Things to Do in Samui in December

December Weather in Samui

29°C (84°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

264 mm (10.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Cooler temperatures and lower humidity than peak season - mornings average 24°C (75°F) making early outdoor activities comfortable without the oppressive heat of March-May
Fewer crowds at major beaches and temples compared to January-February peak season, with accommodation rates 20-30% lower than high season pricing
Optimal diving conditions with 20-25m (65-82 ft) visibility at dive sites around Koh Tao and Sail Rock due to calmer seas and reduced plankton
Fresh tropical fruit season peaks in December - rambutan, mangosteen, and durian are at their best and cheapest, with local markets offering 30-40% better prices than imported off-season fruit

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms occur 60% of days, typically lasting 30-45 minutes between 2-5pm, requiring flexible scheduling and indoor backup plans
High humidity (70%) makes clothing dry slowly and can be uncomfortable for travelers from dry climates - expect to change shirts 2-3 times daily
Some beach clubs and outdoor restaurants close during storms, limiting dining options during peak afternoon hours when rain is most likely

Best Activities in December

Ang Thong National Marine Park Island Hopping

December offers the calmest seas for exploring the 42-island archipelago, with minimal wave action making kayaking through hidden lagoons comfortable for all skill levels. Morning tours (8am-4pm) avoid afternoon storms and provide the clearest water for swimming. The emerald lagoon at Mae Ko Island is most accessible now due to lower tides.

Booking Tip: Book full-day speedboat tours 7-10 days ahead, typically ฿1,800-2,500 including national park fees and lunch. Choose tours departing by 8am to maximize clear weather time. Look for operators with covered boats and flexible schedules for storm delays.

Koh Tao Diving and Snorkeling Excursions

December provides peak underwater visibility of 20-25m (65-82 ft) with water temperatures at a comfortable 27°C (81°F). Whale shark sightings increase during this month, and the monsoon winds create nutrient upwellings that attract larger marine life. Afternoon surface intervals can be timed between rain showers.

Booking Tip: Two-dive trips cost ฿2,200-3,200 depending on sites visited. Book certified dive operators 5-7 days ahead. Morning departures (7:30am) offer best conditions and avoid afternoon weather. Snorkel-only options available for ฿1,400-1,800.

Samui Cultural Temple Tours by Motorbike

Cool morning temperatures make motorbike temple touring comfortable before 11am. December's lower tourist numbers mean peaceful experiences at Wat Plai Laem and Big Buddha Temple. The golden hour light (6-7am) is spectacular for photography, and most rain occurs after 2pm when tours typically end.

Booking Tip: Guided temple tours cost ฿1,500-2,200 for half-day trips. Semi-automatic motorbike rentals available for experienced riders at ฿300-500 daily. Start by 7am to avoid both heat and afternoon storms. Look for tours including traditional lunch stops.

Fisherman's Village Walking Street Market Experience

December's Friday night market at Bophut benefits from comfortable evening temperatures averaging 26°C (79°F) with minimal rain after 7pm. Local vendors offer seasonal specialties like grilled squid and som tam at their freshest. The covered sections provide storm shelter if needed.

Booking Tip: Free to explore, budget ฿400-800 for food and drinks per person. Arrive by 6pm for best selection before crowds peak at 8pm. Street food tours available for ฿1,200-1,800 including tastings and cultural explanations. No advance booking needed for independent visits.

Namuang Waterfall Jungle Trekking

December rains keep waterfalls at optimal flow levels while temperatures stay manageable for hiking in jungle humidity. The 1.5 km (0.9 mile) trail to the upper falls is less slippery than in peak rainy season but still lush and green. Natural pools perfect for cooling off after the climb.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is free with ฿100 parking. Guided nature walks cost ฿800-1,200 and include transportation from hotels. Visit mornings (8-11am) for coolest conditions. Bring water shoes for rocky pool areas and expect 2-3 hours total including swim time.

Traditional Thai Cooking Classes with Market Tours

December brings peak season for local ingredients - fresh coconuts, galangal, and seasonal vegetables are abundant and flavorful. Indoor cooking schools provide perfect rainy-day activities, and morning market tours (7-9am) happen during the coolest, driest part of the day.

Booking Tip: Half-day classes including market tour cost ฿1,800-2,800 per person. Book 3-5 days ahead as class sizes stay small (8-12 people). Morning classes (9am-1pm) avoid afternoon storms. Look for schools offering recipe cards and ingredient shopping guidance.

December Events & Festivals

December 28

King's Birthday National Holiday

December 28th national holiday brings special temple ceremonies and cultural performances across the island. Local markets close early, but beachfront areas host traditional music and dance shows. Royal birthday celebrations include evening light displays at major temples.

December 31

New Year's Eve Beach Celebrations

Chaweng and Lamai beaches host countdown parties with fire shows and live music. Unlike peak party destinations, Samui's celebrations remain family-friendly with beachfront restaurants offering special menus. Fireworks displays at multiple beach locations around midnight.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic shirts (3-4) - cotton stays damp in 70% humidity and takes hours to dry after afternoon storms

Lightweight packable rain jacket or poncho - sudden downpours last 30-45 minutes and happen without warning

Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 requires reapplication every 90 minutes, especially during water activities

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat trips and unexpected rain, local replacements cost 3x international prices

Closed-toe water shoes - rocky beach entries and coral protection, flip-flops insufficient for most water activities

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - mosquitoes peak during rainy season, especially at dawn and dusk temple visits

Small backpack with rain cover - day trips require hands-free carrying and weather protection for electronics and documents

Electrolyte powder or tablets - combination of heat, humidity, and activity leads to faster dehydration than expected

Power bank (10,000+ mAh capacity) - frequent use of maps, translation apps, and cameras in humid conditions drains batteries quickly

Antifungal foot powder - closed shoes in humidity create perfect conditions for athlete's foot, prevention easier than treatment

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations on the east coast (Chaweng, Lamai) for better storm shelter - west coast resorts face open sea and stronger winds during December weather patterns

Eat at local markets before 11am and after 6pm - many vendors close during afternoon storm hours, and morning/evening food is fresher in the heat

Rent motorbikes with good tire tread - wet roads during rainy season are significantly more dangerous, and many rental shops provide worn tires to tourists

Download offline maps before arriving - data signals weaken during storms, and GPS navigation becomes critical when seeking shelter or alternate routes

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 2-5pm when 60% of rain occurs - plan temples and hiking for early morning, save afternoons for indoor activities

Packing only cotton clothing - synthetic fabrics dry in 30 minutes versus 4-6 hours for cotton in December humidity

Booking accommodation without covered walkways or lobby areas - you'll spend significant time waiting out storms with nowhere comfortable to sit