Monthly Travel Guide
Thailand in December
December is peak season for the Andaman coast and one of the best months to visit Thailand overall. The cool season is fully established in the North and Central regions, the Andaman coast is at its prime, and the Gulf coast dries out after November's rains. Christmas and New Year's Eve draw huge international crowds to Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Chiang Mai. Prices hit their annual high in the last two weeks of December — book everything well in advance.
Weather by Region
North (Chiang Mai)
Cool and dry. Chiang Mai 13–28°C — the most comfortable temperatures of the year. Clear blue skies and crisp mornings.
Central (Bangkok)
Comfortable and dry. Bangkok 20–32°C. Low humidity and pleasant evenings. Best month for outdoor sightseeing.
South — Gulf Coast
Drying out rapidly. Koh Samui has recovered from the northeast monsoon by mid-December. Good beach conditions for Christmas and New Year.
South — Andaman Coast
Prime dry season. Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Lanta are outstanding — calm seas, clear skies, excellent diving and snorkelling.
Best Destinations in December
Peak Andaman season with perfect beach weather; world-class New Year's Eve fireworks.
Cool, clear, and comfortable — the North is at its absolute best in December.
Quieter alternative to Phuket with equally good dry-season weather and lower prices.
Christmas and New Year events, comfortable weather, and the city's best outdoor dining weather.
Where to Avoid in December
Koh Samui (early December)
Still recovering from the northeast monsoon in early December — wait until the second week for reliable beach conditions.
Festivals & Events
King's Birthday / National Day
5 DecemberThe birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), observed as a national public holiday and Father's Day. Bangkok's royal areas are illuminated and many Thais wear yellow. A solemn and significant date in the Thai calendar.
Constitution Day
10 DecemberA public holiday commemorating Thailand's first permanent constitution in 1932. Government offices close; most tourist facilities remain open.
New Year's Eve Celebrations
31 DecemberMajor fireworks and countdown events in Bangkok (CentralWorld, Asiatique, Iconsiam), Phuket (Patong Beach), Chiang Mai (Nimmanhaemin Road), and Koh Samui (Chaweng Beach). The grandest displays rival international standards.