Weather in Bangkok in December

How December compares

December is the 11th warmest month of the year in Bangkok and ranks 2nd of 134 destinations we compare for December - see where else is hot in December. Within Thailand it is 1st of 6 (Thailand in December). Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Bangkok is 22.9°C warmer by day and 19.0°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Bangkok peaks at 30.6°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 32.9°C or more. About 99% of days top 25°C and almost every pass 30°C. Nights average 21.7°C; one night in ten drops to 18.3°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest December day here reached 34.7°C (2019-12-22) and the coldest night 12.5°C (1999-12-25).

Rain in December

Dry (3 rainy days or fewer): about 2 days with 1 mm or more, 10 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 2017 with 48 mm, the driest 2003 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 62%.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 27.4°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 26.5°C to 28.7°C. For the warmest sea here, come in May (30.6°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.9 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.2 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:34 and sets about 17:53 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 47%.

Is December a good time to visit Bangkok?

Yes - it is one of the better months: hot days, little rain. The best months for Bangkok on our scoring are December, January, November; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Comfortable by Bangkok standards, but still hot

December sits towards the cooler end of Bangkok's year, but you should still pack for summer. Days reach 30°C on 70% of occasions, so heat is a routine part of the trip rather than an occasional interruption. Loose, breathable clothing, sun protection and regular breaks indoors will be more useful than heavy layers. Put your more active outdoor plans in the morning or later afternoon, leaving room to slow down around midday. If you find sustained heat tiring, December is a sensible choice within Bangkok's calendar, but it does not turn the city into a mild-weather destination. The appeal is reduced heat, not the absence of it.

Little rain makes outdoor planning easier

Rain is unlikely to be the main constraint on your plans: December is dry, so you can give outdoor time priority without building the whole day around wet-weather alternatives. That is not a promise of clear skies throughout your stay. Expect about 5.9 hours of sunshine within 11.2 hours of daylight, leaving a useful distinction between time outside and time in direct sun. Keep sun protection handy even if the morning looks dull, and carry a light rain layer if you prefer to be prepared. For a UK traveller seeking warmth without frequent rain interruptions, this balance is a strong reason to choose December.