Things to Do in Ayutthaya in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Ayutthaya
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak temple-exploring weather - mornings from 6am-9am sit around 23-25°C (73-77°F) with golden light that makes the ruins genuinely stunning for photography. The low sun angle creates dramatic shadows across Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet that you won't get during other months.
- Minimal rainfall despite 10 rainy days listed - December in Ayutthaya typically sees those brief 15-20 minute afternoon showers that clear quickly rather than day-long downpours. The 0.0mm average tells you these are sporadic, not monsoon conditions. You'll rarely lose more than an hour of sightseeing time.
- Loy Krathong aftermath means fewer crowds than November but temples still have decorative elements up through mid-December. You get the festive atmosphere without the peak pricing or elbow-to-elbow crowds at Wat Chaiwatthanaram during sunset.
- River levels are perfect for boat tours - the Chao Phraya and Pa Sak rivers sit at ideal heights after rainy season ends. Not too high for safety concerns, not too low for navigation issues. The 1.5-2 hour temple loop tours from Wat Phanan Choeng actually run on schedule, which doesn't always happen in other months.
Considerations
- That 70% humidity combined with 31°C (88°F) afternoons creates the kind of sticky heat where you'll want to shower twice daily. Between 11am-3pm, outdoor temple exploration becomes genuinely uncomfortable - locals retreat indoors for good reason during these hours.
- December sits in shoulder season transitioning toward high season, so pricing is inconsistent. Some guesthouses still charge low-season rates around ฿600-800, others have already bumped to high-season ฿1,200-1,500. You need to book 3-4 weeks ahead to lock better rates before Christmas week hits.
- The variable conditions mean you can't predict weather day-to-day. One afternoon might be perfectly clear, the next brings a surprise thunderstorm. This makes tight itineraries risky - build in buffer time if you're only here for 2-3 days.
Best Activities in December
Early Morning Temple Circuit Cycling
December mornings are genuinely the best time all year for cycling between temples. Start at 6am when it's still 22-23°C (72-73°F) and you'll have Wat Phra Ram practically to yourself. The 15 km (9.3 miles) loop through the historical park becomes uncomfortable by 10am when temperatures climb, but those first 3-4 hours are perfect. The UV index of 8 means you'll want sunscreen even at dawn, but the combination of cool air and empty ruins makes this worth prioritizing. Locals do their morning exercise routines around the temple perimeters during this window for good reason.
Chao Phraya River Sunset Cruises
December's variable weather actually works in your favor for sunset boat tours. The scattered clouds create dramatic sky colors that peak season's clear skies can't match. Tours typically depart 4:30-5pm for 1.5-2 hours, catching temples like Wat Phanan Choeng and Wat Chaiwatthanaram in golden hour light. River levels are stable after rainy season, so tours run reliably. The breeze on the water drops the feels-like temperature by 3-4°C (5-7°F), making this one of the more comfortable afternoon activities. Worth noting that occasional rain showers add atmosphere rather than ruining the experience - temples look striking in mist.
Ayutthaya Floating Market Exploration
The floating market operates year-round but December's lower tourist numbers mean vendors are more relaxed and willing to chat. Open 9am-5pm daily, though mornings before 11am are cooler for wandering the 2 km (1.2 miles) of walkways. This is touristy, yes, but it's also where locals actually shop for specific items - the dried fish vendors and curry paste stalls in the back sections see genuine local traffic. The covered areas provide relief from that afternoon humidity, and the canal breezes help. Budget ฿300-500 for food sampling and small purchases. December sees fewer tour buses than January-February, so you can move through comfortably.
Thai Cooking Classes in Traditional Settings
Indoor activities become essential during December's 11am-3pm heat window, and cooking classes solve the weather problem while teaching genuinely useful skills. December means you're working with excellent produce - morning glory, Thai eggplant, and holy basil are all peak season. Classes typically run 3-4 hours including market visits, and the air-conditioned or well-ventilated cooking spaces provide relief from humidity. You'll learn 4-5 dishes, eat your creations, and get recipe cards. This is particularly smart for rainy afternoons when temple plans need adjusting.
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace Visits
Located 20 km (12.4 miles) south of Ayutthaya, this summer palace complex works perfectly for December's weather pattern. The extensive gardens are best explored 8-11am before heat peaks, then retreat to the air-conditioned museum buildings during midday. The European-style architecture and Thai pavilions are well-maintained, and December's occasional clouds prevent the harsh shadows that wash out photos in peak dry season. The palace grounds cover significant distance - expect 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 miles) of walking - so that morning timing matters. Fewer crowds than Ayutthaya's main temples mean you can photograph the Aisawan Thipphaya pavilion without people in every frame.
Night Market Food Tours Around Chao Phrom Market
December evenings from 6-9pm sit around 25-27°C (77-81°F) with lower humidity than daytime, making this the most comfortable eating window. Chao Phrom Market and surrounding sois come alive after sunset with vendors selling boat noodles, grilled river prawns, and mango sticky rice for ฿40-80 per dish. This is where Ayutthaya locals actually eat, not tourist restaurants. December means you'll find seasonal items like roasted chestnuts and Chinese pears that appear specifically during cooler months. The market sprawls across several blocks - budget 2-3 hours to explore properly without rushing.
December Events & Festivals
King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Day
December 5th remains a significant observance day across Thailand including Ayutthaya. Temples hold special evening ceremonies with candlelight processions, particularly at Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Locals dress in yellow or formal attire to show respect. Government offices and some businesses close, but tourist sites remain open. The atmosphere is reverent rather than festive - worth experiencing for cultural understanding but not a party atmosphere. Evening temple visits this day offer genuine insight into Thai respect for monarchy.
Constitution Day Celebrations
December 10th marks Thailand's Constitution Day with government ceremonies and school events. In Ayutthaya, this mostly means government offices close and some locals have the day off, creating slightly higher domestic tourist numbers at temples. Not a major tourist-facing event, but you'll notice more Thai families visiting historical sites. Some hotels offer special rates for the long weekend if December 10th falls near a weekend in 2026.