Chiang Mai in December 2025 [Weather, Festivals & Crowds?]

December is the best time to visit Chiang Mai. It's pleasantly dry, with usually no more than a single rainy day. Temperatures stay mild, between 16°C/61°F at night and 28°C/82°F during the day.

This ideal weather coincides with the city's most festive season, from Christmas decorations to New Year countdowns. It's a popular time to visit, with lively crowds and higher prices toward the holidays. For a quieter feel, early December is a lovely choice too.

Chiang Mai's Weather and Climate in December

• Average daily highs: 28°C/82°F
• Average daily lows: 16°C/61°F
• Average precipitation: 9.5 mm/0.4 in
• Sunny days: 30
• Rainy days: 1

December is in the middle of Chiang Mai's dry season, with clear skies almost every day. The burning season hasn't started yet, so the air remains fresh.

Despite being the coolest month, days are pleasantly warm, around 28°C / 82°F. It's ideal whether you're exploring temples, interacting with elephants, or hiking in Doi Inthanon. Short sleeves and light clothes are all you need for daytime activities. 

In the mornings and evenings, the city cools down to around 16°C / 61°F, with a light jacket handy at night markets or during morning alms-giving. In the mountains, like Doi Suthep or Doi Inthanon, it can get as cold as 5°C / 41°F, so pack a warm coat for sunrise treks. At last year's CAD countdown in the mountain area, some guests even wore light down jackets.

How Busy Is Chiang Mai in December?

December is one of Chiang Mai's busiest months—busier than November, yet calmer than January. Early to mid-December feels pleasantly lively, while the real crowds arrive between Christmas and New Year (Dec. 20–Jan. 2).

During the holidays, the Old City takes on a festive glow. Tha Pae Gate—the heart of the celebration—gets crowded, but much of the city still keeps its relaxed rhythm. Temples such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Wat Chedi Luang are active but never overwhelming, especially if you go early in the morning or around sunset.

The night markets, on the other hand, can get shoulder-to-shoulder, especially around food stalls.  If possible, try going either a bit earlier or later than the peak hours (7–9 p.m.) for a more relaxed browse.

For elephant experiences, choosing the right camp makes a world of difference. When we visited Elephant Rescue Park last December, it felt too commercial—too many people around just a few elephants. But at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, the pace was calmer, and Chiang Mai Bush Camp (10 guests for 6 elephants) offered an even quieter, more personal encounter. We've visited over ten sanctuaries, so let us know your preferences, and we'll match you with the one that truly fits.

Overall, even at its busiest, Chiang Mai remains a more relaxing getaway than Bangkok or Phuket—according to Thailand's tourism data, it receives only about one-fourteenth of their crowd.

How Expensive Is Chiang Mai in December?

December is the peak season in Chiang Mai. In early December, private tours usually run about US$200 per person per day.

Around Christmas and New Year, the same trip can climb past US$300, making it the most expensive time in Chiang Mai.  Hotels can easily double their rates, and flights typically rise by around 50% during this period.

It's a noticeable holiday bump, but Chiang Mai remains more affordable than Bangkok or the islands. Only a handful of luxury resorts add pricey gala dinners (US$80–200), a surcharge that's almost standard at many hotels in Bangkok and on the islands.

Top 6 Things to Do in Chiang Mai in December

1. Celebrate the New Year with CAD New Year Countdown

If you're in Chiang Mai for New Year's Eve, you have to check out the CAD New Year Countdown! Compared to Bangkok's fireworks or parties on the beaches, it feels more intimate and truly Thai.

Count down together, light your lantern, and watch it float into the night sky.  Thousands of glowing lanterns fill the air—it's magical, almost like a movie scene.

Tickets can be tricky since the CAD New Year Countdown is the only official venue, but we can help you secure a front-row spot. Even better, you can wear traditional Thai costumes with makeup and hairstyling, which makes the whole experience extra romantic and memorable.

If you prefer a festive street vibe, the Old City is your place to be, where locals and travelers celebrate side by side. Around Tha Phae Gate and Nimmanhaemin Road, you'll find fireworks, live music, and countdown parties.

2. Enjoy Sunset & Riverside Feasts for Christmas & New Year

For Christmas or New Year's Eve dinner, Chiang Mai swaps snowy nights for tropical riverside sunsets and a unique, low-key vibe.

For an exotic Thai feel, our pick is Paak Dang Riverside Dining. Grab a riverside table, enjoy Thai dishes, and watch the sunset over nearby temples as they light up. For a classic Christmas feast, check out upscale restaurants and luxury resorts like Anantara.

For drinks afterward, MAI The Sky Bar is hard to beat for couples or friends. Cocktails with city views and a festive glow make it feel like a real holiday escape. Don't expect tall skyscrapers—Chiang Mai wins for its low-key vibe.

Want to take your foodie experience further? Check out our Thailand Food Trip: Beyond Street Food Tours.

3. Hang out in Chiang Mai's Largest Sunday Night Market

To see authentic street life in Chiang Mai, don't miss the Sunday Night Market. Ancient streets, Lanna temples, and markets together form its unique charm, like nowhere else.

At Christmas, this backdrop gets even more magical: local street food stalls sit next to Western-style bakeries, candles flicker with a holiday glow, and live music sometimes drifts into Christmas carols. If you're worried about crowds, go early around sunset or late in the evening.

If you also want to experience the markets during the day, we'll guide you to our handpicked favorites on weekend mornings. For example, Coconut Market is all about local snacks, and your kids will love it.

4. Hike in Thailand's Highest Mountain: Doi Inthanon

December is a perfect month to hike in Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai's most popular spot for highland views. The trails are reliably dry, and the daily high of around 20°C (68°F) makes trekking very comfortable. Even at peak season, the spread-out routes rarely feel crowded.

For the best experience, try these two trails. Kew Mae Pan Trail is the most photogenic and popular, taking you through jungles, meadows, and misty clouds. Pha Dok Siew Trail offers a quieter, more rural vibe, winding past waterfalls, terraced fields, and small Karen villages.

5. Eat What Anthony Bourdain Ate in Chiang Mai

If you've watched Anthony Bourdain in Parts Unknown, you know Chiang Mai's street food is on another level. We'll take you to do the same—grab a tiny plastic stool, dig into Khao Kha Moo (stewed pork leg with rice), try grilled chicken with green papaya salad, or slurp Khao Soi (noodle soup with curry).

To take it further, join a hands-on cooking class to share laughter and learn together with your loved ones. You can choose a private session in a traditional Thai-style home, where you'll cook side-by-side with a local host in their own kitchen and learn how real Thai dishes are made.  Or go for a hands-on class on a small organic farm, surrounded by rice paddies, tropical fruit trees, and lily ponds.

6. Chiang Mai Design Week × Old City Walk

If you're a fan of design, plan your trip around Chiang Mai Design Week (Dec 6–14, 2025), when the Old City transforms into a living art festival. Streets fill with creative energy: open studios, pop-up installations, and live music blend seamlessly into daily life.

One highlight is the POP Market, where you can browse local designers' work, listen to live jazz, and sample street food under the lanterns.

For a quieter side of the festival, slip into satellite exhibitions tucked inside cafés and bookshops such as Twenty Mar, where you can pause for coffee and take in the artwork at your own pace.

As night falls, head to Tha Pae Gate and Three Kings Monument, where large-scale interactive installations light up, an unforgettable way to see the Old City glow in a different light.

Make the Most of the Weather with Highlights Travel

Travel with us and experience a trip tailored just for you. We'll craft personalized itineraries that match the weather, making every moment count. Make unforgettable memories while we handle the details.

Dreaming of Thailand? Check out our tips and ideas for the perfect getaway.

• Thailand Weather in December 
• Best & Worst Time to Visit Thailand
• How to Plan Your First Trip to Thailand
• Popular tour packages that include Chiang Mai

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Chiang Mai

Learn about the weather in Chiang Mai for 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month.