There’s a crispness in Bangkok’s air by December — not cold, but gentle, a lighter humidity after months of rain. The city seems to breathe easier. At dusk, strings of fairy lights stretch between sidewalks, tuk-tuks hum past Christmas displays, and the scent of grilled satay mingles with incense and winter jasmine. If you’re planning to be in the city in December, you’re in for a treat: Bangkok evolves into a festive, vibrant, deeply satisfying playground.
So, what are the best things to do in Bangkok in December? In this guide, I’ll take you from temple tops to riverside cruises, hidden cafés to night markets — with local insight, seasonal surprises, and practical tips to make your trip shine.
December in Bangkok: The Vibe & Weather
First, let’s get real about the atmosphere you’ll feel. December is one of Bangkok’s best times to visit. The monsoon has receded, skies are clearer, and days are comfortably warm.
- Expect daytime highs around 24–32 °C (75–89 °F), night lows around 20–25 °C (68–77 °F)
- Rain is rare; December is among the driest months.
- Humidity drops, and sunshine stretches to ~9 hours per day
In short: It’s easier to breathe, easier to walk, easier to linger. But even in gorgeous weather, it’s smart to mix indoor and outdoor plans, stay hydrated, and carry a lightweight cover — showers may happen (rarely), or air-conditioning may leave you cold indoors.
1. Wander Temples in the Cooler Hours
One of my favorite rhythms: start your morning with temples, before the heat gathers.
- Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew: The gold mosaics and murals look especially crisp in December’s brighter light.
- Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): Cross the river in the soft morning glow, and climb to its terraces for panoramic views of Bangkok.
- Wat Pho: Visit the Reclining Buddha earlier (before noon) to dodge tour-bus crowds.
- Wat Saket (Golden Mount): The climb rewards you with sweeping views over rain-washed rooftops.
Pro tip: Wear comfortable, breathable clothing that covers knees and shoulders (required at many temples). Bring a scarf or sarong to adapt. Aim for 7–11 a.m. when light is soft and ambient, and crowds haven’t saturated the lotus ponds.
2. Celebrate the Holiday Spirit in Markets & Lights
Bangkok becomes a seasonal wonderland in December.
- Winter Markets at CentralWorld: Twinkling lights, gift stalls, holiday themes, and great nighttime energy.
- Christmas Markets at Asiatique The Riverfront: Riverside shopping under lanterns, with festive décor and local handicrafts.
- The Great Gatsby Christmas Market (K-Village, Sukhumvit): Vintage vibes, 150+ stalls, tropical meets holiday.
- Street lighting & mall displays: Rachaprasong, Siam, Chidlom, and Amarin Plaza sparkle with LED installations and creative décor.
Even if you’re not religiously celebrating Christmas, December in Bangkok feels like a shared city festival — lights, laughter, food, and joy everywhere.
3. Take a Festive Night Cruise on the Chao Phraya
One of the most magical things to do in Bangkok December nights is slipping onto a dinner cruise. Under clear skies, the riverside temples, bridges, and cityscape look luminous.
- Many cruises include live music, candlelit dinners, local performances, and festive decorations.
- Tours depart from piers like Sathorn (Central Pier), near icon hotels.
- Aim for a twilight departure (around 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.) — you’ll catch sunset then move into city lights.
Combined with festive reflections on water, this experience feels like an elegant gift to your senses.
4. Sample Local Flavors with Seasonal Treats & Cooking Classes
Bangkok’s food soul doesn’t rest — it shifts.
- Cooking classes: Learn to make festive Thai desserts or street-food hits in air-conditioned kitchens.
- Festive seasonal menus: Hotels and restaurants adopt special dishes — coconut sweet cakes, pandan puddings, fusion entrees.
- Street food night hunts: After dark, venture through Yaowarat (Chinatown) or Silom Sois for grilled meats, sticky rice, warm soups — winter-like evenings make spicy food a delight.
- Food halls in malls (e.g. EmQuartier, ICONSIAM): A safe bet in case it rains (rare in December), but also classy and comfortable.
One evening, I recall walking along a quiet soi behind Sathorn, where a small vendor was selling spiced sticky rice in banana leaf parcels — that little warm bite in cool air felt like a secret urban gift.
5. Explore Art, Museums & Cool Indoor Spaces
Even with fewer rainy days, December evenings are perfect for culture indoors.
- Bangkok Art & Culture Centre (BACC): Rotating contemporary shows, photography, cafés, performance nights.
- Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA): A bit out, but worth the taxi ride if you want immersive quiet.
- Jim Thompson House: Silk history, teak pavilions, shaded gardens — a calmer break midday.
- SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World (Siam Paragon) or Siam Discovery: For rainy-proof exploration when needed.
- Soulful jazz nights: Venues like Sanam Suea Pa (Dusit) host the Bangkok Jazz Festival in December.
One December night, I slipped into a BACC gallery as the light faded. The hush in the halls, soft voices at the installations, and the gentle hum of air-conditioning were a balm after a sunlit day.
6. Join Key December Festivals & City Events
December glints with celebrations, rituals, and public holidays.
- King’s Birthday / Royal Guards Parade (December 2): A colorful parade in front of the Royal Plaza and Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.
- Bangkok Jazz Festival: Three nights of jazzy performances, local and international acts.
- Thai Red Cross Fair (often mid-December, at Lumpini Park): stalls, games, performances, lights. Locals call it the “mini carnival.”
- Constitution Day (December 10): Some public events, smaller local observances.
- New Year’s Eve countdown at CentralWorld: One of Bangkok’s grandest celebrations — fireworks, concerts, mass energy.
- SEA Games 2025 (December 9–20): Bangkok is one of the host cities, so sports events will be happening across venues.
If you time your stay to overlap with these, you’ll feel part of BTS-style surges of locals, families, and performers — legitimate, living Bangkok during its brightest season.
7. Venture Out on Day Trips with Ease
December’s dry air makes nearby escapes smoother.
- Ayutthaya: Ancient ruins lit by crisp daylight, often less hazy than in other months.
- Bang Krachao (“Bangkok’s green lung”): Rent a bike and ride canals, shaded paths, mangrove edges.
- Ancient City (Muang Boran) or Erawan Museum: Gated outdoor-indoor museum parks with architecture, sculpture, garden worlds.
- Floating markets: Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa — boating under clear skies is nicer when water is calm, roads are dry.
Just plan to depart early morning and return before dusk; Bangkok’s traffic still heightens at night.
8. Rooftops, Sunset Bars & Nightviews
December evenings are special: clear horizon, cooler breezes, city lights crisp and clean.
- Sky bars: Vertigo, Sky Bar at Lebua, Octave, Above Eleven — go around 5:30–6:30 p.m. to catch sunset then stay for the glow.
- Riverside bars: Decked with lights, you can sip a cocktail while river breeze brushes your skin.
- Moonlight strolls: Walk along the Chao Phraya promenade near ICONSIAM or River City — the light reflections in water feel amplified by holiday decor.
Pro tip: Go early, get a table near the edge, and use that golden hour light before night fully falls.
9. Shop, Relax & Soak in the Holiday Energy
- Mega malls (Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, ICONSIAM, EmQuartier): Decor, holiday windows, events, food courts.
- Spa days & wellness breaks: A midday massage in December comforts you after morning exploring.
- Movie theaters / cultural shows: Catch Thai films, musicals, or international releases in comfy settings.
- Café-hop: Let the holiday mood guide you into hidden alleys, art cafés in Thonglor, Ari, or Old Town.
One December afternoon I ducked into a small café in Phra Nakhon, sipped an iced oliang while holiday tunes played softly. Outside, the sky was deep blue, the lights were half up, and the world felt limitless.
Practical Tips for December Visits
- Book early: December is popular — flights and hotels fill fast.
- Dress smart: Lightweight clothes, but carry a thin shawl or wrap for air-conditioned interiors.
- Start early: The best daylight is morning-midday; reserve dusk and evening for ambiance.
- Use public transit: BTS + MRT + river boats work well; roads are less flooded this month.
- Stay hydrated & sunscreened: Even cooler months are still tropical sun.
- Mind crowd surges: New Year’s Eve, countdowns, events downtown — arrive early or avoid core zones.
When you travel in December, you’re not dodging rain or battling heat — you’re dancing through a city shimmering in its best light.
FAQ — Real Traveler Questions
Q1: Is December a good time to visit Bangkok?
A: Yes, December is among the most comfortable months in Bangkok. The rains have ended, humidity is lower, and outdoor activities become more pleasant.
Q2: Do rooftop bars work well in December?
A: Absolutely. Clearer skies and cooler evenings make rooftop bars a dream — you’ll likely get unobstructed views, good air, and fewer chances of abrupt rain.
Q3: How is New Year’s Eve in Bangkok?
A: Big, energetic, and crowded. CentralWorld in Siam is a hotspot. Fireworks, music, countdowns — plan early, use public transit, hold your bag tight.
Q4: What should I skip or avoid in December?
A: Avoid scheduling long boat tours late in the day (visibility wanes). Also, stay clear of overly tight itineraries — leave breathing room for festive detours.
Q5: Are there big discounts or deals in December?
A: Early December may still have shoulder-season rates; by mid-Dec, pricing often climbs due to holiday demand. But spa packages, off-peak shows, or boutique guesthouses sometimes run promos.
Conclusion
December transforms Bangkok into a city of luminous possibility. Barely a cloud, mornings full of golden light, evenings ablaze with festive glow. The list of things to do in Bangkok December is not just about ticking boxes — it’s about letting the city surprise you.
Wake with temples. Lose yourself in markets. Cruise under night sky lights. Sip tropical Christmas teas. Escape on day trips. Revel in jazz, festivals, rooftop breezes, museum coolness.
Want me to help you sketch a 5-day December itinerary or pick the perfect neighborhood to stay? Just say the word — your Bangkok December magic awaits.
Summary (TL;DR)
December is one of Bangkok’s best months — dry, cooler, and full of light. Top things to do include temple visits in the morning, festive markets and Christmas lights, riverside dinner cruises, art museums, jazz festivals, day trips to Ayutthaya or Bang Krachao, rooftop bars, spa breaks, and holiday shopping. Plan early, mix indoor/outdoor, and enjoy Bangkok’s uniquely warm holiday heart.