Tourists from all over the world look forward to visiting Thailand in December, which is among their favourite months to be in this region. The skies stay clear, the weather gets pleasant, and the air stays cooler. This vibe makes the whole country feel warm and bright. Everything gets a little bit more fun in December because the weather is great for travelling. This includes beach vacations, island hopping, and night markets.
This is also the month when Thailand feels extra lively with happening festivals, Christmas celebrations, and outdoor events that adds a cheerful vibe to every city. Many travellers choose Thailand tour packages during this time to experience the perfect mix of comfort and excitement, whether they want to relax by the sea, learn about other cultures, or just take a stroll outside without getting uncomfortable.
Thailand Climate in December
Thailand is one of the best places to visit in December. Thailand temperature in December is nice and cool at night, so you can take long walks on the beach. The sky stays clear. There hasn't been much rain in December, so many tourists think of it as the start of the "perfect weather season.". Many travellers also consider this to be the best time to visit Thailand for outdoor adventures and sightseeing. The weather in Thailand in December is generally between 23°C and 31°C, but it depends on where you are. In the south, beach towns like Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui enjoy warm days with a light breeze from the sea. In the north, places like Chiang Mai are cooler in the morning. In general, December in Thailand is a dry and pleasant month for sightseeing, island hopping, Christmas parties, and outdoor activities.
Why Visit Thailand in December?
When you visit Thailand in December, it's like you're on the perfect warm vacation. However, the humidity is still high. But it does not face extreme conditions. You can easily walk through markets in Bangkok or relax on a quiet beach in Krabi, making it ideal for both casual tourists and those on a Thailand backpacking trip. The holiday spirit is another reason why people love Thailand in December. At this time of year, malls are lit up with Christmas lights, beach towns have fun events, and night markets are even happier than normal. "Should I go to Thailand in December?" is a simple question that has an easy answer. The islands also look their best in December. This is a great time for swimmers, dives, and nature lovers because the water is clear blue, the sun is soft, and the mornings are quiet.
Best Places to Visit in Thailand in December
In December, Thailand is one of the best times to visit because the whole country feels warm and friendly. If you like beaches, parties, mountains, or culture, December is the best month for you because it has warm weather and cool breezes. There are many great places to visit in Thailand in December. These places have nice weather, clear skies, and adventures you will never forget.
1. Bangkok
In December, Bangkok is full of life and holiday spirit, with bright decorations, cool nights, and busy street markets. The weather is great for exploring sites, shopping on the street, and eating Thai food. Bangkok's Christmas events are surprisingly bright and colourful. It's a great time to see how modern and traditional the city is at the same time.
Top Attractions: Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Asiatique the riverfront, MBK Centre and Siam Paragon mall, Chinatown (Yaowarat Road)
Things to Do: Take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River, try street food at Chinatown and other local markets, enjoy Christmas lights and shopping sales, join night market walks at Asiatique or Ratchada, explore famous temples
2. Phuket
Phuket has some of the best beaches in Thailand in December. The water is calm and blue, and the sun is warm. The beaches are also golden. Katha, Karon, and Patong beaches are all very busy with water sports, coffee shops, and places to watch the sunset. December is also a great month to go from island to island, swim, and enjoy the fun nightlife.
Top Attractions: Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Beach, Big Buddha Phuket, Phuket Old Town, and Promthep Cape Viewpoint.
Things to Do: Go island-hopping to Phi Phi and James Bond Island, enjoy snorkelling and diving in clear waters, take a sunset cruise, explore night markets in Phuket Old Town, and watch the sunset from Promthep Cape.
3. Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a great place to visit in December if you like mountains more than beaches. The city feels magical because of the cool breeze, foggy mornings, and quiet old churches. The streets are lit up with lanterns, nature trails are open, and markets are full of handicrafts. This is one of the most peaceful and cultural places to visit in Thailand in December.
Top Attractions: Doi Suthep Temple, Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai Old City, Wat Chedi Luang, and Elephant Nature Park.
Things to Do: Visit hilltop temples with mountain views, go trekking in Doi Inthanon, visit ethical elephant sanctuaries, and enjoy cafe hopping and try local Northern Thai food
4. Krabi
Krabi is known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise water, and steep hills. Clear skies and calm seas make December a great month for boat tours to Railay Beach, Phi Phi Islands, and Hong Island. This island is one of the best in Thailand in December because the waves are quiet and the weather is warm.
Top Attractions: Railay Beach, Ao Nang Beach, Tiger Cave Temple, and Emerald Pool
Things to Do: Try rock climbing at Railay Beach, Snorkel in clear blue waters, Visit hot springs and the Emerald Pool, and Explore local Krabi markets
5. Koh Samui
In December, it rains less on Koh Samui than in other months, making it a good choice for a relaxing beach vacation. Every day feels like a postcard because of the soft sand, coconut palms, high-end resorts, and peaceful evenings. Couples, families, and anyone else who wants a slow, happy holiday will love it.
Top Attractions: Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, Fisherman’s Village, Big Buddha Temple, Na Muang Waterfalls, and Ang Thong Marine Park.
Things to Do: Go kayaking or snorkelling, explore Fisherman’s Village at night, enjoy sunset viewpoints, visit temples and waterfalls, and take a boat trip to Ang Thong Marine Park.
6. Pattaya
In December, Pattaya looks beautiful because of the beach parties, Christmas events, and busy nightlife. The weather stays nice for water sports, trips to Koh Larn, and walks on the beach at night. This is the place to be if you want to have fun and slow down at the same time.
Top attractions: Walking Street, Pattaya Beach, Sanctuary of Truth, Coral Island (Koh Larn), and Pattaya Floating Market.
Things to do: Enjoy beach parties and Christmas events, take a speedboat trip to Koh Larn, watch cabaret shows and night performances, try water activities like parasailing and jet skiing, and stroll through night markets for local dishes.
7. Chiang Rai
If you want a calmer time, go to Chiang Rai in the north of Thailand. The White Temple, the Blue Temple, and the Golden Triangle are all great places to visit in December because the weather is cool. This town feels calm and fresh thanks to its night markets and cafés by the river.
Top attractions: White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), Golden Triangle, and Black House Museum (Baan Dam).
Things to do: Explore handicraft markets and street food stalls, take peaceful walks by the Kok River, and visit local tea farms and hill tribe villages.
8. Phi Phi Islands
People love the Phi Phi islands for their clear blue water and steep rocks. In December, the water is clear enough for diving, and the sun shines all day. Long Beach, Maya Bay, and Bamboo Island are all beautiful places to swim and take boat trips.
Top attractions: Maya Bay, Long Beach, Bamboo Island, Viking Cave, and Monkey Beach.
Things to do: Go snorkelling and diving in clear blue water, take a long-tail boat tour around the islands, swim at quiet beaches with calm December seas, hike to the Phi Phi Viewpoint, and enjoy sunset cruises and beach dinners.
9. Koh Lanta
If you want a relaxing beach vacation, Koh Lanta is a great choice. There are long sandy beaches on the island, such as Klong Dao and Phra Ae. In December, the island has soft sunshine, calm waves, and fewer people than other famous months.
Top attractions: Klong Dao Beach, Phra Ae (Long Beach), Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Lanta Old Town, and Kantiang Bay
Things to do: Go island-hopping to nearby smaller islands, explore caves, waterfalls, and nature trails, enjoy activities like swimming and kayaking, and visit beach cafes and watch peaceful sunsets.
Festivals and Events in Thailand in December
Thailand has a lot going on during the year end months in Thailand. There are several Thailand festivals in December, street parties, and culture events all month long. If you happen to be there during this time, these are some things you can do:
1. Christmas in Thailand
Thai people enjoy this festival with a lot of fun and lights, even though most Thai people are not Christian. The holidays make big towns like Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket shine with lights, decorations, big Christmas trees, shopping events, and shows of different kinds . It's not so much about religion as it is about happiness and celebration, which makes it fun for outsiders.
2. New Year Countdown Events
One of the most important events in Thailand in December is New Year's Eve. Celebrations with fireworks, music, and night markets take place in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya, among other places. One of the most well-known is the riverside countdown at ICONSIAM in Bangkok.
3. Chiang Mai Red Cross & Winter Fair
The Thai people really enjoy this event in December. At the Chiang Mai Winter Fair, you can find food stands, music, games, traditional shows, and events to raise money for charity. This warm and friendly experience will help you get to know a more laid-back side of Thai society.
4. Thai Navy Day
Thai Navy Day is a national holiday that celebrates the Royal Thai Navy with ceremonies, ship displays, and patriotic shows. You might be able to see special shows or events in towns near the coast that show off Thailand's maritime culture.
5. Wonderfruit Festival
The eco-friendly arts and music event Wonderfruit takes place in Pattaya every once in a while in December. Live music, workshops, art installations, and culture events are all part of it. It's one of Thailand's most unique foreign events.
6. King Bhumibol Memorial Events
In honor of the late King Bhumibol, December 5 is observed as a national holiday. The people here in Thailand show respect by gathering in silence, lighting candles, and going to events in their communities. People who come here at this time can learn about Thai culture and how much people love their government on this important day.
Things to Know Before Visiting Thailand in December
Plan everything ahead of time: December is the busiest month for tourists, so hotels, flights, and boats fill up quickly. It's a good idea to plan ahead if you want to avoid last-minute price increases or sold-out stays.
Pack clothes that are light and airy: Even though it's cold, Thailand is still nice and sunny in December. Bring clothes made of cotton, sunglasses, sunscreen, and shoes that are easy to walk in.
Bring a light jacket for the evenings: Cities in the north, like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, cool off as the sun goes down. A light jacket or shawl is useful for night markets and extended walks.
Bring cash to the local markets: Some small food vendors, tuk-tuks, and street merchants may not take cards. Have some modest change on hand to make payments easy.
Follow the dress code for temples: Wear clothes that protect your shoulders and knees if you wish to go to temples. A scarf or wrap is usually helpful.
Look up the dates of local festivals: There are a lot of cultural events and holidays throughout December. Knowing when festivals are happening might help you plan better and enjoy the local culture.
Get ready for Christmas prices: The week between Christmas and New Year's can be more expensive. If you want to stay during certain times, set aside a little additional money.
Use official ferry and tour companies: Choose reliable operators for island hopping and beach trips to make sure your trip goes well and safely.
Conclusion
If you go to Thailand in December, it's like walking into a Christmas postcard, it's sunny, cool, and everyone is in a good mood. December is a great month to visit Bangkok because it has the best of everything: busy streets, clear blue beaches, and quiet temples. The weather makes everywhere feel warm and alive. You can always find something new to enjoy here, with so many events, great food, and beautiful places to visit. Thailand in December is one of the best places to go on vacation if you want to relax and have fun at the same time. Bring your camera and summer clothes with you, and get ready to enjoy the warm weather, friendly people, and places that you will remember.
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