Things to Do in Ayutthaya in December

December Weather in Ayutthaya

30°C (86°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1.0 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temple cycling weather - Cool mornings (20-25°C/68-77°F) from 6-9am make the 8 km (5 mile) temple circuit route comfortable without oppressive heat
Peak cool season means sunset temple visits are magical - Golden hour lighting at Wat Chaiwatthanaram from 5:30-6:00pm with comfortable 26°C (79°F) temperatures
Lowest rainfall of the year with only 2-3 rainy days - Most outdoor activities proceed as planned without weather disruptions
Tourist numbers drop 40% after New Year crowds leave - Major temples like Wat Mahathat have manageable crowds, especially weekday mornings

Considerations

Accommodation prices surge 60-80% during Christmas and New Year weeks - Budget guesthouses jump from ฿800 to ฿1,500 per night
Strong UV rays despite cool air - December's clear skies mean UV index reaches 8-9, requiring constant sun protection during temple visits
Limited rainy season restaurant hours - Some local eateries reduce operating hours expecting fewer tourists, closing by 8pm instead of 10pm

Best Activities in December

Ancient Temple Cycling Circuits

December's cool mornings (20-25°C/68-77°F) make cycling between ruins comfortable for 3-4 hours. The 8 km (5 mile) main circuit covers Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet without the March-May heat exhaustion risk. Clear skies provide perfect lighting for photography.

Booking Tip: Rent bicycles for ฿100-150/day from shops near the train station. Start by 7am to complete the circuit before 11am heat builds. See current guided cycling tours in the booking section below for structured routes with historical context.

Chao Phraya River Sunset Cruises

December's clear skies and low humidity create stunning sunset views from 5:30-6:30pm. River temperatures are comfortable for evening cruises, and you'll see Wat Chaiwatthanaram perfectly illuminated. Traditional longtail boats operate in ideal conditions without monsoon disruptions.

Booking Tip: Book longtail boat tours for ฿1,500-2,500 per boat (up to 6 people) through licensed operators at Bang Pa-In pier. Reserve 7-10 days ahead for December weekends. Current river cruise options available in booking section below.

Traditional Market Food Tours

Cool December weather makes walking through Ayutthaya's markets comfortable for 2-3 hours. Local specialties like boat noodles and roti sai mai are available in peak quality. Morning markets (6-10am) operate in pleasant 22-26°C (72-79°F) temperatures.

Booking Tip: Join walking food tours typically costing ฿800-1,200 per person including tastings. Book through local operators 5-7 days ahead. See current food tour options in booking section below for guided market experiences.

Bang Pa-In Summer Palace Visits

December's low rainfall (only 25mm/1 inch) means palace gardens are accessible without muddy paths. Cool temperatures make walking the extensive grounds comfortable, and clear weather provides excellent views of the ornate Thai, Chinese and European architecture.

Booking Tip: Entry costs ฿100 per person. Visit 8am-4pm when temperatures stay below 30°C (86°F). Combine with river tours for transportation. Current palace tour packages available in booking section below.

Elephant Village Ethical Encounters

Cool December weather is ideal for elephants and visitors during feeding and bathing activities. Morning visits (8-11am) in 22-28°C (72-82°F) temperatures keep elephants active and comfortable. Clear weather ensures all outdoor programs operate normally.

Booking Tip: Choose ethical sanctuaries charging ฿1,500-2,500 per person for half-day programs. Book 10-14 days ahead through certified operators. Avoid riding operations. Current ethical elephant experiences listed in booking section below.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon Sunset Photography

December's clear skies and golden hour lighting from 5:15-5:45pm create perfect conditions for photographing this iconic reclining Buddha temple. Cool evening temperatures (24-26°C/75-79°F) make climbing the central chedi comfortable for panoramic views.

Booking Tip: Entry fee ฿20 per person. Arrive by 5pm for best positioning. Photography workshops cost ฿800-1,500 per person. See current photography tour options in booking section below for guided sessions with professional tips.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair

Annual celebration of Ayutthaya's UNESCO status featuring traditional Thai performances, historical reenactments, and local handicraft demonstrations at the historical park. Evening light shows illuminate major temples with modern projection mapping.

December 31st

New Year Temple Bell Ceremonies

Local temples hold traditional merit-making ceremonies and bell ringing at midnight December 31st. Wat Mahathat and Wat Ratchaburana host the largest gatherings with monks leading chanting and blessing ceremonies for the coming year.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeved cotton shirts - Protect from UV index 8-9 during temple visits while staying cool in 65% humidity

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - December's clear skies mean intense UV exposure even in comfortable 26-30°C (79-86°F) temperatures

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Temple ruins have uneven ancient stone surfaces, and early morning dew can make surfaces slippery

Light jacket for early morning - Temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F) at sunrise, perfect for 7am temple visits

Quick-dry pants or long skirts - Required for temple entry, and synthetic fabrics dry fast if caught in brief afternoon showers

Portable phone charger - Clear December weather is perfect for photography, but you'll drain batteries quickly taking temple photos

Insect repellent with DEET - Evening river activities still attract mosquitoes despite cooler temperatures

Reusable water bottle - You'll need 2-3 liters (0.5-0.8 gallons) daily during outdoor temple circuits even in cool weather

Cash in small bills - Most temple entry fees (฿20-100) and bicycle rentals (฿100-150) require exact change

Lightweight rain jacket - While December has minimal rainfall, brief 15-20 minute showers can occur during temple visits

Insider Knowledge

Local monks start daily alms rounds at 6:30am in December - Join respectfully along Naresuan Road near Wat Ratchaburana for an authentic cultural experience most tourists miss

December boat noodle vendors at Hua Ro Market open earliest (5:30am) when it's cool - Locals eat here before temple visits, avoiding tourist restaurant markups that triple after 9am

The 7-Eleven near Ayutthaya train station stocks proper temple-appropriate clothing - Locals buy ฿150-200 long pants here instead of paying ฿400-500 at tourist shops near temples

Wat Lokayasutharam (reclining Buddha) has no entry fee and fewer crowds than Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon - Locals prefer sunset visits here from 5-6pm for photos without paying ฿20 entrance fees

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming cool December weather means no sun protection needed - UV index still reaches 8-9, and tourists get severe burns during 3-4 hour temple circuits

Booking accommodation only for Christmas week - December 20-27 sees 80% price increases, but December 1-15 has normal pricing with identical weather conditions

Planning temple visits during 11am-2pm - Even December temperatures reach uncomfortable 30-32°C (86-90°F) midday, while 7-10am stays pleasant at 22-26°C (72-79°F)