Things to Do in Chiang Mai in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Chiang Mai
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak cool-season weather with mornings around 17°C (62°F) - perfect for temple visits and mountain hikes before the heat kicks in around 11am. You'll actually want that coffee hot instead of iced.
- Yi Peng lantern releases typically happen in early December (tied to the lunar calendar), creating those iconic floating lantern scenes. The official dates for 2026 will likely fall in the first week of December, and you'll see both the touristy Mae Jo University mass release and smaller neighborhood launches throughout the old city.
- Lowest rainfall of the year at just 15 mm (0.6 inches) means outdoor plans rarely get disrupted. Those 10 rainy days are mostly brief evening showers that clear quickly - not the all-day monsoon soaks you'd get in August or September.
- December sits right between the burning season (March-April when air quality tanks) and the tail end of monsoon season. The AQI typically stays under 50, giving you clear mountain views from Doi Suthep and clean air for cycling around the moat.
Considerations
- High season pricing hits hard - guesthouse rates double from November, jumping from ฿600-800 to ฿1,200-1,600 per night for mid-range places. Book at least 6-8 weeks ahead or you'll end up paying premium rates for mediocre rooms far from the old city.
- That 17°C (62°F) morning temperature catches first-timers off guard. Locals break out puffy jackets and you'll need long pants and a light sweater for early morning temple visits or scooter rides. By noon it's 29°C (84°F) and you're peeling layers off.
- The digital nomad crowd swells in December as people escape winter elsewhere, meaning the good coworking spaces and popular cafes around Nimman get genuinely crowded. If you need reliable wifi and a quiet workspace, scout locations in your first two days rather than assuming you'll find a spot.
Best Activities in December
Doi Inthanon Summit Hikes
December gives you the clearest visibility for Thailand's highest peak at 2,565 m (8,415 ft). The cool mornings mean you can actually hike the nature trails without melting, and the post-monsoon waterfalls are still flowing strong. Temperatures at the summit drop to 8-10°C (46-50°F) in early morning - genuinely cold by Thai standards. The rhododendrons bloom in December, and you'll often catch sunrise above the clouds if you start early.
Old City Temple Cycling Routes
The cool mornings make cycling between temples actually pleasant instead of a sweaty ordeal. Start at 7am when it's still 17-18°C (62-64°F) and you'll catch monks collecting alms, temple grounds being swept, and that soft morning light that photographers obsess over. The moat loop is 6 km (3.7 miles) and hits Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and a dozen smaller temples. December's dry roads mean you're not dodging puddles or dealing with slick cobblestones.
Sticky Waterfall (Bua Thong) Climbing
The limestone deposits let you literally climb up the waterfall barefoot - it's grippy enough that you won't slip. December still has enough water flow from the tail end of rainy season to make it impressive, but not so much that the current becomes dangerous. It's 1.5 hours north of the city, so the cool morning weather means the drive on a scooter is comfortable. Go midweek to avoid the weekend Thai family crowds.
Northern Thai Cooking Classes
December brings winter vegetables and ingredients that aren't available year-round - you'll work with fresh morning glory, baby corn, and the last of the season's Thai eggplants. The cool weather means standing over a hot wok isn't torture, and most classes include a morning market visit when it's still pleasant outside. You'll learn 5-7 dishes in a half-day session, and the small class sizes (usually 6-10 people) mean actual hands-on time, not just watching a demonstration.
Mae Sa Valley Countryside Loops
The 30 km (18.6 mile) loop northwest of the city takes you through orchards, past elephant sanctuaries, and along mountain roads with minimal traffic. December's clear skies mean you get mountain views the whole way, and the cooler temperatures make the climbs manageable. Stop at strawberry farms (December is picking season), waterfalls, and small roadside restaurants where a full meal costs ฿60-80. The roads are dry and well-maintained after rainy season.
Saturday and Sunday Walking Street Markets
The cool evening temperatures make wandering these massive street markets actually enjoyable. Saturday market runs down Wualai Road south of the old city, Sunday market takes over the entire length of Ratchadamnoen Road inside the moat. December brings out extra vendors and performers because of the tourist season. You'll find handmade crafts, street food for ฿30-60 per dish, and live traditional music. The crowds are dense but the weather is comfortable - in hot season these markets are brutal.
December Events & Festivals
Yi Peng Lantern Festival
The mass lantern release that fills Instagram every year. The exact dates shift with the lunar calendar, but for 2026 expect early December (likely first week). The free community releases happen throughout the old city neighborhoods - just walk around after dark and you'll find groups launching lanterns. The organized ticketed event at Mae Jo University (฿3,000-5,000) offers the synchronized mass release with thousands of lanterns, but honestly, the smaller neighborhood releases feel more authentic and you're not crammed in with tour groups.
Chiang Mai Marathon
Usually held mid-December, this brings international runners and shuts down parts of the old city for a morning. The full marathon, half, and 10K routes take you through temples, along the moat, and into surrounding countryside. Even if you're not running, the energy around the starting area near Tha Phae Gate is worth catching. Registration typically opens in September and fills up by November.
King Bhumibol Memorial Day (December 5)
National holiday honoring the late king's birthday. Government offices and some businesses close. You'll see portraits displayed throughout the city, and locals wear yellow (the king's color) or formal attire. The evening ceremony at Tha Phae Gate includes candlelight vigils. It's a respectful, subdued observance - not a party atmosphere. Worth witnessing if you're interested in Thai culture and monarchy reverence, but it does affect some business hours.