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The golden chedi of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep above Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai in December

Cool, dry and busy

By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026

The short answer

December is the best month to visit Chiang Mai.

December has cool, dry weather and a festive atmosphere, with high-season prices.

6.9/10 overall17–29°CHigh crowds$$$$
Weather9/10
Crowds4/10
Prices$$$$
Events7.5/10

December in detail

What December actually feels like

Weather
17–29°C
Cool, dry and sunny.
Crowds
High
Expect queues at the headline sights and full terraces in the evening.
Prices
$$$$
Higher rates, especially for central and view rooms.

+Cool, dry weather and a festive mood.

–High season crowds and prices.

My tip for December

Book Christmas and New Year stays early.

  • Temples
  • Markets
  • Doi Suthep

How December compares

Against the other eleven months

1st of 12 overall in Chiang Mai, 1st for weather, 11th for space, 11th for value. The emptiest month is June; the best value is June.

See all twelve months for Chiang Mai

Weather

Weather in Chiang Mai in December

In December Chiang Mai averages a high of 29°C (84°F) and a low of 17°C (63°F), with about 14 mm of rain or snow over 1 wet days. The warmest month is April (around 37°C) and the coolest is December (around 29°C); the wettest month is August.

Average high
29°C
84°F
Average low
17°C
63°F
Precipitation
14 mm
Wet days
1

Climate data: World Meteorological Organization. Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.

Quick answers

Chiang Mai in December: the questions people ask

Is December a good time to visit Chiang Mai?
December is the best month to visit Chiang Mai. It ranks 1 of 12 months in Chiang Mai overall (1 for weather, 11 for space, 11 for value). The main upside: Cool, dry weather and a festive mood. The main downside: High season crowds and prices.
What is the weather like in Chiang Mai in December?
Average highs are around 29°C and lows around 17°C. Expect about 14 mm of rain or snow over roughly 1 wet days. Cool, dry and sunny. For comparison, the warmest month is April (around 37°C) and the coolest is December (around 29°C).
Is Chiang Mai crowded in December?
Crowds are high. Expect queues at the headline sights and full terraces in the evening. The quietest month is June.
How expensive is Chiang Mai in December?
Prices are at level 4 of 5 ($$$$). Higher rates, especially for central and view rooms. The best-value month is June.
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?
In the CrowdFreeViews month scores, January is the best month overall (this month). The quietest month is June and the best value is June.

Ready to book December in Chiang Mai?

Cool, dry weather and a festive mood.

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