December is an excellent time to visit Chiang Mai as the cooler winter dry season takes hold.
You can expect warm, dry weather and clear blue skies with around eight hours of sunshine daily and little or no rain. The average temperature is 23°C (73°F).
We answer the most commonly asked questions (FAQs) about Chiang Mai weather in December.
How hot is it in Chiang Mai in December?
Maximum daytime temperatures in Chiang Mai in December reach an average high of 29°C (84°F), falling to a cooler night-time low of 16°C (60°F).
How sunny is it in Chiang Mai in December?
There are usually eight hours of bright sunshine each day in Chiang Mai in December – that's around 75% of daylight hours.
Sunrise & sunset in December?
Sunrise is around 6:50am with sunset around 5:50pm.
Does it rain in Chiang Mai in December?
There is usually two day with some rain in Chiang Mai in December; the average monthly rainfall is 20mm (‹1in).
How windy is it in Chiang Mai in December?
December sees an average hourly wind speed of 4 kilometres per hour (2 mph).
What to do in Chiang Mai in December?
Weather conditions in December are ideal for trekking and biking the surrounding mountainous countryside.
It’s also a great time to explore the cobblestoned sois (alleys) of the Old City on foot, and visit the glittering shrine of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Local holidays?
Father's Day – 5th Dec; H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great’s Birthday – 5th Dec; Constitution Day – 12th Dec; New Year's Eve – 31st Dec.
This is peak season in Chiang Mai, with higher hotel prices and the need to book early, especially during the Christmas to New Year holiday period.
| High Temp: 29°C (84°F) | |
| Low Temp: 16°C (60°F) | |
| Sunshine: 8 hours per day | |
11
|
Daylight: 11 hours per day |
| Wind speed: 4 km/h (2 mph) | |
| Wet Days: 2 day with some rain | |
| Rainfall: 20mm (‹1in) per month | |
| Comfort Level: Moderate to warm; 69% humidity | |
8
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UV Index: High |
| Chiang Mai, Thailand | |
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is from mid-November to early-March, when the region is mainly dry and not too hot, typically averaging 28°C (82°F).
Climate source: Meteorological data for Chiang Mai is based on weather statistics gathered for the 30-year period 1991 to 2020 by the Thai Meteorological Department from the closest weather station: Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), located around 5km (3mi) south of the centre of Chiang Mai.
Advice on the best time to visit Chiang Mai is based on average local weather statistics, when the weather conditions are generally better than at other times of the year. We consider high and low temperatures, risk of rain (and thunderstorms, etc.), amount of sunshine and sea temperature. For general outdoor activities we favour clear, rainless days with a temperature range between 18°C (64°F) and 27°C (80°F); and for hot-weather activities we favour clear, rainless days with a temperature range between 24°C (75°F) and 32°C (89°F). Often, the best times to visit correspond to high season and therefore involve higher prices.
Latest update: Chiang Mai weather in December: 24 August, 2025
Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided as is, without any assurances as to its accuracy or suitability for any purpose. Weather data and conditions at any given location and time are unpredictable and variable. We assume no responsibility and can not be held legally responsible for any decisions made on the basis of the information presented on this site.
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