December is arguably the best month to be in Bangkok. That's the headline. The monsoon has fully retreated, humidity drops to something approaching comfortable — around 62% — and daytime highs sit near 32°C (89°F) without the punishing extremes of March and April. Nights cool to about 22°C (72°F), which in Bangkok terms feels almost crisp. You might actually want a light layer if you're out late along the river. Rainfall is essentially negligible at 14mm across just three days, so umbrella-in-bag anxiety is at its lowest point all year.
That said, you're not the only one who's figured this out. December is peak season, full stop. Hotel rates climb sharply, the Khao San Road area swells with backpackers on holiday breaks, and popular temples like Wat Pho can feel crowded by mid-morning. The Christmas and New Year stretch — roughly December 20 onward — is when prices and visitor numbers really spike. If you can swing early December, you'll get basically the same weather with noticeably fewer people and somewhat gentler prices.
The city takes on a particular energy this month. Shopping malls go all-in on holiday decorations — CentralWorld's Christmas display draws tens of thousands of Thai families for photos. Street food stalls stay busy later into the night because the cooler air makes standing over a hot wok bearable for both the cook and the customer. There's a feeling of collective relief after months of rain, and it shows in how the city moves. People linger outdoors. Rooftop bars fill up without anyone wilting. It's Bangkok at its most pleasant, if also its most expensive.
Why visit in December
- The driest month of the year alongside January — only 14mm of rain across roughly three days, making outdoor plans nearly worry-free
- Evenings drop to 22°C (72°F), cool enough to walk comfortably along the Chao Phraya riverfront without drenching your shirt
- New Year's Eve celebrations along the river and at CentralWorld are among the largest free public gatherings in Southeast Asia
- Air quality tends to be at its best before the burning season kicks in around February and March — you can actually see blue sky most days
- The cool season energy shift is real: night markets stay open later, street food vendors are in better spirits, and outdoor dining becomes enjoyable
Worth knowing
- Peak season pricing — expect hotel rates 40-60% above the annual average, with some riverside properties doubling their rates for the Christmas-New Year window
- Crowds at major temples are noticeably heavier, Wat Pho and the Grand Palace where midday queues can stretch 30-45 minutes
- The December 20-January 2 corridor is when both Western tourists and Thai domestic travelers converge, creating real congestion around Sukhumvit and Silom
- Booking anything last-minute — cooking classes, river cruises, popular rooftop restaurants — becomes difficult after mid-December
Best for
Think twice if
December delivers Bangkok's cool season at its peak. Daytime temperatures hover around 32°C (89°F) — still warm by most standards, but noticeably less oppressive than the 34-35°C you'd face in March or April. The real difference is at night: lows around 22°C (72°F) mean you might actually feel a breeze crossing the Saphan Taksin bridge after dark. Humidity sits at 62%, which is about as low as Bangkok gets — still tropical, still sticky if you're walking midday, but a genuine relief compared to the 75-80% you'd endure during monsoon months. Rain is essentially a non-factor at 14mm total, spread across maybe three brief showers the entire month. You might not see rain at all during a week-long visit.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 22 | 12 |
| Feb | 33 | 24 | 54 |
| Mar | 34 | 26 | 59 |
| Apr | 34 | 27 | 88 |
| May | 33 | 26 | 199 |
| Jun | 33 | 26 | 163 |
| Jul | 31 | 26 | 255 |
| Aug | 32 | 25 | 222 |
| Sep | 31 | 25 | 339 |
| Oct | 31 | 24 | 233 |
| Nov | 31 | 24 | 108 |
| Dec | 32 | 23 | 14 |
Headline events
Bangkok New Year's Eve Countdown
December 31
The city's largest free celebration draws hundreds of thousands of people to CentralWorld plaza and along the Chao Phraya River. The riverside fireworks display, launched from multiple points between Asiatique and Icon Siam, is visible for kilometers. It's loud, chaotic, and thrilling if you don't mind being pressed shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers at midnight.
Best things to do in December
Evening river cruise along the Chao Phraya
sightseeingThe cool December air transforms what can be a sweaty ordeal in April into a pleasant experience. Wat Arun lit up at night, reflected in the river, is the kind of scene that justifies the tourist-tax pricing. The breeze off the water at 22°C feels almost refreshing.
December's lower temperatures and minimal rain make evening river time comfortable rather than stifling — and the clear skies mean temple illuminations reflect sharply off the water.Booking tipBook dinner cruises at least a week ahead for December dates, two weeks for anything between Christmas and New Year's.
Rooftop bar crawl along Sukhumvit and Silom
nightlifeBangkok's rooftop bars are famous, but from May through October the humidity makes the experience more endurance test than enjoyment. December changes the equation — you can actually sit outdoors on a 30th-floor terrace without your drink sweating faster than you can sip it. The clear skies mean you can see the city stretching to the horizon.
Humidity at 62% instead of 80% makes outdoor rooftop seating comfortable, and clear December skies deliver the panoramic views these bars are designed around.Booking tipReservations at the better-known spots like those atop Lebua or Banyan Tree fill up fast in December. Book 3-5 days ahead for weeknights, a full week for weekends.
Full-day temple circuit: Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Grand Palace
cultureThese three sites are walking distance from each other if you use the river ferry between Wat Pho and Wat Arun. In April, this circuit can be dangerous — the exposed courtyards trap heat. In December, you can start at 8am and comfortably finish by early afternoon without risking heat exhaustion.
The cooler temperatures make extended outdoor temple exploration safe and comfortable. The sun is still strong but not brutal, and the lower humidity means less physical strain from walking the expansive palace grounds.Booking tipArrive at the Grand Palace right when it opens at 8:30am to stay ahead of tour bus groups that typically arrive around 10am.
Chatuchak Weekend Market — full exploration
shoppingWith over 15,000 stalls spread across 35 acres, Chatuchak is the kind of place where you need stamina. In the hot season, most visitors last two hours before retreating to air conditioning. December's gentler heat means you can spend a half-day wandering through the vintage clothing, antique, and homeware sections without feeling wrung out.
Comfortable temperatures let you explore the full market rather than the abbreviated heat-survival version most visitors settle for in warmer months.Booking tipGo Saturday morning around 9am for the best experience. By noon it's crowded regardless of season, and many stalls close by 5-6pm.
Cycling tour through Bang Krachao
outdoorThe so-called green lung of Bangkok — a teardrop-shaped peninsula across the river in Samut Prakan — is laced with elevated cycling paths through tropical gardens and tree farms. It's flat, shaded in parts, and the December temperature makes a 2-3 hour ride thoroughly enjoyable rather than a sweaty slog.
32°C with 62% humidity is the closest Bangkok gets to comfortable cycling weather. The dry conditions also mean the dirt paths are firm rather than muddy.Booking tipRent bikes at the pier on the Bang Krachao side. No advance booking needed for bike rental, but guided tours should be booked a few days ahead.
Yaowarat (Chinatown) night food walk
foodBangkok's Chinatown comes alive after dark, and in December the slightly cooler air makes navigating the narrow sois between food stalls feel less claustrophobic. The charcoal grills, wok flames, and steamers create their own heat, but you're not starting from a baseline of 35°C like you would in April. The smell of roasted duck and fresh crab omelets mingles with incense from the shrines.
Cool-season evenings make extended street food exploration comfortable. Vendors also tend to stay open later when the weather cooperates.Booking tipNo booking needed — just show up after 6pm. Guided food tours in December should be booked 3-4 days ahead as they fill up.
Day trip to Ayutthaya
day_tripThe former Siamese capital is about 80km north of Bangkok and the ruins are almost entirely outdoors. December's weather makes a full day of walking among the crumbling temples and headless Buddha statues bearable rather than grueling. The light in the late afternoon, filtering through the ancient prang towers, is good for photography.
The ruins offer almost no shade, so comfortable temperatures are essential. December is dry enough that you won't be dodging puddles in the uneven temple grounds, and the afternoon light quality is strong.Booking tipTake the 7am train from Hua Lamphong for the most relaxed journey. Minivans from Victory Monument are faster but less comfortable.
Lumpini Park morning walk
outdoorBangkok's central park fills with locals doing tai chi, jogging, and feeding the monitor lizards that patrol the lake edges. In December mornings, around 6:30-7:30am, the temperature sits near 23-24°C and the park has a calm that feels impossible given you're surrounded by skyscrapers. The monitor lizards are less sluggish in the cool air, which makes for better wildlife watching.
The cool morning temperatures draw larger crowds of locals exercising, and the comfortable air makes the park feel like a genuine retreat rather than an oven with trees.Booking tipNo booking needed. Free entry. Best experienced before 8am when the morning exercisers are still out.
What to eat in December
In season: fruit
Som O (pomelo)
Thai pomelo hits its stride around December. The segments are fat and juicy with a sweetness that balances against a gentle bitterness. You'll find vendors peeling them fresh at most markets — Khlong Toei market tends to have the best selection. The texture is firmer and less watery than grapefruit, with a fragrance that fills whatever bag you're carrying.
Lamyai (longan)
The tail end of longan season still delivers sweet, translucent fruit in December. Look for them at Or Tor Kor market, still on the branch — the skin should be light brown and slightly rough. Pop one open and the floral sweetness is immediate, with a perfumed aroma that's distinct from lychee despite the visual similarity.
On menus now
Kanom Jeen Nam Ya
Cool-season rice noodles served with a warm, fragrant fish curry sauce. The dish peaks in popularity when the weather cooperates for outdoor eating, and December's gentle temperatures make it good for the sidewalk stalls in the Thonburi neighborhood where this dish is traditionally strong.
Street food peaks
Khao Tom (rice porridge)
The cooler evenings make this humble rice porridge feel exactly right. Street vendors along Yaowarat ladle it into bowls with minced pork, a cracked egg, and fried garlic. It's the kind of thing that tastes better when the temperature drops below 25°C, and December is one of the few months where that happens regularly after dark.
Khao Kriap Pak Moh (steamed rice-skin dumplings)
These translucent dumplings filled with sweet preserved turnip and crushed peanuts appear more frequently at markets during the cool season. The gentle warmth of a freshly steamed batch hits differently when the evening air has a slight chill to it. Chatuchak weekend market and Tha Prachan market near Thammasat University are reliable spots.
What to drink
Hot Thai milk tea from street carts
Thai cha yen is served cold most of the year, but December's cooler mornings have vendors offering it hot. The warm version concentrates the sweetness of condensed milk with the earthy, slightly vanilla-tinged tea. It's good from the cart vendors near Hua Lamphong station in the early morning.
Regular events in December
King Bhumibol Memorial DayFree
December 5th is a national holiday honoring the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Government offices and some businesses close. Many Thais wear yellow shirts. The area around the Grand Palace sees heavy foot traffic with memorial ceremonies.
December 5Constitution DayFree
A public holiday on December 10 marking the adoption of Thailand's first constitution in 1932. Banks and government offices close, but most tourist attractions remain open. Some streets near Democracy Monument may see brief ceremonial activity.
December 10CentralWorld Christmas and New Year CountdownFree
The massive shopping complex at the Ratchaprasong intersection sets up Bangkok's largest Christmas tree and light display, typically from early December. Thai families treat it as a photo destination. The energy builds through the month, culminating in the New Year's Eve countdown concert.
Early December through January 1Bangkok Art Biennale (when scheduled)Free
The Bangkok Art Biennale, when it falls in a BAB year, runs through December with installations at temples, malls, and public spaces across the city. Worth checking whether it aligns with your visit — the temple installations in particular blend contemporary art with sacred architecture in a way that works surprisingly well.
October through February (in BAB years)Wat Saket temple fairFree
The annual temple fair at the Golden Mount typically falls in November but often extends into early December. It's one of Bangkok's oldest temple fairs, with food stalls winding up the hillside path and a festive atmosphere that feels distinctly local rather than tourist-oriented.
Late November to early DecemberBest places this December
Wat Arun at sunset
templeThe Temple of Dawn is ironically best at sunset, when the warm December light catches the porcelain-encrusted prang and the river turns golden. December's clear skies make for reliable sunset conditions — something you can't count on during monsoon months. Cross by ferry from Tha Tien pier and climb the central prang before the light fades.
ThonburiLumpini Park
parkBangkok's answer to Central Park is at its most pleasant in December. The lower humidity means the air under the rain trees actually feels breathable. Monitor lizards sun themselves on the banks of the lake, paddle boats drift past, and the morning exercise scene — tai chi, aerobics, jogging — is a window into daily Bangkok life that most tourists miss.
SilomOr Tor Kor Market
marketConsistently ranked among the world's best fresh markets. December brings peak-season tropical fruits — pomelo, longan, rambutan — alongside prepared foods. The market is clean, organized, and air-conditioned in parts, which makes it a more comfortable browsing experience than the chaotic energy of Khlong Toei. The seasonal fruit displays alone are worth the BTS ride to Kamphaeng Phet station.
ChatuchakPak Khlong Talat (flower market)
marketBangkok's largest flower market operates around the clock but is best visited between 3am and 6am when fresh shipments arrive. In December, the selection of marigolds and orchids expands for the holiday and temple season. The fragrance of jasmine garlands hits you before you even see the stalls. The pre-dawn December air is about as cool as Bangkok gets.
Phra NakhonAsiatique the Riverfront
entertainmentThis open-air mall on the river is far more enjoyable in December than in the hot season. The evening breeze off the Chao Phraya cools the walkways between shops and restaurants. The Ferris wheel offers views across the river to the city skyline. It's touristy, sure, but the December weather makes the outdoor format work as intended.
Charoen KrungTalat Noi neighborhood
neighborhoodThis small pocket of old Bangkok between Chinatown and the river has become a street art and cafe destination without losing its lived-in character. December's comfortable walking weather makes it good for exploring the narrow lanes, photographing the shrine-art juxtapositions, and ducking into the converted-shophouse cafes. The area is compact enough for a focused two-hour wander.
SamphanthawongIcon Siam riverside terrace
shoppingThe massive riverside mall is worth visiting for the ground-floor indoor floating market alone, but in December the outdoor riverside terrace becomes enjoyable. The mall goes heavy on holiday decorations, and the view across to the old city side of the river is best enjoyed with the clear December sky as backdrop.
Khlong San
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Insider tips
The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway get brutally crowded during rush hours (7:30-9am, 5-7pm), even in tourist areas. If you're heading to Chatuchak on a weekend, take the train before 9am or resign yourself to standing packed tight for 20 minutes. The air conditioning in the carriages barely keeps up when they're full.
For New Year's Eve, locals who want to see the fireworks without the CentralWorld crush head to the restaurants and bars along the Thonburi side of the river. The view of the riverside fireworks is equally good, the crowds are a fraction of the size, and you can actually move.
The express boat on the Chao Phraya River is still the cheapest and often fastest way to move between major attractions — Wat Arun, Grand Palace area, Chinatown, and Khao San Road are all on the river route. A single trip costs a fraction of a Grab ride, and the boat doesn't sit in traffic.
Early December (before the 15th) is a different experience from late December. Hotel prices can be 20-30% lower, temples are less crowded, and restaurants don't require reservations. If your dates are flexible, this window gives you peak-season weather without peak-season headaches.
Yaowarat Road (Chinatown) has some of the best food in Bangkok, but the side streets — the sois running south toward the river — hide the stalls locals prefer. The main road caters increasingly to Instagram tourists. Walk one block deeper and both prices and quality improve.
Avoid these mistakes
- Booking a tightly packed temple itinerary for mid-afternoon when the sun is at its strongest. Even in December's relatively mild heat, the exposed courtyards of the Grand Palace and Wat Pho radiate heat from the stone. Start temple visits early — 8am ideally — and shift to covered markets or malls for the 12-3pm window.
- Assuming everything runs normally on December 5 (King Bhumibol Memorial Day) and December 10 (Constitution Day). Banks close, some government offices shut, and certain alcohol sales are restricted on December 5. Plan cash withdrawals and any official business around these dates.
- Leaving New Year's Eve plans to the last minute. Riverside restaurants and rooftop bars with firework views sell out their NYE packages weeks in advance. If you want a sit-down dinner with a view of the countdown, book by early December at the latest. Walk-up options exist but they're standing-room in a crowd.
- Underestimating how cold indoor spaces are. Bangkok compensates for outdoor heat by refrigerating every interior space. Malls, restaurants, cinemas, and the BTS are kept at 18-22°C. Spending a full day moving between air-conditioned spaces and 32°C outdoors is fatiguing if you're not dressed for the contrast.
Practical tips for December
Book hotels and popular experiences (cooking classes, river dinner cruises, rooftop bar reservations) at least two weeks ahead for December travel, three weeks for anything in the December 20-January 2 window. The BTS Rabbit card and MRT stored-value cards save time at ticket machines — buy one at any station on arrival. December 5 and December 10 are public holidays; banks and government offices close, and some attractions may have adjusted hours. Dress code enforcement at temples is stricter during high season because guards are more alert — pack clothing that covers shoulders and knees or you'll be buying an overpriced wrap at the entrance. Grab (the regional rideshare app) is more reliable than street taxis for fair pricing, though traffic along Sukhumvit and Silom during December evenings can make short trips take 30-40 minutes. The Chao Phraya express boat and BTS/MRT combination is often faster for cross-city trips. Currency exchange rates are best at the Super Rich exchange counters (multiple locations) rather than airport booths — the difference on a significant exchange can be meaningful. Most street food vendors are cash-only; carry small bills. ATMs dispense 1,000-baht notes which can be hard to break at small stalls.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Bangkok?
December is widely considered the best month to visit Bangkok. The monsoon is over, rainfall drops to just 14mm for the entire month, humidity falls to its lowest point at 62%, and temperatures are warm but not extreme at 32°C (89°F) days and 22°C (72°F) nights. The trade-off is that it's peak tourist season — expect higher prices and larger crowds, during the Christmas-New Year period. If comfortable weather is your priority, December delivers.
What is the weather like in Bangkok in December?
December brings Bangkok's dry season in full effect. Average highs reach 31.6°C (89°F) and lows dip to 22.5°C (72°F) — the coolest nights of the year. Rainfall is minimal at 14mm across roughly three rainy days. Humidity hovers around 62%, which is noticeable but far more comfortable than the 75-80% you'd face during monsoon months (June-October). Expect clear or partly cloudy skies most days.
Is Bangkok crowded in December?
Yes, December is peak season for international tourism. The combination of pleasant weather, holiday breaks from Europe and Australia, and New Year's Eve celebrations creates Bangkok's highest visitor volumes alongside January. Major temples, popular markets like Chatuchak, and the Khao San Road area see significant crowds. Early December (before the 15th) is noticeably less congested than the Christmas-New Year corridor.
How much more expensive is Bangkok in December compared to other months?
Hotel rates typically run 40-60% above the annual average, with premium riverside properties sometimes doubling prices during the last two weeks of December. Flights from major hubs also peak. Street food and local transport costs remain stable year-round, so the price increase primarily affects accommodation and organized tours. Budget travelers can offset this by staying in less central neighborhoods like Ari, Ladprao, or On Nut, which offer good BTS access at lower rates.
What should I do for New Year's Eve in Bangkok?
The largest free celebration is at CentralWorld plaza in the Ratchaprasong area, with a countdown concert and midnight fireworks. The Chao Phraya River hosts a dramatic fireworks display visible from Asiatique to Icon Siam. For a more comfortable experience, book a riverside restaurant or rooftop bar — but do it well in advance, as NYE packages sell out by mid-December. If you want to avoid crowds entirely, many hotels host their own rooftop events with smaller guest lists.
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