Month guide · Koh Samui · Thailand
Koh Samui in December
What December is really like in Koh Samui: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Abrget47j, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
December is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 28°C (82°F), lows of 24°C (75°F), about 15 rainy days and roughly 11.6 hours of daylight. Still rainy in the first half; Christmas and New Year fill resorts regardless of the weather.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 28°C (82°F) / 24°C (75°F)
- Rainy days
- About 15
- 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 Samui: 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 15 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 06:28
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 18:03
- Daylight
- About 11.6 hours
- Sea
- 27°C (81°F)
Monsoon (October–January). Heavy rain peaks in November, with rough seas and cancelled boat trips; conditions improve through January.
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
- Christmas and New Year beach parties
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.
Beach · Lamai
Silver Beach (Crystal Bay)
A small cove between Chaweng and Lamai with granite boulders, white sand and clear water suitable for snorkelling around the rocks.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Couples
- Photo spot
Viewpoint · Chaweng
Lad Koh Viewpoint
Stop here at sunrise when driving between Chaweng and Lamai.
- Time needed
- 20 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Photo spot
Beach · Chaweng
Coral Cove
A tiny bay at the southern end of Chaweng Noi with rocks and coral close to shore, making it one of the easiest snorkelling spots on the island when the sea is calm.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Nature
- Off the beaten path
Religious site · South coast
Laem Sor Pagoda
Combine it with lunch in one of the south-coast seafood restaurants and a boat to Koh Tan.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Photo spot
- Off the beaten path
- Views
The sea averages 27°C (81°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Koh Samui.
What to pack
For highs near 28°C, lows near 24°C and 15 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 Samui?
A shoulder-season month, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, February–April and June–August are better overall. Compare every month.
Koh Samui in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Koh Samui?
It is a shoulder-season month. Still rainy in the first half; Christmas and New Year fill resorts regardless of the weather.
+How warm is Koh Samui in December?
Average highs are around 28°C (82°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Koh Samui in December?
Expect rain on about 15 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.