December weather: dry, sunny and cooler
| Bangkok average | December |
|---|---|
| Average maximum temperature | 32.3 °C |
| Average minimum temperature | 23.2 °C |
| Rainfall | 12 mm |
| Rainy days (at least 1 mm) | 1 |
| Sunshine | 214 h |
Source: 1991-2020 normals for the Bangkok Metropolis station of the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), reported to the World Meteorological Organization. December is the most pleasant month of the year for walking in the city: relative humidity is at its lowest (66% on average). The flip side is PM2.5 fine-particle pollution: from December to March the air stagnates over the city, especially in the morning. Check the air quality index daily and bring filter masks if you are sensitive or travelling with children, see health in Bangkok.
Crowds and prices in December
This is peak high season, with a high from mid-December to early January: hotels, flights and dinner cruises reach their highest prices, and the best places are full several weeks ahead. Book in the autumn, especially near Ratchaprasong and the river for New Year's Eve. Temples and landmark sites are very busy: arrive at opening time. To pick a neighbourhood, see where to stay in Bangkok; for everyday costs, which vary little, the Bangkok travel budget.
December 2026 events
5, 7 and 10 December: national holidays
Saturday 5 December is the birthday of King Bhumibol, National Day and Father's Day; the public holiday is moved to Monday 7 December 2026. Constitution Day is on Thursday 10 December 2026, also a public holiday. Banks and government offices are closed; shops and most attractions stay open. Withdraw cash beforehand: see paying in Bangkok.
Vijit Chao Phraya, until 13 December
According to the tourism press, the Vijit Chao Phraya light festival runs from 13 November to 13 December 2026, with projections on the temples and buildings along the river. Confirm the dates on the TAT website. See the Chao Phraya River.
Christmas: lights and Mass
25 December is not a public holiday in Thailand, but CentralWorld, ICONSIAM and Terminal 21 are covered in giant trees and light shows. Midnight Mass is held at the Assumption Cathedral. Everything is detailed in Christmas in Bangkok.
New Year's Eve on 31 December
The big countdowns take place at ICONSIAM and CentralWorld; 31 December 2026 and 1 January 2027 are public holidays. The 2026-2027 programmes are not yet announced: see New Year's Eve in Bangkok for venues, transport and bookings.
What to wear in December
- Light clothes by day: afternoons are still 32 °C.
- A thin jacket or scarf for evenings on the river, rooftops and air-conditioned spaces.
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples, see temple dress code.
- A filter mask on polluted days, plus sunscreen and a hat.
- Smart clothes if you are aiming for a rooftop on New Year's Eve, see rooftop bars.
The best things to do in December
- The river by boat: see the Chao Phraya and Wat Arun.
- Parks: Lumphini Park, early in the morning to limit pollution.
- Markets: Chatuchak at the weekend and floating markets.
- Day trips: Ayutthaya in dry weather, see day trips from Bangkok.
- Nightlife: see Bangkok at night and shows.
- Shopping: see Siam's shopping malls and souvenirs.
December 2026 at a glance
| Date | Event | Info |
|---|---|---|
| Until 13 December | Vijit Chao Phraya | Free light festival; dates announced in the press |
| Monday 7 December | National Day and Father's Day (5 December) | Holiday moved |
| Thursday 10 December | Constitution Day | Public holiday |
| 25 December | Christmas | Not a holiday, lights and Masses |
| 31 December and 1 January | New Year's Eve and New Year | Public holidays, crowds |
| All month | 32 °C, 12 mm, 1 rainy day | High season, peak prices |
Going further
December follows what to do in Bangkok in November and precedes what to do in Bangkok in January. See also the best time to visit Bangkok and the calendar of festivals.
