Chiang Mai in December
In December, Chiang Mai averages 28°C (82°F) during the day and 16°C (61°F) at night, with only about 2 rainy days.
Peak seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Skies are generally dry and clear.
December is a great month to visit Chiang Mai: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Chiang Mai
December is one of the coolest months in Chiang Mai (12th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C below the annual average (32°C). December runs 2°C cooler than November (30°C) and warms a further 1°C into January (29°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Chiang Mai
Times shown for Chiang Mai local time (Asia/Bangkok), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Chiang Mai — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Chiang Mai's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Chiang Mai in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Peak season) and Chiang Mai's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Chiang Mai
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Chiang Mai in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C / 84°F | 14°C / 57°F | 5 mm | 1 | 0 |
| February | 32°C / 90°F | 15°C / 59°F | 10 mm | 1 | 0 |
| March | 34°C / 93°F | 18°C / 64°F | 30 mm | 3 | 0 |
| April | 36°C / 97°F | 22°C / 72°F | 55 mm | 5 | 0 |
| May | 34°C / 93°F | 23°C / 73°F | 165 mm | 12 | 0 |
| June | 33°C / 91°F | 23°C / 73°F | 150 mm | 12 | 0 |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | 23°C / 73°F | 165 mm | 15 | 0 |
| August | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 205 mm | 17 | 0 |
| September | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 250 mm | 18 | 0 |
| October | 31°C / 88°F | 22°C / 72°F | 140 mm | 10 | 0 |
| November | 30°C / 86°F | 19°C / 66°F | 50 mm | 5 | 0 |
| December | 28°C / 82°F | 16°C / 61°F | 15 mm | 2 | 0 |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Chiang Mai in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Chiang Mai in December?
In December, Chiang Mai averages a high of 28°C (82°F) and a low of 16°C (61°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Chiang Mai in December?
December is generally dry in Chiang Mai, with about 2 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Chiang Mai?
December is warm and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Chiang Mai in December?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full December packing list for Chiang Mai for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.