Things to Do in Chiangmai in December

December Weather in Chiangmai

29°C (84°F) High Temp

17°C (62°F) Low Temp

15 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect cool season weather - mornings start at 17°C (62°F), ideal for temple visits and hiking before noon heat peaks at 29°C (84°F)
King Bhumibol Memorial Day holiday (December 5) creates festive atmosphere with free cultural performances and temple ceremonies locals rarely see tourists at
Chiang Mai Flower Festival preparation season - local flower farms open to visitors with wholesale prices on orchids and chrysanthemums
Post-harvest season means local markets overflow with fresh longan, rambutan, and pomelo at 30-50% lower prices than peak tourist months

Considerations

New Year's week accommodation prices increase 200-300% with 3-night minimum stays required at most hotels
Burning season preparation begins - farmers start controlled burns creating occasional hazy skies, especially in surrounding mountains
Afternoon temperature swings of 12°C (22°F) between morning and midday require layered clothing and frequent outfit changes

Best Activities in December

Doi Inthanon National Park Highland Trekking

December's cool mornings make the 2,565m (8,415 ft) summit trek comfortable before 10am. Rhododendrons bloom and you'll see frost on vegetation - a rare sight in Thailand. Local hill tribes harvest winter vegetables creating authentic market encounters. The temperature drops to 5°C (41°F) at summit.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed national park guides. Tours typically cost ฿2,800-3,500 including transportation. Choose operators with warm weather gear provided. Reference booking widget for current tour options.

Traditional Lanna Temple Circuit by Bicycle

Cool 17°C (62°F) morning temperatures perfect for cycling between Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Chiang Man. December's low rainfall means temple grounds are dry and accessible. Local monks perform special winter blessing ceremonies at 6am - tourists rarely witness these.

Booking Tip: Rent quality bikes for ฿150-250/day from shops near the old city. Start at sunrise to avoid afternoon heat and tour groups. Temple entry typically free with small donation appreciated.

Elephant Nature Park Ethical Encounters

December's moderate humidity and comfortable temperatures create ideal conditions for outdoor elephant observation. Elephants are more active in cooler weather. Post-monsoon landscape is lush but paths are dry and safe for walking tours.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead - December is popular but not peak pricing yet. Full day experiences cost ฿2,500-3,800. Choose operators with genuine rescue credentials and veterinary care on-site. See current tours in booking section below.

Mekong River Golden Triangle Boat Tours

December's post-monsoon water levels are perfect for boat access to remote villages. Cool morning air contrasts beautifully with warm river temperatures. Opium poppy harvesting season means you'll see traditional farming practices locals don't usually share with tourists.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Chiang Mai typically cost ฿3,200-4,500 including border crossing logistics. Book through operators with proper Myanmar and Laos border permits. Weather conditions are most stable early December.

Night Bazaar and Street Food Walking Tours

December's comfortable evening temperatures around 22°C (72°F) make 3-4 hour food walks pleasant. Local winter specialties include hot pot-style steamboat and grilled river fish. Smaller crowds than peak season mean better interaction with vendors and authentic pricing.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work well - start at Chang Khlan Road night bazaar around 6pm when vendors set up. Budget ฿400-600 for full street food experience. Join local food walking tours for ฿1,200-1,800 to access vendor-only stalls.

Traditional Thai Cooking Classes with Market Visits

December harvest season means markets have peak variety of fresh herbs, vegetables, and tropical fruits at best prices. Cooler kitchen temperatures make 4-5 hour cooking sessions comfortable. Local ingredients like galangal and lemongrass are freshest this time of year.

Booking Tip: Half-day classes including market tour cost ฿1,800-2,800. Book classes that start with dawn market visits for best ingredient selection. Choose schools in traditional wooden houses rather than hotel-based programs for authentic experience.

December Events & Festivals

December 5

King Bhumibol Memorial Day Celebrations

December 5th national holiday featuring temple ceremonies, cultural performances, and locals dressed in yellow royal colors. Free performances at Tha Phae Gate and special temple lighting ceremonies most tourists never see.

Late December

Chiang Mai Winter Fair Preparation

Late December setup for January flower festival - local flower farms open to visitors with behind-scenes access to orchid cultivation and traditional garland making workshops.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool or fleece layer for 17°C (62°F) morning temperatures - cotton gets damp in 70% humidity

Breathable long pants for temple visits - shorts not permitted at major wats, and morning coolness requires coverage

SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen - UV index of 8 at altitude burns skin 40% faster than sea level

Packable rain jacket - 10 rainy days means 33% chance of afternoon showers lasting 20-30 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - temple stones can be slippery from morning dew

Insect repellent with 20% DEET - post-monsoon conditions increase mosquito activity in evening

Power bank and universal adapter - exploring remote temples and mountains limits charging opportunities

Light scarf or sarong - required for temple shoulders coverage and useful for air-conditioned spaces

Cash in small denominations - street food vendors and local transport don't accept cards, expect ฿20-50 transactions

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated at altitude and in humidity crucial, tap water not safe to drink

Insider Knowledge

Local university students return from semester break mid-December - great opportunity to meet English-speaking locals at coffee shops near Chiang Mai University

December 5th King Bhumibol Memorial Day means government offices and some attractions close, but temples host special free cultural performances locals attend

Book accommodations before December 20th to avoid New Year premium pricing - after Christmas, rates triple and minimum stays apply

Morning mist at mountain temples like Doi Suthep creates dramatic photos but clears by 9am - arrive early or miss the effect entirely

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - 17°C (62°F) mornings require layers, especially at mountain temples and during tuk-tuk rides

Booking New Year's accommodation last minute - prices increase 200-300% after December 20th with 3-night minimums required

Skipping temple etiquette research - December religious ceremonies have stricter dress codes and photography restrictions than regular visits