Visiting Bangkok in December is a true delight. The weather is perfect – warm but not oppressive – and the city pulsates with festive lights, Christmas decorations, and countdown parties.

It's peak season, so while the conditions are perfect for sightseeing, be prepared for crowds and higher prices. Here's everything you need to know before your trip.

  • Weather in Bangkok in December
  • How expensive is it to travel to Bangkok in December?
  • How crowded is Bangkok in December?
  • The best things to do in Bangkok in December

    • December is one of the best months to visit Bangkok. It's the coolest time of year, yet still warm and slightly humid.

    Temperature: The average high temperatures during the day are 28-31 °C (82-88 °F), while it is cooler in the evening at 22-24 °C (72-75 °F).

    Rain: Almost rain-free, with only about two rainy days in the entire month – perfect for outdoor sightseeing.

    What to pack: Light summer clothes, sandals, comfortable shoes, and a light jacket or scarf for mild evenings. (If you're planning a New Year's Eve outing, pack something dressier for rooftop bars or gala dinners.)

    Compared to the scorching heat of March to May or the heavy rainfall in September, December offers some of the best travel conditions of the year.

    Data source: https://www.accuweather.com/

    December is peak season in Bangkok. Flight and hotel prices rise sharply from mid-December to early January due to Christmas and New Year's.

    Hotels: Expect prices to be 30–50% higher than in the off-season. Mid-range hotels in the city cost around $120–180 per night, while luxury riverfront hotels can be found for $250–400 and up during the holidays.

    Flights: Domestic flights, for example Bangkok–Chiang Mai, can almost double in price – from US$40–50 in the off-season to US$80–100 and more in December. Prices for international flights are also rising.

    Food & Experiences: Everyday meals and transportation remain inexpensive, but special experiences are significantly more expensive. For example, dinner at a rooftop bar on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve can cost $100–200 per person, and gala dinners at five-star hotels often start at $250 per person, including wine and entertainment.

    Even though prices in Bangkok are higher over Christmas and New Year's, it's still cheaper than on the islands. We recommend spending a few days in Bangkok to enjoy the holidays and then traveling to the islands, where you'll find better value for money at beach resorts after New Year's.

    Clever ways to make the most of your budget:

  • Book early: Secure your hotels and flights months in advance to get better prices.
  • Location is more important than luxury: A well-rated hotel near Sukhumvit or Silom offers comfort and convenient access to attractions without the high prices of riverfront hotels. See "Accommodation in Bangkok" for more information.
  • Choose your experiences carefully: Treat yourself to a rooftop dinner on New Year's Eve, but on other evenings enjoy authentic, affordable meals at stylish night markets or boutique restaurants.

    • December is one of the busiest months in Bangkok, as the city is packed with international tourists and domestic holidaymakers. Popular attractions, markets, and shopping streets can be extremely crowded, especially around Christmas and New Year's.

    At popular attractions like the Grand Palace or Wat Pho, expect queues at the ticket counters and security checkpoints. If you arrive right when they open (around 8:30 am), you'll usually have to wait 10–20 minutes, while in the late morning (10 am–12 pm) it can take 30–60 minutes. Arriving early is the best way to avoid the longest wait times.

    The floating markets are also very busy this month – in Damnoen Saduak, the canals can be clogged with boats, especially in the mornings. Those who prefer a quieter experience should visit the smaller floating market in Amphawa, which is more authentic and less touristy.

    In shopping malls like CentralWorld and Siam Paragon, the Christmas and New Year's decorations attract huge crowds. The countdown event at CentralWorld alone draws tens of thousands of visitors, making it difficult to move around freely. If possible, visit markets and shopping malls during the week.

    If you want to avoid crowds, a visit to Bangkok in early to mid-December is recommended. Alternatively, you can combine sightseeing with excursions to nearby places like Ayutthaya or Kanchanaburi and thus enjoy Bangkok without the hustle and bustle of the high season.

    The cooler weather in December makes sightseeing more pleasant, and the Christmas and New Year's celebrations create a particularly festive atmosphere. Here are some of the best things to experience this month:

    1. Experience the Christmas and New Year's celebrations

    If you're here over the holidays, you'll experience a surprisingly lively atmosphere, especially for a Buddhist country. Large shopping malls like Siam Paragon and CentralWorld are elaborately decorated with festive lights for Christmas.

    When it comes to New Year's Eve, you are spoiled for choice: The huge countdown party in CentralWorld is exuberant and energetic, while the fireworks over the river in IconSiam have a more romantic feel.

    Personally, I think there's nothing quite like ringing in the New Year with a glass of champagne at a rooftop bar – like the Lebua Sky Bar or the Octave. For those who prefer something a bit more intimate, a gala dinner with front-row seats for the fireworks is a great option at one of the many luxury hotels or on a river cruise ship.

    By the way: Since Thailand is a Buddhist country, Christmas is a regular weekday. Restaurants and shops are open on this day. On New Year's Day, some smaller businesses close so people can participate in the New Year's celebrations, but most tourist establishments – restaurants, large stores, and attractions – remain open as usual. You can find more recommendations for Christmas and New Year's in Thailand here.

    2. Visit Bangkok's classical temples

    Visiting temples is always a top activity in Bangkok. The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun can be tiring under the hot March sun. In December, however, the mild weather invites you to take your time and fully appreciate the details.

    Evenings are best spent at markets. Chatuchak is an absolute must on weekends, while Chinatown (Yaowarat) comes alive every night with street food, neon lights, and a vibrant atmosphere.

    3. Take a trip to Ayutthaya or Kanchanaburi

    Those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city should consider a day trip or even an overnight stay in Ayutthaya or Kanchanaburi. Ayutthaya is a paradise for history buffs – wandering among the ancient ruins is much more pleasant in the cooler December weather, even if there is little shade.

    Kanchanaburi, with its waterfalls and lush nature, offers a more relaxed way of life. After a short hike, a dip in the pools isn't too cold at this time of year – most visitors find it pleasantly refreshing.

    Discover more destinations for day trips from Bangkok.

    4. Explore floating markets and railway markets

    Bangkok's famous Damnoen Saduak floating market and the Maeklong railway market remain absolute highlights due to their vibrant colors and unique atmosphere.

    The crowds in December don't detract from the experience – on the contrary, they contribute to the lively atmosphere if you're looking for some energy.

    However, if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, the floating market of Amphawa (only on weekends) offers a more authentic, local atmosphere with fewer tour groups.

    Recommended Bangkok tours in December

    Experience Bangkok at its most festive without missing the city's hidden gems. Our private, tailor-made tours combine the Christmas and New Year celebrations with authentic local experiences. Contact us to plan your perfect December getaway.

  • 10-day New Year's Eve Countdown Tour: The Best of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket
  • 5-day Bangkok tour: Temples, markets & the old city of Ayutthaya

    • Bangkok: Monthly weather and travel tips

    Learn more about the weather in Bangkok and the best things to do in Bangkok each month by following the links below.