Winter is the right time of year to travel to hot countries. Many Russians try to go on vacation at the end of December to celebrate abroad new year holidays. Most often, tourists choose for their winter holiday Thai resorts. Sunny and hospitable Thailand is ready to welcome thousands of tourists in December and give the most unforgettable experiences.
Weather
With the arrival of winter, the most favorable season for relaxation begins in Thai resorts. The weather in Thailand in December becomes as comfortable as possible for both visiting tourists and local residents. The average daily temperature during this period is +28…+31 degrees. At night the temperature drops to +20…+23 degrees. It is a little cooler in the northern mountainous regions.
December is considered one of the driest months in the Thai kingdom. Humidity at the end of winter is very low. At this time of year there is practically no rain in the country (precipitation is possible only on Koh Samui, Tao, Pranang). The sky is usually sunny, there are no clouds or clouds.
The water temperature at Thai resorts reaches +27…+29 degrees. The Andaman Sea is quiet, calm and clear this season. On the Gulf of Thailand there are more frequent winds and small waves can arise, which generally do not interfere with swimming.
Knowing what happens in December, travelers should pack their suitcases correctly. You should not take umbrellas, raincoats or warm clothes with you on your trip. They will definitely not be needed at Thai resorts at the end of the year. You need to take with you sunglasses, swimsuits, sprays and creams that protect your skin from the sun's rays, a light pareo cape to prevent your shoulders from getting sunburned, and hats to protect you from heat stroke.
Leisure and entertainment
A beach holiday in Thailand in December is good for everyone, except for one thing: at this time of year a huge number of vacationers come to the resorts, so popular Thai beaches can be so crowded with people that it is difficult to find at least one free place. To avoid such inconveniences, some travelers try to go to remote wild beaches and already there you can enjoy the sea and sun to your heart’s content.
In December, diving enthusiasts will be able to explore undersea world, the water this month is quite clean and unturbid. The dive can be done under the guidance of an experienced instructor or independently. After waiting for the waves at Thai resorts, you can go kiting and surfing. Also for vacationers are organized sea cruises, outdoor fishing and many other activities.
At the end of December, tourists, as always, will have access to various excursions to temples, museums, nature reserves and others. popular places. On New Year's Eve, vacationers will be able to visit discos, parties, erotic shows, etc. Many hotels organize banquets and invite animators who will entertain adults and children at festive feasts.
December holidays
In addition to the European New Year, many other interesting holidays are celebrated in Thailand in December:
- The King's Birthday (December 5). This is one of the main national holidays, which is celebrated by residents throughout the country. Bangkok becomes the center of the celebration. For the holiday, the Thai capital is decorated with garlands, people go out into the streets with lit candles, and at night, fireworks are launched into the sky in honor of the king.
- Celebration dedicated to the bridge over the River Kwai (from December 7). Throughout the week, Kanchanaburi province hosts tours of the bridge, theatrical performances telling the history of the bridge, etc. Tourists who decide to attend this event will be treated to a light and sound show, fireworks, fairs and even steam locomotive races.
- Constitution Day (December 10). On the eve of the holiday, Thais decorate streets and houses with national flags and garlands of flowers. On the holiday itself, various fairs, exhibitions, lectures and seminars are held, which tell about the history of the country and the constitution. Many shops and shopping centers they don't work on this day.
Also in December, the following events are held in the Thai kingdom: the “Big Piece” gourmet festival with tastings of various dishes, jet ski races in Pattaya, a cultural fair, a light festival, a car exhibition, etc.
Fruit abundance
Tourists who decide to visit Thailand at the end of the year should definitely try the fruits that ripen this season. By December, tamarinds, carambola, pineapples, sapodilla, pomelo, and guava ripen in the Thai kingdom.
Also this month, bananas, coconuts, melons, durians, watermelons, cream apples, rambutans, strawberries, and grapes will be found in Thai bazaars and shops. By the New Year holidays, fruit prices may rise slightly, but buyers who come to the local market have the opportunity to bargain with the seller.
How much does the trip cost?
In December, the number of travelers wishing to visit Thailand and celebrate in a hot country New Year, increases significantly. This is always reflected in the occupancy of hotels (you need to book rooms as early as possible) and the cost of tours. By the end of the year, tours become more expensive by 50-70%. Prices for excursion services, menus in restaurants, goods in stores, travel on public transport, etc. are also increasing.
You can buy tours to Thailand in December from 70-80 thousand rubles and above. Discounts on travel packages are possible if: early booking(in 3-4 months). Last minute tours are rare this season, but sometimes tourists are lucky and manage to pay for a tour at a favorable offer.
December is the most popular month among tourists who want to relax in Thailand. Some fly here for the winter, others want to celebrate the New Year holidays on the shores of the warm sea, and others simply want to spend a vacation away from the winter cold and everyday affairs. The weather in Thailand in December, to the delight of everyone, is excellent almost everywhere. I will tell you in more detail what the weather conditions are like in the first winter month and where it is best to go in this article.
In December, the weather in Thailand becomes much better than in previous months. The rainy season is finally receding, the sun is shining brightly in the sky, and a light sea breeze is blowing on the shore. There is very little precipitation, and the duration of rain is no more than half an hour. With the onset of the dry season, air humidity decreases, making it easier to breathe and the heat less difficult to bear. During daylight hours, the air temperature in Thailand in December is approximately +30 °C; at night it is much cooler - +23 °C.
Such weather conditions are perfect for relaxation. However, the weather in Thailand is not the same everywhere. There are regions where the rainy season has not yet ended, and there are also cities where it is significantly cooler. I propose to take a closer look at the different regions of Thailand so that you have a complete picture and can choose a resort with the most pleasant conditions for your holiday.
The cost of air tickets and hotel stays is also increasing. In December, a vacation will cost 1.5-2 times more than in the rainy season. Therefore, you need to take care of air tickets and book a hotel in advance. Since not only are prices rising, but the best options are quickly sold out. To book plane tickets I use the Aviasales website. My calendar low prices will help you find the best ticket.
December is one of best months for a trip to Thailand. Every day here is filled with exciting events and a festive atmosphere. I recommend everyone to celebrate the New Year in the tropics at least once in their life; this event will give you a lot of new impressions and will remain in your memory forever. I wish you a great holiday!
In December, you often want to go to a place where there is a warm azure sea, beautiful white beaches and bright sun. At the beginning of winter, this is the weather in Thailand! And there are also delicious fruits, interesting excursions and another culture with its own religion, customs and national cuisine. Find out on the Tour Calendar what else awaits you in Thailand in December.
Weather in Thailand in December and New Year
Day and night temperatures in December are approximately the same throughout the Kingdom of Thailand. In mainland cities (Pattaya, Bangkok) +30°C during the day, +21..+22°C at night, on the southwestern part of the coast (Phuket, Krabi) +30°C during the day, +23°C at night. On Koh Samui during the day it’s about +31°C, in the evening it’s cooler, about +20..+21°C. The water temperature is quite comfortable for swimming; in all resort towns it is approximately +27..+29°C. Precipitation at this time of year is zero, and the sky is clear and cloudless.
Bangkok Krabi Phuket Phi Phi Samet Hua Hin Chiang Mai Samui Pattaya Koh Chang
What to do in Thailand in December?
At this time, holidays in Thailand are the most varied: the weather is comfortable both for excursions and trips around the country, and for a leisurely relaxation on the beach. In December in Thailand, do not forget to apply sunscreen and have a supply of drinking water with you before leaving the hotel, especially if you are going to spend a long time outdoors.
Beach holiday
The city beaches of the mainland in December do not particularly delight tourists, because the shore and water are not crystal clear and do not at all look like the pictures in tourist brochures about Thailand. The shores on the islands are another matter! There the sand is white and the sea is azure blue and clean all around. On municipal beaches Sun loungers are rented for money for the whole day. When visiting the islands, be sure to take a mask and snorkel with you (for snorkeling). Almost everywhere near the shores there is a beautiful underwater world that can be seen literally from the surface of the water.
The more picturesque and clean the beach, the less activities there are, and cafes and shops are also a rarity. It’s worth taking food and drinks with you to the wild or sparsely populated islands of Thailand, because even if there is a cafe or bar in this place, the prices there are 4-5 times higher. The most beautiful and secluded beaches: Ko Khan (taken from Ko Mak island), Poda beach (from Ao Nang island), Koh Kho Khao beach (Takuapa island). It is important to remember that on the islands, from about two o'clock in the afternoon, the tides begin to ebb and the water goes out strongly. In addition, if you go to places within the national park area, then when disembarking you will be charged 400-500 baht per person.
Entertainment and excursions
Thailand has original and interesting architecture, formed under Indian and Khmer influence. Therefore, while in Thailand in December, it is worth visiting such museums and attractions as the Jim Thompson House Museum (Bangkok), Chaiwatthanaram Temple (Ayutthaya), Chedi Luang Temple (Chiang Mai), Ancient city Muang Boran (Samut Prakan), Temple of Truth Prasat Mai (Pattaya), Mahathat Temple (Ayutthaya) and others. You can get everywhere on your own from nearby settlements by tuk-tuk or taxi, or as part of a tour group.
During hot hours, trips to waterfalls are popular, where you can admire the beauty and exotic nature of Thailand, and enjoy the coolness in the shade of tropical forests. The deepest and multi-level waterfalls are “Erawan” (in national park Erawan) and “Khlong Plu” (Chang). For this walk, you should wear comfortable shoes and take a swimsuit with you.
Among active rest Outdoor activities such as diving and snorkeling are at their peak in December. There are similar tours in Thailand at this time at every step and for pleasant memories and impressions it is important that the trip is comfortable and with high-quality service. A team of experienced divers can teach diving or accompany you during diving to great depths.
New Year and other holidays and festivals
December 10th is Constitution Day in Thailand, so government offices are closed on this day. The city streets are decorated with flags and flowers, and entertainment venues host festive programs.
From December 31 to January 1, Thais celebrate the New Year together with the whole world, and then the Thai New Year (falls on Lunar calendar for spring and is called Songkran). On the December holiday night in all resort areas: hotels, bars, cafes and restaurants host New Year's shows and fun parties. The streets of tourist cities are decorated with garlands and illuminations, New Year's toys and colored tinsel are hung on trees and artificial trees, holiday fairs and bazaars with Thai New Year's products open here and there. By and large, the New Year celebration in Thailand is distinguished only by its subtropical climate. However, it is precisely this difference that attracts tourists to be in the Kingdom on December 31.
For everyone who wants to celebrate the New Year not at the traditional Christmas tree, but surrounded by palm trees on the ocean, a trip to Thailand in December will undoubtedly be the best gift.
At this time of year there are always a lot of tourists here, since for many Europeans visiting this country at the beginning of winter, when the snowy winter comes into its own in the Northern Hemisphere, has become a good tradition.
The weather in Thailand in December is conducive to carelessness and lazy relaxation on the beach. The dry season continues here, there is practically no precipitation and the humidity characteristic of this country becomes almost unnoticeable.
Lovers aquatic species Sports people can enjoy diving, windsurfing, or take a boat or yacht ride along cozy coves. The air temperature in November exceeds 30 degrees during the daytime, and the water temperature is 28 degrees.
However, holidays in Thailand in December are not only about beaches. This month, one of the most significant events in the world of sailing is taking place on the island of Phuket - the King's Cup competition.
In addition, December 5th is the King's Birthday, the celebration of which begins well in advance. All government buildings are decorated with festive lights, making Bangkok look like a magical land. The Thais, without a doubt, know a lot about holidays and celebrate them selflessly and joyfully.
Also, do not forget about the massage and spa salons of Thailand, famous all over the world. You can visit such a salon in almost any hotel.
If you are planning to travel to Thailand in December, reviews from tourists will help you figure out which part of the country is best for you to go to. According to most vacationers, the first month of winter is the most favorable for vacationing with children. Moreover, December is one of those months when you will feel comfortable in any part of the country. The rains have stopped throughout the kingdom, and wherever you go, wonderful weather, gentle sun and clear sea await you.
The only exception is the northern part of Thailand. In December evenings, the temperature here drops below 15 degrees, which is especially noticeable in contrast to the daytime heat. Locals They even wear hats and insulated jackets.
Closer to the New Year, the wet season begins in the South-East of the country. While the sun is shining in full force on Phuket, it starts to rain on Koh Samui. They are not protracted and even make it easier to bear the heat.
If you go to Thailand in December, holiday prices will not be particularly low, since winter is the peak tourist season. However, if you plan your trip in advance, you can save money.
Megapolyus tours company invites you to choose a holiday option that will meet all your requirements. With us you can purchase the most profitable tours to Thailand in December, and by taking advantage of the “hot” offers, you will not only have a great rest, but will also be able to avoid unnecessary expenses.
All about winter holidays 2019-2020 in Thailand! Where is the best place to go on vacation? What is the weather like in December, January and February? What are the costs of the tours? How much do food and accommodation cost? Tips and reviews from tourists.
The land of exotic fruits and blooming orchids is most in demand among tourists precisely in winter time. In November the rainy season ends, dry and warm weather sets in. warm sea and comfortable air temperature +30°C. Thai winter is the best suited for a full-fledged beach holiday and excursions - without sweltering heat and unexpected downpours. Therefore, we will tell you where to relax in Thailand in December, January and February, what to do and what the weather is like there, we will tell you about prices for accommodation, food and tourist packages, and also share reviews and tips from tourists.
(photo © Paul D "Ambra - Australia / flickr.com)
Where to go on holiday in winter in Thailand?
Conventionally, Thailand can be divided into several tourist areas.
Very popular among our compatriots, noisy and cheerful Pattaya: stormy night life with go-go dancing and shows for adults, it is a magnet for people looking for adventure. Here the tourist season lasts almost all year round, however, the water in the bay is somewhat cloudy, but there is the largest concentration of bars and nightclubs on the coast. Tourists have fun diving, surfing, riding scooters, bananas, tablets, etc. Families with children love to visit parks and animal shows, gardens and greenhouses with orchids. A few kilometers from Pattaya there are islands with amazing postcard beaches and pure water, where tourists go to swim (for example, Koh Larn).
Where is the best place to relax in the Land of Smiles?
Many people choose to holiday in Thailand in winter Andaman coast(Phuket, Krabi province, Phi Phi, Khao Lak, etc.). Phuket is loved by divers and lovers of boat trips on yachts. good infrastructure, hotels and bungalows of different price segments. Krabi province is more suitable for a relaxing beach holiday. The water here is clean and clear, there is practically no precipitation or wind, it is warm and sunny, the water temperature in the Andaman Sea is +28...+29°C. In addition, tourists can visit local temples, watch the process of growing pearls, visit butterfly, snake and crocodiles farms, and nearby islands.
Resort Samui delights its guests with beautiful beaches, fresh tropical fruits and seafood, this is the ideal place for have a relaxing holiday. But during the winter months, Koh Samui and other resorts on the Gulf of Thailand experience heavy rainfall and storms, especially in December and January. Only towards the end of February clear and hot weather sets in.
Northern part of the country and the cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are ideal for tourists who cannot tolerate tropical heat and humidity. Winter here is mild and comfortable, and December and January are considered the coldest months of the year, the temperature during the day is +28°C, at night +10...+15°C. In Chiang Mai, nature comes alive in winter. On the first Friday of February, a flower festival takes place here every year. At this time, Chiang Mai is transformed, tropical flowers are everywhere, smart people walk the streets. A beauty contest is held, where the most beautiful girl receives the title of Queen of Flowers.
(Photo © mick62 / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY 2.0)
New Year in Thailand
If your trip is planned for the New Year holidays and you want something bright and unusual, then it’s better to choose big cities, there will be celebrations on a grand scale - Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya. “Dragons” walk the streets, and palm trees decorated with garlands temporarily act as Christmas trees. Thais celebrate the New Year three times: January 1, Chinese New Year (late January - early February) and their Songkran holiday in April.
A fair opens in Pattaya from December 25 to December 31; the entire Beach Road is occupied by stalls with various goods, souvenirs and food. On New Year's Day, a concert-festival is held, which attracts local musical groups and performers. Well, the most stormy celebrations take place on the Bangkok embankment in Nathon and on Maenam Beach. At midnight on January 1st there is a mandatory fireworks display.
Weather in Thailand in winter
Winter is the best period for relaxation and excursions in the north, in the cities of Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai: it is dry, warm (and by Thai standards even cool), the average daytime air temperature is +27...+28°C, at night +14... +15°С. There is little rain.
On the island of Koh Samui, the temperature is high +30°C, the water is warm, up to +28°C, but for about half of December and January the weather is cloudy, it can rain not only at night, but also during the day, so it’s quite difficult to predict the trip. In February it becomes hotter +32...+33°C, strong humidity disappears, and the number of rainy days is reduced to 5.
Weather in December
Thailand recovers from the rainy season in December: average temperature air is set in the range of +25...+30°C, precipitation stops. The temperature gradually increases, and in February it already becomes hot - up to +35°C, although some tourists feel comfortable even at such temperatures. Most importantly, in winter there is no excess humidity, which is why travelers often call tropical countries a steam room or sauna. Exception - Koh Samui, from December to February it is humid and can rain quite heavily.
Weather in January
January is the ideal time to travel to Phuket. The temperature rarely drops below +30°С, most often +31...+32°С, complete calm, sea +28°С. It gets hotter in February. In Pattaya - no precipitation, sunny and warm +30°C. In January in Pattaya, the average temperature is about +27...+30°C, no precipitation, bright sunshine.
Weather in February
The weather in Thailand in February is still good. You can easily get a bronze tan, the air temperature is +32°C, and there may be a little rain a couple of times. It’s a little hotter in Bangkok and Krabi province - about +31...+32°C all winter.
See also the article about the weather in: we describe the temperature of the water and air and advise which resort is best to go on vacation.
(photo © melenama / flickr.com)
Prices in Thailand in 2019-2020
Food prices
In Thailand in 2020, even despite the ruble exchange rate, reasonable prices. Thai cuisine is replete with vegetables and seafood, and you can have a delicious meal at a local eatery or makashnitsa for 30-60 baht per person (noodle soup, pad thai or a box of rice and several toppings), a variety of kebabs cost 10-20 baht per piece . In tourist cafes, of course, it is more expensive - sometimes the price can be 10 times higher (this is especially true in Patong in Phuket). Those who are wary of exotic food and a lot of spices can eat in European restaurants or food courts, where the food is more aimed at tourists. In general, Thais try to give Europeans little pepper and understand the words perfectly no spicy.
Fruit is quite cheap, especially in season. When buying, you can bargain if you take a lot. It is better to do this in markets, farm vans (jeeps) or in supermarkets - sometimes in stalls on tourist streets the cost is clearly overpriced.
The cost of food and accommodation in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket varies - you can compare and choose the best place for relax. Read about prices in the Land of Smiles and our costs for two trips in winter and spring.
Hotel prices in winter
With housing, everything is also going well: there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses of various price categories, you can search for them on the Roomguru website - it finds the best options by comparing prices among popular booking systems.
In Thailand, in December, January, February and March, prices remain at maximum level(high season), and from April they begin to decline. Below we present prices for double rooms in hotels at resorts in Thailand for the winter 2019-2020.
In the center Bangkok, not far from Grand Palace, you can rent a room for two for $24 and above, a simple room on Khao San Road - from $8, good rooms can be found for $10-13.
IN Pattaya many good options in the range of $16-25, about 500-1000 meters from the beach. Rooms with sea views in four-star hotels cost on average $37-70. Rooms in five-star hotels are usually expensive, but with promotions on Roomguru you can sometimes find fabulously cheap rooms (especially if you look in advance) - for example, we saw offers from $28 for a double room at the Pattaya Hiso Hotel and from $44 at Jomtien Beach Penthouses Pattaya. There are also many on Koh Lan interesting hotels- room rates from $16 per night for two.
Hotels cost about the same as in Pattaya. Hostel - from $14, double rooms - from $18. A night in a three-star hotel for two near the beach will cost an average of $21-37, in a 4* hotel - from $40 to $80, in a 5-star hotel - from $75. Look also at ours - they compare offers from 120 tour operators and are therefore able to find the best option. You can buy a ticket online, which is very convenient. Do you want to spend a minimum amount of money on your vacation? They will help you save money.
At the beginning of December, prices for tours to Thailand are still at the November level. However, by the middle of the month they increase by 15-20%, and by Catholic Christmas by 50-60% relative to November. Obviously, many people want to escape winter to splash in the warm waves and soak up the sand. The cost of tours reaches its peak by January 1 (70-80% more expensive than in early December) and remains with minor drops of 10-20% until the end of February.
But all these statistics do not at all exclude the possibility of catching cheap last-minute tours (for example, for 40-50 thousand rubles for two). Such last-minute tours to Thailand can cost even less than air tickets on regular flights alone. Moreover, the price of the tour includes flights, accommodation, transfer, insurance and meals of your choice. We write about the cheapest last-minute tours in - stay tuned!
Approximate prices for trips for two people. Tours from Moscow to Thailand for December, January and February 2019-2020 cost from 52 thousand rubles (stay 7 nights). Cost of tours from St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Rostov-on-Don and others major cities Russia usually starts from 80 thousand rubles, but for some dates you can find tours for 70 thousand.
Look: as a gift to friends and relatives.
On a note:
- As a rule, the cost of trips to Phuket and Pattaya is approximately the same.
- The price of tours for 10-12 nights is not much higher than the cost of tours for 7 nights.
- Closer to the departure date, the cost of travel packages may decrease significantly, for example, to 50-60 thousand rubles, and sometimes even lower. Follow the news on and travel cheap!
