Is December a good time to go to Thailand?
December is one of the best months to visit Thailand. The temperatures have cooled down so it's not miserably hot, and the rains have stopped just about everywhere (although some of the beaches still get storms, especially on the Gulf of Thailand). It's hot but not scorching and everything is open again.
Typical Weather on Phuket in December
The average daily high temperature is about 31°C (86°F) and the average low is at 23°C (75°F). It is one of the best months to visit Phuket and Thailand. The average rainfall drops to 72 mm, which falls as low/medium-intensity showers on about 10 rainy days.
December's weather in detail
The only region to see much rainfall is the south east (Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Khanom) although plenty of sunshine punctuates the showers. Dry conditions and warm sea temperatures off the west coast make December an ideal month for diving around Phuket, Khao Lak & Krabi.
Swimming in Thailand in december is ideal
With water reaching a maximum of 85°F and an average of 83°F, going in the water (and staying there!) feels great.
The Best Times to Visit Thailand for Low Prices
Thailand is a relatively affordable destination throughout the year, though travelers may find the steepest discounts on accommodations, flights, and tours during the low/monsoon season (July through September).
The weather in Thailand in December is cool and dry.
The average daily maximum is 32°C (89°F) and the average daily minimum is 24°C (75°F). There is only about 1 rainy day during the whole month in Bangkok, but it is much rainier in the south, and much cooler further north.
You might think of Thailand as a place where everyone is wearing bikinis, shorts, and flip-flops. Yes, a lot of tourists and especially in Phuket dresses like that, and it is totally fine.
Weather in Bangkok in December
Despite being the coldest month, the average high temperature is around 31°C (88°F) whereas the average low temperature is 21°C (70°F). The weather is not cold but warm and humid, perfect for wandering around the city.
Yes, it is legal to drink in public places such as the street or on a beach. However, under Thai law, it is forbidden to consume alcohol in places such as; public parks, temples, hospitals, gas stations, and educational institutions.
Flights to Thailand tend to be more expensive in December although deals can still be had, particularly if you don't mind flying on an indirect route and are able to travel in the first week of December. The peak period for prices is usually the week before Christmas and extending into New Year.
Is Thailand good at Christmas?
Christmas, as in most Buddhist countries around Asia, is not celebrated in Thailand as a religious holiday. You'll see Christmas flourishes everywhere around the country – particularly in high-tourist areas like Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai – but the celebrations are mainly commercial campaigns.
Phuket's weather is warm and dry in December. It's a popular time to visit as there are 8 hours of sunshine every day and temperatures average between 23⁰C and 31⁰C. December is another excellent month to take advantage of the great weather across the country for multi-centre holidays with Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Shorts or trousers
Shorts are pretty common in most bars catering towards Westerners, and they're fine in many casual Thai nightspots too. For nightclubs in Bangkok and some other areas, men won't be allowed in without pants. Women can pretty much wear the right pair of shorts anywhere.
In the tourist high season from December to February the days are a little shorter. Then the day begins at 6:45 o'clock at the latest and ends between 18:10 and 18:30 o'clock. The short phases of the twilight are in need of getting used to. In less than half an hour the sun disappears behind the horizon.
During the high season of December and January, all the tourist places become too crowded. December and January are peak seasons in Thailand as the weather is brilliant during these days. A little rain and chilly temperature without freezing makes the place more appealing to the tourists.
How much money do I need for a week in Thailand? We recommend setting a budget of $840 a week for a mid-range holiday in Thailand. For this price you'll be eating at upmarket restaurants, going on tours (possibly daily) and hitting up popular clubs and bars in the evening.
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That's equivalent to about $420 USD. That's for two people for 15 days and includes everything from accommodation to meals and transport. At the time of travel, 35 baht was roughly $1 USD. As of October 2022, 38 baht is $1 USD, so if you spent the same amount of baht it would only equal $386.61 USD.
Thailand continues to experience local transmission of COVID-19. Wear a mask, practice social distancing, and follow government restrictions. We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution to Thailand overall due to the possibility of civil unrest and the threat of terrorist attack, including in Bangkok and Phuket.
Thailand is a very affordable country to visit. Though it isn't as cheap as its Southeast Asian neighbours, like Laos or Cambodia, Thailand is still a very affordable travel destination. Travellers can easily have an incredible time exploring Thailand on a backpacker budget.
What month is best to travel to Thailand?
When is the best time to visit Thailand? The best to visit Thailand is during the cool and dry season between November and early April, when temperatures range from 84°F to 97°F. However, the climate varies throughout the country, so you can visit all year round.
Do they accept US dollars in Thailand? Yes, you can US Dollars in Thailand. As we have explained above, it will be cheaper for you to buy USD instead of Thai Baht.
- Narcotics.
- Pornographic materials.
- Counterfeit trademark goods and IPR infringing goods.
- Fake notes or coins.
- Reserved animals or CITES-listed wildlife.
You need flip-flops
Given Thailand's heat and its shoes-off culture, flip-flops and comfy, casual sandals are the de facto footwear in Thai beach towns and tourist hot-spots.
If you wish to stay in Thailand for more than 45 days, or wish to work in Thailand, you need a valid visa, which you must obtain before you travel. You are legally required to have a valid passport in Thailand.
It's rainy season – and high season. A bit like November it can rain a lot on Bali, but also in December, you will get your days on the beach. Because of Christmas and New Years, it's busy on Bali; peak season is usually between the 23rd of December and the 6th of January.
8–10 days is an ideal amount of time to spend in Thailand as it means you can explore different regions. 10 days is a suitable length of stay for a relatively complete Thailand tour including central, north, and south Thailand.
- Don't disrespect the Royal Family.
- Don't wear your shoes inside a temple or in someone's home.
- Don't ride a motorbike without experience or license.
- Don't take that selfie with protected wildlife.
- Don't ride elephants.
- Don't take Buddha images out of the country.
- Don't feed the fish!
Drinking etiquette in Thailand is much less rigid than that in China or Japan, but some friendly rules of status and “giving face” do apply. Pouring a drink for someone else is a nice gesture; top off the glasses of people around you if you fill your own.
These include Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, Asahna Bucha Day, and Ok Pansa. The dates change each year as per the lunar calendar. On these alcohol-free days, alcohol sales are not allowed in Thailand. Violating the rule can lead to a prison sentence of up to six months and/or a fine of 10,000 baht.
Is Bali cheaper than Thailand?
Thailand is notoriously less expensive than Bali overall. However, cities like Bangkok, Thailand are likely to be more expensive than living in Ubud, Bali when it comes to the cost of living.
Estimates for the cost of living in Thailand generally say it's between 35% and 75% cheaper than living in the U.S. According to March 2022 Numbeo, a site that collects cost of living data from around the world, the average cost of living in Thailand is roughly 40% lower than the average cost of living in the U.S. ...
That being said, compared to countries such as Japan, New Zealand, Canada, and Europe, Thailand is still a very affordable destination. Are you still wondering how much money to take to Thailand for 10 days? Generally speaking, you can travel around Thailand on a budget of $35-$70 per day (per person).
Thailand is known for its gorgeous beaches, beautiful temples, delicious food, and its sex tourism. But don't be fooled- the country as a whole has conservative beliefs when it comes to PDA. Kissing in public is a major no-no, while handholding is becoming more acceptable in cosmopolitan areas such as Bangkok.
Budget travelers and backpackers can often get by in Thailand for US $25-$30 per day. They leverage smart budget travel techniques to save money because they'll be away from home for a long time. Others travelers on shorter trips with higher budgets and expectations could easily spend double that on dinner and drinks.
Although mosquitoes are present year round in Thailand, populations peak during the rainy season from May to September. Whether you live in Thailand or are just traveling through, here are some of the risks associated with mosquitoes and how to prevent these pests from biting you.
Phuket vs Bali in Cost: Phuket Is More Affordable
On the whole, visiting Phuket is cheaper than Bali. There is a wider range of accommodation to suit any budget in Thailand, and the local food and alcohol is also very cheap in Phuket.
What Phuket is famous for? Phuket is famous for a number of things like exotic beaches, vibrant nightlife, colorful night markets, delicious seafood, white marble Big Buddha and of course scuba diving.
It is a place where you can soak in the best sunset views, found nowhere else in the country. But there are many other things that Phuket is also known for. It boasts of beautiful temples, white-sand beaches, wellness & spa facilities and fabulous local restaurants.
While condom use with sex workers is common in Thailand, condom use is inconsistent with casual partners and extremely rare among married couples [22]. Only 21% of sexually active Thai high school students reported ever having used condoms [23].
What is considered rude in Thai culture?
Pointing at another person with one's index finger or feet is considered rude. The soles of one's feet should never be pointed at another person. One should sit in a way that avoids this. Feet should also not be rested on tables or pillows that people sleep on.
Tap water in Bangkok is as safe in theory as the tap water in any developed city worldwide. This means that there's no need to boil or treat it before drinking. Bangkok's tap water is certified safe for brushing teeth, showering or making a cup of coffee etc.
The hardest hit regions are Isarn and Southern Thailand. The typhoon season in the Pacific usually begins with less severe storms in April and does not end until November. The most severe typhoons usually occur in August and September.
Thailand Weather in December
Temperatures and humidity are among the lowest of the year. You may even feel cool at night in northern destinations such as Chiang Mai!
Weather: December is one of the best months to visit Bangkok. The average daytime temperature is around 30°C, while the evenings will be relatively cool and the temperatures will drop to about 20°C. In terms of precipitation, rainfall in December is very little, so the humidity is relatively low.
On the Andaman coast, Phuket is a popular beach destination with lively nightlife, while in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui has long been a romantic spot favoured by honeymooners for its balance of beaches and buzzing towns. For a quieter, castaway experience, there are the lesser visited Koh Yao Islands and Koh Samet.
The best time to visit Thailand is between November and early April. Not only is it the driest part of the year in the Land of Smiles, but it's also the warmest – temperatures hover between 32 and 36 degrees, with up to nine hours of sunshine a day.
December is a good time to visit Thailand, as the climate remains between cool and dry season which starts from November and remains till early April.
Mid Range Budget: Average daily budget: $50-100 USD
If you're willing to spend a bit more money than the average backpacker, you can upgrade your Thailand travel budget to include more fun things.
December is a winter month but in Thailand, the weather is still warm and a bit humid as well. December is also a peak season for tourists. You can pack light wear clothes such as tops, shirts, jeans, and dresses with one light jacket and one warm jacket.
Is Thailand cheap in December?
Flights to Thailand tend to be more expensive in December although deals can still be had, particularly if you don't mind flying on an indirect route and are able to travel in the first week of December. The peak period for prices is usually the week before Christmas and extending into New Year.