Month guide · Koh Phangan · Thailand
Koh Phangan in December
What December is really like in Koh Phangan: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: joestump https://www.flickr.com/photos/joestump/, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
December is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 28°C (82°F), lows of 24°C (75°F), about 14 rainy days and roughly 11.6 hours of daylight. Rain eases through the month; Christmas and New Year bring big crowds and peak prices.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 28°C (82°F) / 24°C (75°F)
- Rainy days
- About 14
- Daylight
- About 11.6 hours
- Sea temperature
- 27°C (81°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in December
December is the coolest month in Koh Phangan: days average 28°C (82°F) against a yearly average high of 31°C (88°F), and nights fall to about 24°C (75°F). Rain falls on roughly 14 of its 31 days. Compared with November (29°C (84°F)), December is about as warm; by January highs stay near 29°C (84°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 06:29
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 18:02
- Daylight
- About 11.6 hours
- Sea
- 27°C (81°F)
Rainy season (October–December). Heavy rain and wind peaking in November, with rough seas and occasional ferry cancellations; crowds return for Christmas and New Year.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 4 for crowds (the peak is February at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in February). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- New Year's Eve parties in Haad Rin (31 December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Island · Chaloklum
Koh Ma and Mae Haad
At low tide, a sandbar links the beach at Mae Haad on the north-west coast to the small island of Koh Ma.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Kids
- Photo spot
Beach · Haad Yao and Haad Salad
Haad Yao
Stay for sunset, then eat at the beachfront restaurants before heading back.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Couples
- Kids
Beach · Haad Yao and Haad Salad
Haad Salad
A small, sheltered cove on the north-west coast with soft sand, calm water and a reef offshore for snorkelling.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Kids
Beach · Haad Yao and Haad Salad
Haad Son (Secret Beach)
Arrive in the late afternoon, swim, and stay to watch the sunset from the rocks.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Couples
- Outdoors
The sea averages 27°C (81°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Koh Phangan.
What to pack
For highs near 28°C, lows near 24°C and 14 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Koh Phangan?
A shoulder-season month, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, February–April and July–August are better overall. Compare every month.
Koh Phangan in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Koh Phangan?
It is a shoulder-season month. Rain eases through the month; Christmas and New Year bring big crowds and peak prices.
+How warm is Koh Phangan in December?
Average highs are around 28°C (82°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Koh Phangan in December?
Expect rain on about 14 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.