December is when Bangkok is at its most comfortable. The rains are long gone, the humidity drops, early mornings are cool enough that locals pull on jackets, and the city lights up for Christmas and the countdown. It is also the start of peak season, which is the one thing to plan around.
Weather in Bangkok in December#
Dry, sunny and comfortable. Days are warm, around 30°C (mid 80s Fahrenheit), and rain is rare. Early mornings can dip into the low 20s Celsius. The only real cold you will meet is air conditioning, so bring a light layer for malls and long rides. Bangkok's weather by month compares December with the rest of the year.
What's on in December#
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| All month | Christmas lights on the malls and hotels, beer gardens with live music |
| December 5 | Father's Day, a national holiday for the birthday of the late King Bhumibol |
| December 10 | Constitution Day, a public holiday |
| December 24–25 | Christmas dinners at the hotels; not a Thai public holiday |
| December 31 | The New Year's countdown at ICONSIAM and CentralWorld |
Christmas lights. Thailand is mostly Buddhist, but Bangkok decorates heavily. Walk from Ratchadamri Road past the big hotels and malls, through Gaysorn, and along the covered walkway to CentralWorld, then on to Siam Paragon.
New Year's Eve. The big free shows are the river fireworks at ICONSIAM and the countdown concert at CentralWorld. Bangkok New Year's Eve 2026 has how to plan the night.
Peak season: how to book around it#
December to February is peak season. The week from Christmas to New Year is the busiest and most expensive.
- Book rooms early, especially for the 24th to the 1st.
- Go to the big temples at opening time. The Grand Palace and the main temples are packed by late morning.
- Use the BTS and MRT, because December traffic is heavy. The BTS and MRT guide explains how.
What December is best for#
- Walking. Old Town, the canals and Chinatown are more pleasant without the heat and rain. Try the canal boats.
- Eating outside. Night markets and street food are at their best on cool evenings.
- Rooftops. Clear skies make December the month for Bangkok's rooftop bars.
- Day trips. Ayutthaya and the floating markets are easier in dry weather. See the best day trips from Bangkok.
Coming earlier? Bangkok in November has the same weather before the price jump, plus Loy Krathong.
See Bangkok with someone who lives here#
December's crowds are easier with a local who knows when the temples are quiet and which night market is worth the trip. Roavi Local Friends in Bangkok are locals who spend time with travellers, set their own rates and talk to you directly before you meet.
Spend a December day with a local.
Meet a Local Friend in BangkokFrequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Bangkok?
Yes. December and January are the most comfortable months: dry, sunny and the least humid, with evenings that are warm rather than sticky. The downside is that it is peak season, so rooms cost more and need booking early.What is the weather in Bangkok in December?
Dry and sunny. Daytime is warm, around 30°C (mid 80s Fahrenheit), and early mornings can drop into the low 20s Celsius, when you will see locals in jackets. Rain is rare.Does Bangkok celebrate Christmas?
Thailand is mostly Buddhist and Christmas is not a public holiday, but Bangkok decorates heavily. Malls and hotels along Ratchadamri Road, CentralWorld and Siam Paragon put up lights and trees, and hotels serve Christmas dinners.What holidays are in Bangkok in December?
December 5 is Father's Day and a national holiday, marking the birthday of King Bhumibol. December 10 is Constitution Day. December 31 is a holiday in most years. Banks and government offices close; most shops, malls and attractions stay open.Is Bangkok crowded in December?
It is the start of peak season, and the week from Christmas to New Year is the busiest. Temples like the Grand Palace are most crowded mid-morning, so go at opening time.
