Winter isn’t just about the magic of New Year’s Eve, frosty window patterns, and dancing snowflakes—it’s also about escaping the cold and heading to warmer shores. And in December, Thailand is the perfect destination for just that.
The “Golden Season” of Thailand
Locals and travel experts alike refer to the period from December to February as Thailand’s “golden season.” During this time, temperatures hover comfortably between +25°C and +30°C, creating ideal conditions for beach holidays.
Winter in Thailand means pleasant weather, warm seas, gentle sunshine, and virtually no rain—making it the perfect time for ocean excursions without worrying about storms or sudden downpours. December is especially appealing: nights are refreshingly cool (no need for air conditioning), and occasional cloud cover provides welcome relief from the midday sun.
Thailand Weather in December: Climate by Region
If you're wondering “what’s the weather like in Thailand in December?”, the answer depends on where you go. Let’s break it down by region:
Phuket, Krabi & the Andaman Coast
Southern Thailand in winter offers some of the best places in Thailand in December:
-
December: Daytime temperatures reach +29°C to +30°C, dropping to +21°C–+23°C at night. The sea is calm and clear, warmed to +29°C. Expect 23–25 sunny days.
-
January: Slightly hotter—up to +32°C during the day, with sea temps of +28°C–+30°C and 24–26 sunny days.
-
February: Continues warm and dry, with minimal rainfall and sunshine almost daily.
Pattaya, Koh Samet & the Gulf of Thailand
On Thailand’s eastern side, the climate remains stable all winter:
-
December–January: Temperatures range from +29°C to +31°C. Nights are cooler (+21°C–+24°C), and sea temps stay at +29°C–+31°C.
-
Sunny days: 25–28 in December, 22–23 in January, 24–25 in February.
-
The Gulf sees slightly more cloud cover (still 17–20 sunny days/month), but it rarely impacts your holiday plans.
Bangkok & Central Thailand
Central regions offer pleasant conditions in early winter:
-
December: +29°C by day, +24°C at night. Sea temps: +27°C–+29°C. Expect 18–20 sunny days.
-
January: Warmer—+30°C (day), +27°C (night). Only 4–5 cloudy days.
-
February: Can feel hot—up to +35°C during the day, +29°C at night, with 21–23 sunny days.
Top 10 Things to Do in Thailand in December
With such perfect Thailand weather in December, you’ll never run out of exciting activities. So, what to do in Thailand in December? Here are the best options:
1. Beach Relaxation & Snorkeling
Enjoy crystal-clear waters, calm seas, and soft sand. No rain, no waves—just pure beach bliss. Snorkeling is especially rewarding now: water visibility reaches 20 meters, and there’s no seaweed (common during monsoon season). Sea temperature: a comfortable +28°C.
2. Island-Hopping Excursions
December brings ideal conditions for visiting Thailand’s iconic islands. The Similan Islands reopen for diving this month, and crowds are still light—perfect for peaceful exploration.
3. National Parks & Waterfalls
Thanks to the dry season, hiking trails are accessible and safe. Waterfalls, still full from the rainy season, are at their most spectacular in early December.
4. Festivals & Cultural Events
Entertainment in Thailand in December includes vibrant festivals:
-
808 Festival (electronic music)
-
Christmas celebrations (even in this Buddhist country!)
-
New Year’s Eve fireworks on beaches
Bangkok shines brightest during the holidays—hotels, malls, and restaurants decked out in festive lights create a magical atmosphere.
5. Shopping Without the Heat
Visit local markets or modern malls like Mixxmall Rawayana near Rawai Beach. With fewer tourists and comfortable temperatures, December is ideal for leisurely shopping.
6. Temple & Cultural Tours
Explore iconic landmarks in perfect weather:
-
Wat Arun & Wat Pho (Bangkok)
-
Big Buddha & Wat Yansangwararam (Pattaya)
-
Wat Chalong & Phuket Old Town (Phuket)
-
White Temple & Tiger Cave Temple (Krabi)
Don’t miss the Grand Palace in Bangkok or the miniature wonders of Mini Siam in Pattaya.
7. Street Food & Culinary Adventures
A trip to Thailand in winter is a feast for food lovers. Savor authentic dishes like Tom Yum soup, Pad Thai, and Satay skewers from bustling street stalls—or opt for gourmet Thai, European, or pan-Asian cuisine in cozy cafes.
8. Active Adventures: Diving & Kayaking
December is prime time for:
-
Scuba diving around Phi Phi and the Similan Islands
-
Kayaking through emerald lagoons in Phuket or Krabi
9. Outdoor Spa & Wellness
Unwind with jungle or beachfront spa treatments: herbal steam baths, open-air hot pools, and traditional Thai massages. Phuket and Phang Nga province host world-class wellness retreats.
10. Nightlife in Pattaya, Bangkok & Phuket
Experience Thailand’s legendary nightlife:
-
Walking Street (Pattaya) – bars, cabarets, and live shows
-
Khao San Road, Sukhumvit, RCA (Bangkok) – vibrant party zones
-
Bangla Road (Phuket) – transforms into a pedestrian-only festival street every evening
Best Places to Visit in Thailand in December
So, “Thailand in December—where to go?” Here are the top picks:
-
Phuket: Warm beaches (Patong, Kata, Karon), affordable early-December rates, and easy access to Phi Phi and James Bond Island.
-
Bangkok: Festive decorations, King’s Birthday (Dec 5), and day trips to ancient Ayutthaya.
-
Pattaya: Spectacular New Year’s celebrations, beach comfort, and seasonal tropical fruits.
-
Chiang Mai: Mild daytime temps (+20°C to +30°C), low humidity, and cherry blossoms in Doi Inthanon and Doi Pui National Parks.
-
Krabi: Perfect for diving, rock climbing festivals, and island exploring.
Choose based on your travel style—whether you seek culture, adventure, or pure relaxation.
Rawayana Central Park Villas – Your Perfect Winter Escape in Phuket
When planning your Thailand winter vacation, accommodation matters. Thailand winter reviews consistently recommend booking early—especially for premium stays.
At Rawayana Central Park Villas, just 500 meters from Rawai Beach, you’ll find:
-
Private pool villas (from 9,800 THB/night)
-
Spacious, luxurious interiors (210 sq.m. in Grand Deluxe Villas)
-
Winter special offers
-
Romantic beachfront dinners
-
Full resort infrastructure: SPA, kids’ pool, Love Rawai Cafe, Cat Cafe, Indian vegetarian restaurant Love Pune, Rawai Park Language School, and the new Mixxmall Rawayana (with Starbucks & Tops Market)
Book your villa today: https://central.rawayanabeachfront.com/
Final Thoughts: Winter in Thailand = Unforgettable Memories
A trip to Thailand in winter offers the perfect blend of sun, culture, adventure, and relaxation. With comfortable December weather, fewer crowds, and festive energy, it’s truly the best time to visit Thailand.
Plan your Thailand December getaway now—and make it unforgettable with a stay at Rawayana Central Park Villas, where luxury meets tropical serenity.