Bangkok in December: a seasonal travel plan

Weather at a glance

Daytime high

30.7 °C

Nighttime low

20.2 °C

Monthly precipitation

10.4 mm

Days with at least 1 mm

2.3

Daylight

11.3 h

2015–2024 averages. Daytime temperature is the average daily maximum; nighttime temperature is the average daily minimum.

Early, middle and late month

What this month is like

Bangkok, Thailand. In december, the average daytime high is 30.7 °C and the night-time low is 20.2 °C. Start long walks in the morning and keep the hottest hours for shade, museums or a relaxed lunch.

There are 2.3 wet days on average, with about 10.4 mm of precipitation. There are relatively few wet days, so build the plan around walks and keep one indoor option.

How to plan the day

Start long walks in the morning and keep the hottest hours for shade, museums or a relaxed lunch.

Average daylight is 11.3 hours, so put longer routes in the brighter part of the day.

What to pack

Pack light breathable clothes, a hat, sunglasses and water. There are relatively few wet days, so build the plan around walks and keep one indoor option.

Precipitation and an alternative plan

There are relatively few days with precipitation. Build your plans around walks and keep an indoor activity for a wet-weather day.

What to pack

Pack light loose clothing, a hat, sunglasses and a water bottle. The day-to-night temperature difference is noticeable, so dressing in layers is practical.

Compared with neighbouring months

Average daytime high: previous month — 30.7 °C, December — 30.7 °C, next month — 33.2 °C. Days with at least 1 mm of precipitation: 9.9, 2.3 and 3.1.

Things to do

Bangkok splits in two: the old royal district of Rattanakosin with its palaces and river temples, and the office towers of Sukhumvit and Silom further east. The Skytrain and the river boats avoid the traffic, so choose a hotel within walking distance of a station.

Grand Palace and Wat Pho

Start the morning in Rattanakosin at the Grand Palace, then walk to Wat Pho and its reclining Buddha. From Tha Tien pier a small ferry crosses the Chao Phraya to Wat Arun, whose spire rises straight from the bank.

Chatuchak Market

At weekends Chatuchak spreads over thousands of stalls: crafts, fabrics, plants and food. Arrive near opening time, work through the sections one by one and take the metro back before the midday heat.

The canals of Thonburi

Ride a long-tail boat through the Thonburi canals past stilt houses and wooden piers. At weekends you can finish at Taling Chan floating market, where food is cooked on the boats themselves.

Where to stay

Sukhumvit

Sukhumvit is a long strip of malls, restaurants and Skytrain stations. Living here is easy because the trains skip the traffic, though the street itself stays noisy and urban.

Rattanakosin

The old city suits temple visits and unhurried walks along the river. Evenings here are quiet and bars are few, but palaces and piers are within walking distance.

Silom and Sathon

Silom and Sathon draw business travellers: offices, restaurants and Sathon pier are close. The area comes alive at night, so ask for a room down a side lane away from the bars.

Getting to and around Bangkok

The Airport Rail Link connects Suvarnabhumi with Phaya Thai station, where you change to the BTS. Around the city the main options are the elevated BTS, the underground MRT and the express boats on the Chao Phraya: all of them bypass the traffic and link the old town with the business districts. For short hops, a ride-hailing app works well.

Three days in Bangkok

Rattanakosin

Morning at the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, then lunch by the river. In the afternoon take the cross-river ferry to Wat Arun, and end with a walk along the waterfront and dinner near Khao San.

Canals and Chinatown

Take a long-tail boat through the Thonburi canals in the morning, then move to Yaowarat: Sampeng market, spice shops, street food. Return along the river on the express boat.

Sukhumvit and markets

Chatuchak market in the morning if it is a weekend, otherwise the malls around Chit Lom. Spend the afternoon in Lumphini Park and eat dinner along Sukhumvit.

Weather throughout the year

More destinations

Frequently asked questions