Thailand Weather in December

December can be safely called the golden season as the climate of Thailand at this time is the most favorable for a trip. The end of the year is one of the best months to travel in Thailand with minimal rainfall, favorable temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Weather conditions are favorable in Bangkok and central Thailand, as well as in the north of the country.

Most of Thailand beaches have superb weather conditions in December. It has colder evenings and Thais call this time a "winter period", although by tourist’s standards it is basically no winter here. The southeast is the only region to see more rainfall. Dry conditions and warm sea temperatures off the west coast make December an ideal month for visiting the west coast.

The weather in Thailand in December is very similar to November. The dry season continues and this means that the wonderful holiday can be expected. However, with excellent weather, December knows the beginning of the high tourist season with a peak during the celebrations of the end of the year.

Summary of Thailand weather in December

Average temperature: 27°C

Average daytime temperature: 31°C

Average temperature at night: 19°C

Number of sunny hours: 8

Precipitation in mm: 29 mm

Number of rainy days in the month: 10

Water temperature: 29°C

Details about the weather in December

Bangkok and Central Thailand

Bangkok and the central region begin the warm and dry season. It is basically rain-free in December. Daytime temperatures are between 25-30°C, in the evening temperatures can drop to 20°C. The capital and Ayutthaya have around nine hours of sunshine a day. It is definitely a great time to visit the sights in this region and explore the Bangkok city.

Eastern Thailand

Like Bangkok and Central Thailand, the east is very pleasant in December. Little rain, lots of sun and clear sky can also be expected in the eastern part of the country. Daytime temperatures are around 30-31°C, with colder evenings with temperatures around 22°C, sometimes slightly below 20°C. The water temperature is around 28°C. With a pleasant climate, this month is a good time to go to this place in Thailand. Pattaya, Koh Chang and the surrounding islands are very popular at this time, especially during Christmas and New Year.

Northern Thailand

December is a good month to visit Chiang Mai and the northern provinces in Thailand. You will find nine hours of daily sunshine there. Daily temperatures are below 30°C. The evenings are cold and you will definitely need a light sweater or jacket. December is the coldest month in the north and temperatures can drop to around 15°C at night. You will see Thais in jackets, winter hats and gloves. If you want to make an excursion to the mountains, then be sure to take warm clothes with you, because the temperature in the mountains, especially at high altitude, is much lower. The risk of rain is minimal, on average there are two rainy days this month with short and light showers. You will stay dry during your vacation!

Northeast Thailand - Isan

The weather in the northeast is slightly warmer than in the north, but even in Isan, December is the coldest month. There will be low temperature with an average of 17°C to 29°C. The rain showers are rare and the sky offers beautiful sun. Thais gather here around the campfire in the evening at this time.

Southern Thailand - East Coast

On the southern coast of the Gulf of Thailand and the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, it is still raining a bit, but the sun is present between the showers. In the second half of the month, high sea waves and heavy winds are possible in this region. Daytime temperatures are just below 30°C, with water temperatures being the same. The evening temperatures are around 24°C. Despite the worse weather compared to other regions, there are many tourists on the beaches of Thailand and along with this, the cost of staying in hotels increases.

Southern Thailand - West Coast

The weather here is better than on the east coast, although not as good as on Koh Chang in Eastern Thailand. There is lots of sun and occasional short showers with around 10 rainy days. Temperatures reach around 24°C to 31°C. The water temperatures are a pleasant 28°C. December is a good time to visit the islands of southwest Thailand. The sea is quiet and crystal clear, during this period of the year diving is very popular.

Tips for planning a vacation in Thailand in December

The pleasant holiday weather offers many opportunities for a trip to the beach and excursions in the big cities. Both coasts in the south are ideal for a beach holiday in December, although the Andaman coast may have a little better weather. With the water temperature not getting lower than 27˚С, you can spend the whole day in the sea.

Due to the fact that the high holiday season starts in December, the influx of tourists come to Thailand, especially in the second half of December. The magical weather in Thailand attracts many people who want to celebrate Christmas and New Year here. At this time, you will have trouble finding hotels and flights. Therefore, definitely book your accommodation and plane tickets a couple of months before the trip!

If the travel budget is limited, you better postpone your trip to the second week of January, when the number of tourists in the country will subside a little, and prices will drop slightly.

In December, many airlines operate direct flights to the smaller airport such as Chiang Rai, Pattaya. This can be very convenient for tourists with children, but do not forget that such direct charter flights are always more expensive than regular flights with connections.

Fairs and Festivals in December

Since December is the most popular travel time of the year for Thailand vacation, this month is rich in events and festivals. The end of the month is obviously very busy, but before that, there is an incredible number of festivals and other major events. From beach parties to park concerts, trade fairs, cultural festivals and much more.

An important holiday that takes place in Thailand in December is Constitution Day. However, the most grandiose celebrations are organized on the occasion of the birthday of King Bhumibol Adunyadet, December 5. This day marks the anniversary of King Rama IX and Father’s Day. Thai people dress in yellow, which is the color of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and businesses do not sell alcohol.

There are many flower festivals in the country such as Suan Luang Rama IX Flowers Festival in Bangkok with lots of varieties of flowers in the park. There are also many animations. Chiang Rai Flower Festival is where agricultural shows mix with concerts and flower arrangement competitions. Another interesting place is Blooming Bua Tong Festival. There will be flower of Bua Tong (Mexican Sunflowers) in bloom on the hills and valleys of Mae Hong Son.

In the north, there is also the Chiang Mai International Balloon Festival. You will see dozens of very colorful hot air balloons flying over the Ping River every day and light and sound shows. Every year, 100,000 visitors are expected to come.

The Full Moon Party, is a tourist festival which takes place on the beach of Haad Rin on Koh Phangan every month of the year, on the day of the full moon. During seasonal peaks, the Full Moon Party can bring together nearly 20,000 tourists.

In the villages nothing happens on the Christmas Day, but in big cities and mainly in the shopping centers in Bangkok, Christmas is celebrated. The area is adorned with lights, figures of Santa Claus and decorations with fancy artificial Christmas trees for the occasion.

December 31 and January 1 are public holidays in Thailand. In big cities, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai Phuket, and Pattaya, New Year’s Celebration is organized. Most nightclubs are open all night long, it is also possible to attend outdoor singing and dancing performances

Overall weather conditions in Thailand in December

Bangkok weather in December is ✦ - perfect

Chiang Mai weather in December is ✦ - perfect

Krabi weather in December is ✦ - perfect

Koh Samui weather in December is ✦ - very good

Phuket weather in December is ✦ - perfect

Pattaya weather in December is ✦ - perfect

Kanchanaburi weather in December is ✦ - perfect

Hua Hin weather in December is ✦ - perfect

Koh Chang weather in December is ✦ - perfect

Isan weather in December is ✦ - perfect

 

Chance of rain in Thailand in December

Chance of rain in Bangkok in December is:

✦ - chance of getting wet is close to minimum

Chance of rain in Chiang Mai in December is:

✦ - chance of getting wet is close to minimum

Chance of rain in Krabi in December is:

✦ - a bit of rain every few days might be expected

Chance of rain in Koh Samui in December is:

✦ - not only umbrella can be handy, boat too!

Chance of rain in Phuket in December is:

✦ - a bit of rain every few days might be expected

Chance of rain in Pattaya in December is:

✦ - chance of getting wet is close to minimum

Chance of rain in Kanchanaburi in December is:

✦ - chance of getting wet is close to minimum

Chance of rain in Hua Hin in December is:

✦ - chance of getting wet is close to minimum

Chance of rain in Koh Chang in December is:

✦ - chance of getting wet is close to minimum

Chance of rain in Isan in December is:

✦ - chance of getting wet is close to minimum

 

Can't find the place you want to visit? Keep in mind that the weather conditions in these locations tend to be similar in December:

Thailand weather in December doesn't look good enough for you? Choose another month (January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November) or check when is the best time to travel to Thailand.