Khaoyai in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Khaoyai

26°C (79°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

15 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

60% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak cool season with temperatures dropping to 18°C (64°F) at night - perfect for camping and early morning hiking without the crushing heat of other months
Near-zero rainfall (15 mm/0.6 inches total) means waterfalls are accessible, trails are dry, and outdoor activities rarely get cancelled - only 2 rainy days expected
Wildlife viewing peaks as animals congregate around water sources during dry season, and cooler morning temperatures (18-22°C/64-72°F) keep animals active longer
Accommodation prices drop 30-40% after high season rush in November, yet weather conditions are actually superior for most outdoor activities

Considerations

Morning fog can reduce visibility to 50 m (164 ft) until 9-10am, affecting early wildlife spotting and sunrise viewpoints - plan activities for mid-morning instead
Waterfalls run at 40-50% capacity compared to rainy season - still beautiful but less dramatic than wet season photos you see online
Dust levels increase on unpaved trails and park roads due to dry conditions - brings challenges for those with respiratory sensitivities

Best Activities in December

Khao Yai National Park Wildlife Safaris

December's dry conditions concentrate wildlife around remaining water sources, making animal spotting 70% more successful than wet season. Cool mornings (18-22°C/64-72°F) keep elephants, gibbons, and hornbills active until 10am instead of retreating by 8am. Dust-free trails after months of no rain provide clear sightlines.

Booking Tip: Book park entry and guide services 7-10 days ahead as weekends fill up with Thailand residents escaping the city. Safari tours typically cost ฿1,800-2,800 per person. Choose operators with 4WD vehicles and thermal scopes for dawn wildlife tracking.

Sunrise Balloon Flights Over Pak Chong

December offers ideal ballooning conditions with minimal wind (5-10 km/h) and zero precipitation. Crystal clear morning air provides 20 km (12 mile) visibility over the Dakar. Cool launch temperatures of 18°C (64°F) make the ground crew experience comfortable for participants.

Booking Tip: Reserve 14-21 days ahead as December has only 28-30 flyable days due to weather. Flights cost ฿8,500-12,000 per person with early morning pickups at 5:30am. Weather cancellation rate drops to just 10% in December versus 40% in rainy months.

Haew Narok Waterfall Hiking Trails

December transforms the challenging 2.5 km (1.6 mile) trail into the year's most pleasant hike. Dry paths eliminate muddy sections that plague other months, while cool air (22-24°C/72-75°F) during midday makes the steep sections manageable. Reduced water flow creates safe rocky areas for photography.

Booking Tip: Start hikes between 8-9am when morning fog lifts but before afternoon heat builds. Guided hikes cost ฿800-1,200 per person. Choose operators familiar with seasonal trail conditions - some shortcuts become accessible only during dry season.

Primo Piazza European Village Photography Sessions

December's crisp air and low humidity create perfect conditions for outdoor photography without the haze that affects shots in other months. Cool temperatures make walking the 2 km (1.2 mile) grounds comfortable all day, while reduced crowds mean unobstructed shots of the Tuscany-inspired architecture.

Booking Tip: Entry costs ฿150 adults, ฿100 children with additional ฿200-300 for professional photo packages. Visit 10am-4pm for best lighting - December sun angle eliminates harsh shadows that ruin photos in summer months. Book weekend accommodations here 2-3 weeks ahead.

Vineyard Tours and Wine Tasting at Granmonte

December coincides with harvest season's end and early fermentation period, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes access to winemaking processes. Cool evening temperatures (18-20°C/64-68°F) make outdoor tastings on vineyard terraces comfortable until 8pm, impossible during hot season.

Booking Tip: Tours cost ฿450-650 per person including 4-5 wine tastings. Book harvest experience tours 10-14 days ahead - December offers special harvest celebration events not available other months. Afternoon tours (2-5pm) avoid morning fog that can obscure mountain vineyard views.

Night Safari and Spotlight Tours

December's extended cool period keeps nocturnal animals active longer - civets, slow lorises, and flying squirrels remain visible until midnight versus retreating by 10pm in hot months. Clear skies and minimal precipitation create optimal spotlight visibility reaching 100 m (328 ft) into forest canopy.

Booking Tip: Night tours run ฿1,500-2,200 per person with thermal equipment included. Book with operators offering warm clothing - December nights drop to 18°C (64°F) in open vehicles. Tours departing 7-8pm capture peak animal activity during December's extended cool hours.

December Events & Festivals

Early December

Khao Yai Marathon and Trail Run

Annual marathon taking advantage of December's cool conditions, with 42 km (26 mile), 21 km (13 mile), and 10 km (6 mile) courses through national park buffer zones. Cool morning temperatures make this the only month suitable for long-distance running here.

Mid December

Pak Chong Winter Festival

Local celebration of cool season arrival featuring night markets specializing in hot foods like tom kha gai and grilled meats that locals avoid during hot months. Features traditional blanket weaving demonstrations and winter crop displays.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight fleece or hoodie - temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) at night, catching tropical-climate visitors off guard during evening activities

Dust mask or bandana - unpaved park roads and dry trails create dust clouds that irritate airways during 4WD safari tours

Layers for 8°C (14°F) temperature swings between dawn and midday - start with long pants and sleeves, strip to shorts by noon

Closed-toe hiking shoes with ankle support - dry season exposes rocky trail sections usually covered by mud and vegetation

SPF 30+ sunscreen for UV index 7 conditions - December sun feels mild but clear air provides no UV filtering that haze offers other months

Compact binoculars 8x32 or 10x42 - dry season animal spotting opportunities increase dramatically with proper optics

Portable phone charger/power bank - cool weather extends outdoor time but drains batteries faster in cold morning conditions

Light rain jacket - while only 2 rainy days expected, mountain weather changes rapidly and afternoon mist can soak clothing

Insect repellent with DEET - dry conditions concentrate mosquitoes around remaining water sources where wildlife gathers

Reusable water bottle (1.5L minimum) - cool air masks dehydration signs while dry conditions increase fluid needs during hiking

Insider Knowledge

Local elephant herds follow predictable water-source patterns in December - arrive at Haew Suwat Waterfall between 6:30-7:30am for 80% elephant encounter success rate before tour groups arrive

December morning fog creates a temperature inversion - drive uphill 200 m (656 ft) elevation to escape fog blanket and capture sunrise photos while valleys remain socked in until 10am

Park rangers conduct controlled burns in December to prevent wildfires - these burn areas become prime wildlife viewing spots 2-3 weeks later as new shoots attract deer and wild boar

Accommodation owners offer 'cool season packages' in December including blankets and heaters - book directly by phone in Thai for 20-30% better rates than online booking platforms charge tourists

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold 18°C (64°F) feels in open-air safari vehicles at 6am - tourists in shorts and t-shirts end up miserable during prime wildlife viewing hours

Planning waterfall visits expecting full-flow conditions from rainy season photos online - December waterfalls run 40-50% capacity, still beautiful but manage expectations

Booking only morning activities without realizing December extends comfortable outdoor hours until 6pm - afternoon vineyard tours and late hiking become possible only this month