Thailand in December

Peak season: dry except the Gulf in early December; 20 Dec – 5 Jan prices are the year's highest.

• Bangkok and centre · Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburibest weather

  Cool season Nov–Feb is the easy window; April reaches 38 °C; September and October bring street flooding in short bursts.

• North · Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Paibest weather

  Cool nights Dec–Jan; the burning season (Feb–Apr) puts air quality among the worst in Asia — check AQI before booking.

• Andaman coast · Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Khao Lakbest weather

  Southwest monsoon May–Oct: rough seas, red-flag beaches, and the Similan and Surin parks closed.

• Gulf islands · Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Taorainy

  Opposite rhythm: dry and calm Feb–Sep, wettest Oct–Dec when ferries can cancel.

• Bangkok31° / 22°, 2 rain days

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• New Year

  31 Dec – 1 Jan

  Beach and island beds sell out; Bangkok roads and trains packed on 30 Dec and 2 Jan.

• Royal and memorial days

  28 Jul, 12 Aug, 13 Oct, 23 Oct, 5 Dec

  Public holidays; government offices closed, some roads closed for ceremonies.

• Bangkok Marathon and city runs check

  Autumn weekends (check) · Bangkok

  Early-morning road closures in the old city.

• Father's Day and Constitution Day

  5 and 10 December · Bangkok

  Public holidays; events around Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen.

• New Year countdown

  31 December · Bangkok

  River fireworks and huge crowds; roads close and taxis disappear after midnight — use the BTS or MRT, which run late (check).

Crowds · Thailand

High

Prices · Thailand

High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Rated best or good this month

• Bangkok and centre

  Best weather of the year (Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi)

• North

  Best weather of the year (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai)

• Andaman coast

  Best weather of the year (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Khao Lak)

• Bangkok

  Cool and dry; peak crowds and prices around New Year.

• Chiang Mai

  Best months: Nov–Feb (cooler and dry)

• Phuket

  Best months: Nov–Apr (dry season, calm seas)

• Pattaya

  Best months: Nov–Feb