Chiang Mai or Bangkok in December?
On climate data, Chiang Mai comes out ahead overall in December. See the per-criterion details below.
Chiang MaiPhoto: Philip Nalangan · CC BY 4.0
BangkokPhoto: Supanut Arunoprayote · CC BY 4.0Key figures in December
| Criterion | Chiang Mai | Bangkok |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 25 °C | 31 °C |
| Average daily low | 14 °C | 20 °C |
| Rainy days | 2 rainy days (est.) | 2 rainy days (est.) |
| Sun | 6 h/day | 6 h/day |
| Humidity | 76 % | 71 % |
Winner by travel type
Trade-offs
- Bangkok is about 6 °C warmer by day.
Chiang Mai or Bangkok in December: the short answer
In December, Chiang Mai comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Chiang Mai 92/100 vs Bangkok 74/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
This comparison focuses on December as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Chiang Mai averages a climate score of 63/100, Bangkok 49/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in December, side by side
The average daily high is about 25 °C in Chiang Mai and 31 °C in Bangkok — warmer in Bangkok. Average daily lows are around 14 °C versus 20 °C.
On rain, Chiang Mai sees about 2 rainy days in December and Bangkok about 2. Sunshine is comparable (6 vs 6 hours a day).
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Chiang Mai records roughly 164 rainy days and Bangkok about 180 — the drier of the two overall is Chiang Mai. At their sunniest, Chiang Mai reaches about 8 hours of sun a day (April) and Bangkok about 8 (April). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Chiang Mai is at its best in January, February, November and December, while Bangkok peaks in January, February, November and December. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the December scores for each travel style:
City breaks: Chiang Mai scores higher in December (Chiang Mai 96 vs Bangkok 75).
Active & hiking: Chiang Mai scores higher in December (Chiang Mai 84 vs Bangkok 64).
Family: Chiang Mai scores higher in December (Chiang Mai 94 vs Bangkok 81).
Verdict: which should you pick?
In December, Chiang Mai leads across every scored category here — the overall score and each travel type — so on the climate data it is the clearer pick this month. Over the year, Chiang Mai carries the higher overall climate score. Your own priority (sun, sea, low rain or sightseeing comfort) still matters, and the month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.