What’s the weather like in Bangkok in December?

December in <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="https://" id="Mx58RqlX" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="6824792b138ac74af881e7a5" text="Bangkok" uid="www.bangkok-tickets.com" lang="en" /> is warm and relatively dry, with typical temperatures around 21–32°C (70–90°F). It is Bangkok’s easiest sightseeing month because humidity drops and heavy rain is less common.

Is December a good time to visit Bangkok?

Yes. If you want comfortable temple mornings, better rooftop weather, and easy river evenings, December is one of the best months to be in Bangkok.

Is Bangkok crowded in December?

Yes, especially in the second half of the month and around December 31. Major sights stay busy all month, and riverside areas get much more crowded near countdown events.

Is December expensive in Bangkok?

Compared with the rainy season, yes. Hotels, sunset viewpoints, and cruises cost more in December, with the sharpest increases usually falling between December 29 and December 31.

Do I need to book rooftop and cruise tickets in advance?

Definitely for December weekends and holiday week. Sunset slots at Mahanakhon and popular Chao Phraya dinner cruises are much easier to get if you book ahead.

Are there any public holidays in Bangkok in December?

Yes. December 5 is H.M. King Bhumibol’s Birthday and Father’s Day, observed on December 7 in 2026. Constitution Day is December 10, and December 31 is also a holiday.

Will attractions close on December holidays?

Most tourist attractions, malls, and restaurants stay open, but banks and government offices usually close on public holidays. Always double-check special hours around December 31.

Can I still wear shorts in Bangkok in December?

Around the city, yes. For temples such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun, you need covered shoulders and knees.

What should I pack for Bangkok in December?

Pack light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and one light layer for evenings on boats or rooftops. You do not need cold-weather gear.

Is December good for floating markets and day trips?

Yes. December is one of the best months for trips like Damnoen Saduak, Maeklong, Amphawa, and Ayutthaya because mornings are less humid and road journeys feel easier.

Are there any alcohol restrictions in December?

December does not usually bring the Buddhist holy-day alcohol bans that affect some other months. Bars and restaurants operate normally unless there is a venue-specific event rule.

Where should I stay in Bangkok in December?

For first-timers, stay near **Sukhumvit**, **Silom/Sathorn**, or the **riverside**. If you plan to lean into temple sights, river boats, and cruises, the riverside is especially convenient in December.

Is New Year’s Eve worth doing in Bangkok?

Yes, if you like big-city countdowns, fireworks, and packed streets. No, if you dislike crowds, surge pricing, and traffic. Bangkok on December 30 can be easier than Bangkok on December 31.

What are the best December foods in Bangkok?

Lean into Yaowarat night eating, boat noodles, khao soi, gaeng hung lay, and market snacks. December’s cooler evenings make long food crawls far more enjoyable.

What is the best December experience for first-time visitors?

A strong first-timer trio is: **28136 – Grand Palace Skip-the-Line Tickets**, **11792 – Chao Phraya Tourist Boat**, and **10473 – Mahanakhon SkyWalk**. That gives you Bangkok’s history, river, and skyline in one trip.

Bangkok in December | Festivals, Cool Weather & River Cruises

December brings cool, dry days (21–31°C) and sunrise at 06:20. The city sparkles with Father’s Day (5 December), Constitution Day (10 December), and New Year’s Eve countdowns at CentralWorld and ICONSIAM. The Bangkok Art Biennale continues, filling galleries and temples with installations. Hotel rates peak, and reservations are essential for rooftop bars and countdown events. The weather is perfect for outdoor sightseeing, river cruises, and night markets. Bangkok feels festive, energetic, and at its most cosmopolitan.

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Bangkok in December at a glance

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Weather

Maximum temperature: 31°C

Minimum temperature: 21°C

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Daylight

Around 11 hours 28 minutes of daylight

Sunrise: 6:20am

Sunset: 5:48pm

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Key events

Bangkok Art Biennale 2026, H.M. King Bhumibol's Birthday / Father's Day

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Crowds

Tourist-heavy, with long queues at attractions, crowded streets, and seasonal events adding to the buzz.

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What to pack

Lightweight trousers, short-sleeve shirts, sunblock, hat, scarf for temples, light jacket for evenings, reusable water bottle.

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Seasonal treats

Khao Soi, Gaeng Hung Lay, pomelo, mango sticky rice, Thai Christmas/New Year sweets, Cha Yen.

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Bangkok in the cool season: How December compares

Category	November	December	January
Weather	24–33°C (75–91°F); rain easing, humidity still noticeable	21–32°C (70–90°F); drier, clearer, and more comfortable	21–32°C (70–90°F); similarly dry, with slightly calmer post-holiday feel
Crowds	Moderate to high; tourism ramps up, especially around Loy Krathong	High; one of the busiest months of the year	High in the first week, then moderate to high
Atmosphere	River-focused, festive, and outdoorsy	Festive, busy, and easiest for full sightseeing days	Relaxed after New Year, still very visitor-friendly
Key events	Loy Krathong on November 25, 2026; Bangkok Marathon	Bangkok Art Biennale, Father’s Day/National Day, Constitution Day, New Year’s Eve countdown	New Year’s Day, National Children’s Day, late-month Bangkok Design Week starts
Public holidays	No major national holiday closures for most travelers	December 5, observed December 7, December 10, and December 31	January 1 national holiday
Budget	Rising, especially near Loy Krathong	High, with sharp peaks around Christmas week and NYE	High early month, softer after the first week
Best for	River events, shoulder-season value, first dry spells	First visits, rooftops, cruises, temple circuits, festive city breaks	Cooler sightseeing, food trips, and post-holiday value
Book early?	Yes for Loy Krathong and riverside stays	Yes, especially for NYE, cruises, and sunset slots	Yes for first-week travel and better hotel choices
Transport tips	Riverside areas get packed near Loy Krathong	Use BTS, MRT, and river boats; road traffic worsens around countdown zones	Transport is easiest after January 5

Top things to do in Bangkok in December

Grand Palace and temple circuit

Why this month: December mornings are cooler, so you can handle the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun in one sweep.
Best time: 8:30am–11am
Book by: 1–2 weeks ahead for smoother entry
Crowds: High, especially after 10am
Skip the worst heat and hit Bangkok’s royal core while the light is still soft.
Don’t miss: The Khon performance included with Grand Palace Skip-the-Line Tickets
Insider tip: Wear temple-ready clothes from the start; buying cover-ups at the gate wastes time.

Sunset from Mahanakhon SkyWalk

Why this month: Clearer dry-season skies make the skyline view sharper, and sunset is one of Bangkok’s best December rituals.
Best time: 4:30pm–6:30pm
Book by: 1–3 weeks ahead for sunset slots
Crowds: High on weekends and holiday week
Bangkok’s rooftops make more sense in December, when you can stay outside comfortably.
Don’t miss: The Glass Tray and 360° city glow on Mahanakhon SkyWalk Tickets with Rooftop Access
Insider tip: Same-day cut-off is before 3pm Thai time for daytime and sunset tickets.

Ride the Chao Phraya by hop-on hop-off boat

Why this month: Dry weather and manageable humidity make river travel a practical sightseeing tool, not just a scenic extra.
Best time: 9am–4pm
Book by: 2–5 days ahead
Crowds: Moderate, rising near sunset
This is the easiest way to link the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Iconsiam, and riverside stops.
Don’t miss: Open-deck stretches on Chao Phraya Tourist Boat: Bangkok 1-Day Hop-on-Hop-off Boat Tour
Insider tip: Start early from Sathorn before the mid-morning temple rush builds.

See a Muay Thai fight at Rajadamnern

Why this month: December evenings are comfortable for fight-night plans, and the city’s nightlife calendar is in full swing.
Best time: Evening sessions
Book by: 1–2 weeks ahead for better seats
Crowds: Moderate to high
A real Muay Thai night gives you sport, ceremony, music, and noise in one place.
Don’t miss: Ringside energy with Muay Thai Match at Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium Tickets
Insider tip: Bring cash for snacks and drinks; vendors are available inside.

Take a Chao Phraya dinner cruise

Why this month: December is Bangkok’s river-cruise season: dry air, better views, and strong night-time atmosphere.
Best time: Dinner sailing after dark
Book by: 2–4 weeks ahead; longer for December 31
Crowds: High in holiday weeks
Bangkok’s monuments look better from the river once the city lights switch on.
Don’t miss: The landmark route on Chao Phraya Princess Cruise with Buffet Dinner & Live Music
Insider tip: Check your departure pier carefully; cruise variants use different boarding points.

Catch Calypso Cabaret at Asiatique

Why this month: December is ideal for pairing an indoor show with riverside wandering before or after.
Best time: Evening showtimes
Book by: At least 1 day ahead, preferably earlier in holiday week
Crowds: Moderate to high
Calypso is polished, fast-moving, and easy to fit into a December night out.
Don’t miss: Premium seating or dinner add-ons with Calypso Cabaret Tickets
Insider tip: Pair it with Asiatique dinner rather than a taxi-heavy cross-city plan.

Do a floating market and railway market day trip

Why this month: December mornings are less draining, which matters on early-start market tours outside the city.
Best time: Early morning departure
Book by: 5–10 days ahead
Crowds: Moderate to high
Damnoen Saduak and Maeklong are touristy, but December makes the logistics easier and the boat ride less sweaty.
Don’t miss: The 40-minute longtail ride on Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Full-Day Guided Tour
Insider tip: Learn three Thai phrases before you go: hello, thank you, and how much.

Spend a full day at Safari World

Why this month: Bangkok’s driest period is the best window for long outdoor family days.
Best time: Arrive at opening
Book by: 1 week ahead on weekends and school-holiday dates
Crowds: Moderate
December is one of the few months when a wildlife park day does not feel like a heat test.
Don’t miss: Two-park access on Safari World + Marine Park Tickets with Lunch and Optional Transfers
Insider tip: Giraffe Terrace entry costs extra on-site, so budget for it separately.

Offbeat experiences in December

Pak Khlong Talat before sunrise

Location: Chak Phet Rd, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
When: Daily, best from 3am–5am
Tip: Go before dawn, when florists are still unloading jasmine, marigolds, and roses by the sack.

Talat Noi warehouse lanes and street art

Location: Soi Wanit 2, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
When: Daily; best on December mornings before noon
Tip: Enter from Charoen Krung side, then drift toward the river instead of backtracking through traffic.

Kudi Chin community walk

Location: Around Santa Cruz Church, Thetsaban Sai 1 Rd, Wat Kanlaya, Thon Buri, Bangkok 10600
When: Daily; best on weekday mornings in December
Tip: Stop for khanom farang kudichin pastries before lunch, when the small bakeries start selling out.

Wang Lang Market lunch run

Location: Wang Lang Rd, Siriraj, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700
When: Daily; aim for 11:30am–1:30pm
Tip: Take the cross-river ferry from Tha Maharaj; it is faster and more fun than a road detour.

Bangkok Art Biennale at Museum Siam and BACC

Location: Museum Siam, 4 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200; BACC, 939 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
When: Throughout December 2026 during venue opening hours
Tip: Split the venues across 2 days; trying Wat Arun, Wat Pho, BACC, and Museum Siam in one go gets rushed.

Benjakitti evening loop

Location: Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
When: Daily, best from 5pm–7pm in December
Tip: Come around sunset for cooler air and skyline reflections, then walk to Sukhumvit for dinner.

Festivals and events in Bangkok this December 2026

Bangkok Art Biennale 2026

Dates:October 29, 2026 to February 28, 2027
Event type:Art & architecture
Location:Centro d'Arte e Cultura di Bangkok

Four-month contemporary art festival across venues including Wat Arun, Wat Pho, BACC, and Museum Siam. Most sites are free, plan routes by BTS and boats.

H.M. King Bhumibol's Birthday / Father's Day

Dates:December 5, 2026 to December 7, 2026
Event type:Local events
Location:Bangkok

National Day and Father’s Day, with many Thais wearing yellow and honoring fathers. Substitute holiday lands on 7 Dec, with bank and office closures.

Constitution Day

Dates:December 10, 2026
Event type:Local events
Location:Bangkok

National holiday marking Thailand’s first permanent constitution (1932). Government offices and banks close, while tourism districts operate normally.

New Year's Eve / Bangkok Countdown

Dates:December 31, 2026
Event type:Fireworks
Location:ICONSIAM

Bangkok’s biggest countdown nights cluster at CentralWorld and ICONSIAM, with concerts and riverside fireworks. Book hotels and rooftop bars weeks ahead.

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Planning your December visit

Lead time	What to book	Why & when	Seasonal price change
2–3 months ahead	Smile Riverside Cruise	By early October for December 29–31 stays and countdown sailings; the best river-facing inventory goes first	December 29–31: +25–60% vs mid-December weekdays
3–6 weeks ahead	Mahanakhon SkyWalk sunset entry	Book by late November for weekend sunset slots and holiday-week visits	Weekend sunset slots: +10–20% vs weekday daytime
2–4 weeks ahead	Bangkok City Highlights guided tour	Book by late November for holiday weekends and easier morning planning	Long-weekend guided-tour pricing: often +5–10% vs regular weekdays
1–3 weeks ahead	SEA LIFE Bangkok Tickets	December family demand rises on weekends and school-holiday dates	Weekend family attractions: +10–15% vs weekdays
7–10 days ahead	Amphawa Floating Market tour	Cool-season weekends fill first, especially for shared departures	Weekend departures: +5–15% vs weekday-equivalent tours
5–10 days ahead	Calypso Cabaret	Better seats disappear first in December’s evening-heavy travel period	Premium seats: +10–20% vs standard sections or quieter dates
2–5 days ahead	Ancient City & Erawan Museum	Flexible, but dry-season weekends are busier and more pleasant	Usually stable; small weekend premium possible on bundled options

December highlights: Must-do experiences for different travellers

Families with kids

Must-experience: Safari World + Marine Park Tickets with Lunch and Optional Transfers. December is the easiest month for a full outdoor park day. Book a weekend slot early.
Better in December: SEA LIFE Bangkok Tickets work well as a cool midday break if your schedule includes malls and shopping.

Couples

Must-experience: Chao Phraya Princess Cruise with Buffet Dinner & Live Music. December river nights are Bangkok at its most date-friendly. Reserve the cruise before choosing dinner elsewhere.
Better in December: Sunset at Mahanakhon SkyWalk Tickets with Rooftop Access feels sharper in dry-season light and pairs well with a late cocktail.

Art and culture lovers

Must-experience: Bangkok Art Biennale venues across Wat Arun, Wat Pho, BACC, and Museum Siam. December gives you comfortable walking weather between stops.
Better in December: Temple mornings with Grand Palace Skip-the-Line Tickets are far easier now than in April heat.

Solo travelers

Must-experience: Chao Phraya Tourist Boat: Bangkok 1-Day Hop-on-Hop-off Boat Tour. It is easy, social enough, and removes Bangkok’s traffic headache.
Better in December: Riverside wandering after dark feels far more comfortable than in the wet season.

Shopping enthusiasts

Must-experience: December gift zones at CentralWorld and ICONSIAM, especially in the final 2 weeks before New Year’s. Go in the morning, not after work.
Better in December: Year-end pop-ups and holiday packaging make Bangkok’s mall culture more useful, not just bigger.

Friends groups

Must-experience: A dinner cruise followed by Asiatique or a Muay Thai night. December gives you good weather and busy nightlife without Songkran chaos.
Better in December: Countdown week plans work best if you lock in tickets before the second half of the month.

Foodies

Must-experience: Yaowarat after 6pm, then late cocktails in Thonglor or Ekkamai. December lets you eat outside without melting through your shirt.
Better in December: Cool-season dishes like khao soi and gaeng hung lay make more sense now.

Adventure seekers

Must-experience: Muay Thai Match at Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium Tickets for fight-night intensity, then Mahanakhon SkyWalk Tickets with Rooftop Access for a second adrenaline hit.
Better in December: Dry evenings mean fewer weather disruptions and better visibility from high viewpoints.

Bangkok in December: Your perfect 3-day itinerary

Morning: Start at Grand Palace right at 8:30am with Grand Palace Skip-the-Line Tickets. December is one of the few months when the courtyard heat stays manageable for the first 2 hours. Move next to Wat Pho, then take the short ferry to Wat Arun before lunch queues build.
Breakfast: Grab iced Thai tea and a light snack near Sanam Chai MRT before the palace opens. Eat small; you will walk a lot.
Midday: Cross to Wat Arun before noon. The porcelain-covered prang photographs better in the clearer December light, and the river breeze helps.
Lunch: Head to Wang Lang Market by ferry. Order curry-over-rice or grilled skewers and keep moving; this is a market lunch, not a long sit-down.
Afternoon: Slow down at Museum Siam or a nearby Bangkok Art Biennale venue. The indoor stretch gives your feet a break before evening.
Evening: Board Chao Phraya Princess Cruise with Buffet Dinner & Live Music or another river cruise from your chosen pier. Watching Wat Arun and the Grand Palace light up from the water is a strong first-night move in December.

Morning: If it is a weekend, go early to Chatuchak and nearby Or Tor Kor Market before the heat rises. If it is a weekday, swap in Jim Thompson House and BACC. December mornings are dry enough to cover both a market and a museum without burning out.
Breakfast: At Or Tor Kor, try seasonal fruit, grilled pork skewers, and strong coffee. This is one of the best places in the city to sample produce without guesswork.
Midday: Ride the BTS to Siam for SEA LIFE Bangkok if you want air-conditioning and a family-friendly indoor block, or stay in the BACC–Siam Paragon area for art and shopping.
Lunch: Eat khao man gai at Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam or something quick in Siam, then keep the afternoon flexible.
Afternoon: Take it slower around Charoenkrung or a Bangkok Art Biennale venue. December is good for gallery hopping because walking a few blocks outside is actually pleasant.
Evening: Time your entry for Mahanakhon SkyWalk Tickets with Rooftop Access around sunset. Afterward, head to Silom or Sathorn for dinner, or keep it easy with a nearby meal in the tower’s dining areas.

Morning: Leave early for Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Full-Day Guided Tour. December is one of the best months to do this because the road trip and boat ride feel far less sticky than in hot season. The early start also helps you beat the thickest market crowds.
Breakfast: Eat before departure or bring a small snack for the drive. Once you reach Damnoen Saduak, save your appetite for boat-side snacks.
Midday: Watch the train pass through Maeklong Railway Market, then drift through Damnoen’s canals by longtail boat. This is more about atmosphere than bargain shopping, so do not overthink the souvenir stalls.
Lunch: Keep it simple with local snacks or a market meal, then rest a bit once you return to Bangkok.
Afternoon: Take downtime at your hotel or book an easy indoor stop like Ancient City & Erawan Museum Tickets with Free Audio Guide on a separate day if you prefer less transit.
Evening: Finish with Muay Thai Match at Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium Tickets. December is ideal for a proper fight night, and it gives your last evening a clear Bangkok edge.

Best day trips from Bangkok in December

Ayutthaya

Travel time: About 1.5 hr by train or road
December is one of the best months to walk Ayutthaya’s ruins. Use From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Temples Guided Half-Day Tour or From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Temples and Bang Pa-In Palace Full-day Guided Tour if you want temple logistics handled.

Damnoen Saduak and Maeklong

Travel time: About 1.5 hr by road each way
Cooler mornings make this classic market pairing much easier. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Full-Day Guided Tour is the practical choice if you want transfers and a boat ride included.

Amphawa Floating Market

Travel time: About 1.5–2 hr by road
Best on Friday–Sunday with the evening market and firefly boat ride. December’s cooler night air helps a lot. See Amphawa Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Full-Day Guided Tour.

Ancient City and Erawan Museum

Travel time: About 45–60 min south of central Bangkok
A low-stress December option if you want culture without a very long transfer. Ancient City & Erawan Museum Tickets with Free Audio Guide gives you audio guide access and flexible pacing.

What to eat in Bangkok in December: Seasonal delicacies

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แกงมัสมั่น [Muslim-style curry]

December’s cooler evenings suit massaman, mild curry with cinnamon, cardamom, potatoes. Eat dinner, share plates.

Where to get: Strada Dinso

ลาบ [Spicy minced meat salad]

December weather is easier, so laab, minced meat with mint and toasted rice. Eat lunchtime with sticky rice.

Where to get: Ekkamai

สะเต๊ะ [Grilled skewers with peanut sauce]

December nights suit satay, grilled skewers with peanut sauce and ajad. Order alongside fried chicken at stalls.

Where to get: Strada senza fili

ไข่เจียวหมูสับ [Thai omelette]

December is peak travel, so grab quick kai jeow, puffy fried omelette with minced pork. Eat at food courts.

Where to get: Bangkok

ผัดไทย [Thai stir-fried noodles]

December peak season means queues, so pad thai, tamarind noodles with egg and peanuts, is fast. Go off-peak.

Where to get: Phra Nakhon

Go shopping in Bangkok in December

When: Through December 31, best before 4pm on weekdays
Where: CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Big-brand holiday capsules, packaged Thai snacks, and giftable beauty sets show up here first. Enter from the BTS side to dodge the slowest ground-floor crowd pockets.

When: Through December 31, strongest in the evening
Where: 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600
Good for premium food hampers, Thai designer gifts, and better-looking souvenir packaging. Shop before dinner; after 7pm, the riverfront becomes more about photos than buying.

When: Saturdays and Sundays in December, best 9am–12pm
Where: Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
December is the comfortable month for ceramics, prints, small homewares, and vintage clothing. Start in Sections 2–4 if you want design goods before the heat and crowds climb.

When: Through December 31, best late morning
Where: 991 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Expect limited-edition sweets, branded seasonal packaging, and easy gift shopping if you are short on time. Skip the basement first; head to the main atrium pop-ups before going down for food.

Pro tips for visiting Bangkok in December

• Book rooftop bars and New Year’s Eve events at CentralWorld or ICONSIAM at least a month in advance—demand is at its highest.
• Go early to the Grand Palace and major temples for sightseeing, as December’s cool weather draws large crowds.
• Reserve hotels in Siam or riverside areas well ahead for the best rates and availability during the festive season.
• Choose BTS/MRT for reliable transport during holiday events, as road closures and crowds are common.
• Avoid last-minute dinner plans on Father’s Day (5 December) and Constitution Day (10 December), as restaurants fill quickly.
• Head to BACC for Art Biennale installations and a creative break from holiday crowds.
• Book guided art walks for insider access to Biennale venues in temples and galleries.
• Skip outdoor sightseeing during midday if sensitive to sun, as December’s UV index remains high despite cooler temperatures.

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Frequently asked questions about visiting Bangkok in December

December in Bangkok is warm and relatively dry, with typical temperatures around 21–32°C (70–90°F). It is Bangkok’s easiest sightseeing month because humidity drops and heavy rain is less common.