Things to Do in Krabi in December

December Weather in Krabi

29°C (84°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with only 6 rainy days and minimal 45mm (1.8 inches) rainfall - perfect for island hopping and outdoor adventures
Comfortable temperatures of 24-29°C (75-84°F) with lower humidity than other months, ideal for rock climbing at Railay and jungle trekking
Crystal clear waters with 20-25m (65-82 ft) visibility for diving and snorkeling - December offers the best underwater conditions of the year
High season energy with beach parties, night markets running full schedules, and all restaurants and tour operators fully operational

Considerations

Peak season pricing with accommodation rates 40-60% higher than low season months and advance booking essential 3-4 weeks ahead
Crowded beaches and attractions, especially Railay and Phi Phi Islands - expect queues and book tours 10-14 days in advance
Strong UV index of 8 requires constant sun protection and limits midday outdoor activities between 11am-3pm

Best Activities in December

Phi Phi Islands Day Tours

December's calm seas and perfect visibility make this the premium month for Phi Phi exploration. Maya Bay reopened with limited daily visitors, morning tours avoid crowds and afternoon heat. Sea conditions are ideal with minimal waves for swimming and snorkeling.

Booking Tip: Book 2 weeks ahead as December tours sell out quickly. Speedboat tours cost ฿2,800-3,500, longtail boats ฿1,800-2,200. Choose early departure (7:30am) tours to beat crowds. Look for operators including national park fees.

Railay Beach Rock Climbing

December's dry conditions and comfortable temperatures create perfect climbing weather. Morning climbs (7am-11am) avoid midday heat, limestone is completely dry with excellent grip. This is peak season for climbing schools and guide availability.

Booking Tip: Half-day beginner sessions cost ฿2,000-2,800, full-day advanced routes ฿3,500-4,200. Book 1 week ahead as certified instructors fill up in December. All equipment included, but bring personal climbing shoes if you have them.

Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Tours

December's lower rainfall means jungle paths are dry and accessible, while natural pool temperatures remain perfect at 30-35°C (86-95°F). The contrast with cool morning air makes hot springs particularly enjoyable. Tiger Cave Temple adds cultural element to nature day.

Booking Tip: Combined tours cost ฿1,500-2,200 including transport and entrance fees. Go early (8am start) to avoid midday crowds. Private transport allows flexible timing. Many operators combine with Tiger Cave Temple climbing.

4 Islands Island Hopping by Longtail

Traditional longtail boat tours to Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Phra Nang Beach showcase December's calm Andaman Sea. Low tide reveals the sandbar connecting Tup and Mor Islands - a December specialty when tides are most predictable.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost ฿1,200-1,800 per person including lunch and snorkeling gear. Avoid speedboat versions which cost double. Book through beach operators in Ao Nang for best prices, but ensure life jackets and insurance coverage.

Mangrove Kayaking at Ao Thalane

December's minimal rainfall keeps mangrove channels at optimal levels without flooding. Early morning tours (6:30am start) offer wildlife spotting - kingfishers, hornbills, and monitor lizards are most active in cool morning temperatures before tourist crowds arrive.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost ฿1,800-2,400 including transport from Krabi Town. Choose tours with local guides who know wildlife timing. Bring waterproof phone case and extra water. Tours typically run 4-5 hours including travel time.

Sunset Dinner Cruises

December offers the most reliable sunset viewing with minimal cloud cover and calm seas. Traditional longtail or modern catamaran cruises showcase Krabi's limestone karsts in golden hour light. Gentle evening breezes provide relief from day heat.

Booking Tip: Dinner cruises range ฿2,200-3,800 depending on vessel and menu. Book 1 week ahead for best boat selection. Departure around 5:30pm for 7pm sunset. Choose boats with bathroom facilities for 3-hour trips.

December Events & Festivals

Early December

Krabi Naga Fest

Annual long-boat racing festival featuring traditional decorated boats racing along Krabi River. Local teams compete while food stalls serve regional specialties. Cultural performances and fireworks conclude evening celebrations.

December 31st

New Year Beach Parties

Railay and Ao Nang beaches host organized countdown celebrations with live music, fire shows, and beach barbecues. Multiple venues allow party-hopping along the coastline throughout December 31st night.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and zinc stick for nose/lips - UV index 8 burns fair skin in 15 minutes, reapply every 2 hours during water activities

Lightweight long-sleeve UV shirt for extended sun exposure - cotton/linen blend breathes better than synthetic in 70% humidity

Water shoes with thick soles for limestone beaches and coral - sharp rocks at Railay and Phra Nang require protection

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - essential for kayaking, snorkeling, and sudden afternoon showers despite dry season

Light rain jacket or poncho - brief showers still occur 6 days in December, typically lasting 15-20 minutes

Insect repellent with DEET - mangrove and jungle areas still have mosquitoes, especially during dawn/dusk activities

Comfortable walking sandals with back strap - essential for longtail boat boarding and limestone cave exploration

Quick-dry shorts and swimwear - multiple water activities per day require fast-drying fabrics

Electrolyte packets or tablets - easy dehydration in warm temperatures during active outdoor days

Small headlamp or flashlight - useful for cave exploration at Railay and early morning tour departures

Insider Knowledge

December longtail boat operators offer the best prices 4-5pm when they return from day tours - negotiate for next-day private trips at 30-40% discount

Krabi Town weekend night market (Friday-Sunday) serves the same food as tourist beaches at half the price - ฿40-60 meals versus ฿120-180 in Ao Nang

Book accommodation with kitchen facilities - local markets sell tropical fruits at ฿20-30 per kg versus ฿100-150 at resort shops

Morning flights to/from Krabi airport are often ฿500-800 cheaper than afternoon departures during peak December season - book 6am-10am slots

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating December crowds - booking tours day-of results in sold-out popular activities or settling for overcrowded alternatives

Packing only summer clothes - morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) require light layers for early boat departures and air-conditioned transport

Skipping travel insurance - December's high activity season increases injury risk during rock climbing, diving, and water sports