December is when Chiang Mai earns its reputation: cool mornings, warm afternoons, mountains sharp against a blue sky.
Weather#
| December | |
|---|---|
| City mornings | ~15°C |
| City afternoons | 27–28°C |
| Mountains at dawn | 0–10°C |
| Rain | Almost none |
| Air | Clear (the smoke comes in March) |
What to do#
- Doi Inthanon at dawn: Thailand's highest point, frost on the grass some mornings, the twin pagodas in cloud.
- Doi Suthep early, then Nimman for coffee.
- Mae Kampong: a night in a hill village with a wood fire.
- Sunday Walking Street and the Saturday Wua Lai market, better in the cool.
- Royal Park Rajapruek as the flower season begins.
- An ethical elephant day or a cooking class at a farm.
Plan around it: Chiang Mai itinerary, 3 days.
Crowds and prices#
High season, with Thai domestic travellers joining over Christmas and New Year. Prices rise 20–40%; the last ten days need booking ahead. Where to stay in Chiang Mai.
New Year's Eve#
Lanterns rising around Tha Phae Gate and the moat, a countdown, midnight temple chanting. Soft and beautiful rather than loud.
Before and after#
Chiang Mai in November has Yi Peng; December has the weather. Bangkok in December for the capital leg, and Bangkok vs Chiang Mai if you must choose.
A local for the cool season#
The village homestay, the dawn drive to Inthanon, the market stall worth the queue: a Chiang Mai Local Friend knows. They set their own rates and message you before you meet.
Do December in Chiang Mai with someone who lives there.
Meet a Local FriendFrequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Chiang Mai?
The best, with January. Cool, dry, clear air before the burning season, and the mountains at their freshest. High-season crowds are the only cost.How cold is Chiang Mai in December?
City mornings around 15°C, afternoons 27–28°C. On Doi Inthanon and in hill villages it can drop near 0–5°C at dawn. Bring a jacket for mornings and the mountains.Is Chiang Mai crowded in December?
Busy, especially Christmas week to New Year, when Thai domestic travellers join foreign visitors. Still far calmer than Phuket or Bangkok. Book the last ten days ahead.What is New Year's Eve like in Chiang Mai?
Lantern releases around Tha Phae Gate and the moat, a countdown, temple ceremonies at midnight and fireworks. Gentle compared with Bangkok.What should I do in Chiang Mai in December?
Doi Inthanon at dawn, Doi Suthep early, a night in Mae Kampong, the Sunday Walking Street, the Royal Park Rajapruek flower displays, and an ethical elephant day. The cooking classes are more pleasant in the cool too.