Winter is arguably the best time to visit Bangkok. During December in Bangkok, the air is cooler and skies are clear, making it the perfect season for outdoor exploration. With temperatures in the low 80s F (mid 20s C) and virtually no rain, it’s perfect for everything from walking temple grounds to exploring local markets or hopping between neighborhoods without having to constantly look for shade or AC.
The holiday season adds to the charm, too. While Christmas isn’t widely celebrated, the city doesn’t shy away from festive lights and events. Discover the best things to do with this guide to Bangkok in December.
Why go to Bangkok in December?
The weather is ideal for all-day exploration
Bangkok in the winter, December in particular, offers a welcome reprieve from high temperatures, monsoon rains, and stuffy humidity. This is one of the best months to explore everything from bustling night markets to temple-lined canals without breaking a sweat. Stroll through Bangkok neighborhoods like Old Town and Chinatown before watching the sun set at a rooftop bar.
Bangkok knows how to ring in the new year
New Year’s celebrations are an elaborate affair in Bangkok, with street parties, outdoor celebrations, and large-scale fireworks displays. See off December in style at by heading to Icon Siam for choreographed fountains and drone shows, or CentralWorld for one of the biggest countdowns in Asia.
It’s a perfect time of year for day trips
December’s crisp, dry weather makes it the best time of year to escape on a day trip outside of Bangkok. It’s the perfect month to visit the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya or Maeklong Railway Market, where vendors quickly pull back their awnings as the train rolls through. Prefer something slower-paced? Drift through the canals of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where the smell of grilled coconut pancakes and pad thai wafts through the air.
The city’s food scene is at its peak
December is harvest season in Thailand, and the city’s flavors reflect it. Nam Hom coconuts are at their sweetest, served chilled on the street or folded into curries and desserts. You’ll also find freshly milled jasmine rice, fragrant herbs like lemongrass and kaffir lime, and seasonal bites like grilled corn and khanom krok (crispy coconut pancakes). Pair this with cooler nights and festive energy, and you’ll see why December is the perfect time to enjoy Bangkok’s vibrant food scene, whether at a night market like Yaowarat Night Market or a rooftop restaurant.
Bangkok brings the festive cheer without the frostbite
Christmas isn’t a traditional Thai holiday, but you wouldn’t know it walking through Bangkok in December. The city leans all the way in with glittering lights, massive Christmas trees, and enough holiday spirit to rival anywhere in Finland.
In expat-heavy neighborhoods like the Sukhumvit District and Ari, you’ll find cozy Christmas markets packed with international treats, handmade gifts, and even the occasional Santa sighting. The Winter Market at CentralWorld turns the plaza into a full-blown holiday village, complete with light tunnels, themed pop-ups, and a soundtrack of carols mixed into Thai holiday classics.
What’s the weather like in December in Bangkok?
Bangkok weather in December means sunny, dry, and warm days. Daytime highs average around 82 F (28 C), and the humidity drops just enough to make walking tours, temple visits, and boat rides genuinely enjoyable. It’s the ideal time to explore the city from morning until well after dark. That said, it’s still a tropical climate, so pack light layers, sunscreen, and something modest for temple visits.
- Average daytime temperature: 82 F (28 C)
- Average nighttime temperature: 70 F (21 C)
- Rainy days: 2
- Daily hours of daylight: 11.5
Top things to do in Bangkok in December