’t miss the Karon Viewpoint for views across Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon bays.
- Visit Laem Phromthep around sunset when the weather is clear.
- Walk around Bangla Road, the most talked-about place in Phuket for nightlife.
4. Krabi
- Temperature: 23°C to 32°C.
- Ideal Stay: 3 – 4 days.
Krabi is close to Phuket, about a 1.5-hour speedboat ride away. Combine the two destinations or plan a separate Krabi itinerary.
December weather is better for boat trips than the wetter months, so you can plan more outdoor activities without needing backup days.
Ao Nang is the main place in Krabi for finding accommodation and easy access to boat trips. Railay Beach is another major attraction and is reachable by boat from the Ao Nang area.
Top Krabi Activities in December
- Spend a day at Railay Beach and visit the surrounding limestone cliffs.
- Take a four-island boat trip to places such as Koh Poda and Chicken Island.
- Visit Thale Waek, where a sandbar appears between islands at low tide.
- Go snorkelling around the islands when sea conditions are better.
- Take a day trip to Phi Phi Islands from Krabi.
- Spend an evening at Ao Nang Beach for restaurants and sunset views.
- Visit the Emerald Pool and walk through the surrounding forest.
5. Pattaya
- Temperature: 24°C to 31°C.
- Ideal Stay: 1 – 2 days.
To experience Bangkok and have a beach vacation without long travel or domestic flights, Pattaya is a good option. Bangkok to Pattaya is around a 2-hour drive; add both to your itinerary.
Pattaya in December offers dry weather, making it easier to combine the beach with outdoor activities. Pattaya also has great nightlife and entertainment compared with most quieter beach destinations in Thailand.
Things to do in Pattaya in December
- Take a day trip to Koh Larn for beaches and water activities.
- Spend time at Jomtien Beach away from central Pattaya for a quieter atmosphere.
- Visit the Sanctuary of Truth and see its detailed wooden architecture.
- Visit Khao Chi Chan Buddha Mountain in the cooler morning hours.
- Try water activities in Pattaya Beach such as parasailing, snorkelling, jet skiing, and sailing when sea conditions allow.
- Visit Nongnooch Tropical Garden for its gardens and cultural shows, like Thai dance and Muay Thai.
- Spend an evening around Pattaya Walking Street if nightlife is part of your trip, and then try seafood.
6. Koh Samui
- Temperature: 24°C to 29°C.
- Ideal Stay: 2 – 3 days.
As Koh Samui transitions out of its monsoon season, you may still experience occasional rainfall.
If you want to visit Koh Samui in December, keep some flexibility in your plans instead of packing the itinerary with boat trips and beach activities every day.
The island still has plenty to do beyond beach activities. Chaweng and Lamai are the main beaches for swimming and relaxing, while the island also has temples, viewpoints, food experiences and access to Ang Thong National Marine Park.
Chaweng Beach is a good place to stay in Koh Samui. This area offers restaurants, bars, DJs, and beachside fire shows, making it the most recommended spot to experience Koh Samui nightlife.
Must-Try Things in Koh Samui in December
- Visit Chaweng Beach on a clear morning for swimming and beach time.
- Spend an afternoon at Lamai Beach and visit the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rock formations nearby.
- Take a boat trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park if the sea conditions are suitable.
- Walk around Fisherman’s Village in Bophut in the evening for restaurants, shops and the beachfront.
- Try a Thai cooking class, which also gives you an indoor option if it rains.
- Try Muay Thai training or watch a live Muay Thai match.
- Experience the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan by taking round-trip boats from Koh Samui.
Conclusion
Thailand in December is one of the best months to plan your vacation, because you can choose between different experiences in the same country.
Spend a few days in Bangkok, head north to the cooler weather of Chiang Mai, or fly south for beaches and island trips.
Just remember that December is the peak season. If you want Phuket or Krabi around Christmas and New Year, book early. If you want a quieter and more affordable trip, travel in the first half of December.
To plan your Thailand trip in the right season with activities that suit your expectations, contact Dimaak Tours. We will help you plan your itinerary and guide you through your entire vacation.
FAQs on Thailand in December
1. How does December weather vary between Bangkok and Chiang Mai?
Bangkok stays warm in December, with daytime temperatures around 32°C, while Chiang Mai is cooler at around 29°C during the day and 17°C at night. If you are travelling to northern Thailand, carry a light jacket for early mornings and evenings, especially if you are visiting mountain areas.
2. Is December a good time to visit Thailand for outdoor activities and sightseeing?
December’s cooler weather and lower rainfall across most destinations make it suitable for sightseeing, island hopping, boat trips, snorkelling, and other outdoor activities. Phuket and Krabi are better for beach activities, while Bangkok and Chiang Mai are great for sightseeing and cultural experiences.
3. Which places in Thailand are popular and suitable for first-time visitors?
Bangkok is the top place for first-time visitors because it combines temples, shopping, food, and nightlife. You can then add Phuket or Krabi for a beach-focused holiday. Chiang Mai is another option if you want cooler weather and mountain experiences.
4. Is Thailand rainy in December?
Most popular destinations have low rainfall in December, but the weather isn’t uniform across the country. Phuket and Krabi are much drier and give the best weather for water activities, but Koh Samui can still receive rain.
5. What is the best time to visit Thailand for sunny weather and less rain?
December to February is a good period to visit Thailand for sunny weather and lower rainfall. For beaches, Phuket and Krabi on the Andaman coast are better in December, while Koh Samui can still receive more rain during this month. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are also great for shopping, sightseeing, and cultural experiences like temple visits and cooking classes.
