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Krabi - Things to Do in Krabi in December

Things to Do in Krabi in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Krabi

88°F (31°C) High Temp
71°F (22°C) Low Temp
0.0 inches (0 mm) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

  • Peak dry season means near-perfect beach conditions - the Andaman Sea calms down significantly after monsoon season ends in November, giving you crystal-clear water visibility of 20-30 m (65-100 ft) for snorkeling and diving. Water temperature sits around 28°C (82°F), which is genuinely comfortable without a wetsuit.
  • December sits right at the sweet spot before the absolute tourist madness of late December and January. Early to mid-December especially gives you that ideal balance - good weather, manageable crowds at the islands, and accommodation rates that haven't hit their absolute peak yet. You're looking at roughly 30% less crowded than the Christmas-New Year period.
  • The northeast monsoon wind pattern creates exceptional conditions for rock climbing at Railay Beach. The limestone stays dry, the temperatures are tolerable for sustained climbing (not the brutal April heat), and the famous 'Tonsai Wall' faces away from any rain systems. Climbers consider December through February the absolute prime season.
  • Long-tail boat operators run full schedules to all the islands without weather cancellations. During monsoon months (May-October), you might book a tour only to have it cancelled same-day due to rough seas. In December, cancellation rates drop to nearly zero - maybe 5% of days see any disruption, and that's usually just afternoon chop, not full cancellations.

Considerations

  • Those 10 rainy days listed in the data are misleading - while total rainfall measures near zero for the month, you'll still get occasional afternoon showers that last 20-45 minutes. They're brief and actually refreshing, but they can disrupt a beach afternoon or force you to wait out a downpour under a restaurant awning. The weather is transitioning and somewhat unpredictable day-to-day.
  • December marks the beginning of high season pricing without quite being peak season yet. Accommodation rates jump 40-60% compared to November, and popular hotels in Ao Nang and Railay start requiring 3-night minimum stays. That said, you're still paying less than the Christmas week prices, which can double again.
  • The 70% humidity combined with 31°C (88°F) highs creates that sticky, sweaty feeling that takes first-time visitors a few days to adjust to. You'll be doing laundry more frequently than you expect, and anything cotton takes forever to dry. The UV index of 8 means you're getting serious sun exposure even on cloudy days - locals avoid midday sun entirely for good reason.

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Best Activities in December

Phi Phi Islands Day Trips

December offers the calmest seas for the 45-minute speedboat journey from Krabi, with wave heights typically under 1 m (3 ft). Maya Bay reopened in 2023 with strict visitor limits (375 people per hour), and December's clear visibility makes the snorkeling at Pileh Lagoon genuinely spectacular - you'll actually see the leopard sharks everyone talks about. The downside is that December popularity means tours sell out 7-10 days ahead, especially for the early morning departures that beat the crowds.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days ahead for early morning departures (typically 7:30-8am) that get you to Maya Bay before the main rush. Tours typically run ฿1,800-2,800 depending on boat type (speedboat vs long-tail) and group size. Look for operators that include the national park fee (฿400) in their pricing rather than adding it as a surprise charge. Check current tour availability in the booking section below.

Railay Beach Rock Climbing

The limestone cliffs stay bone-dry in December thanks to the northeast monsoon pattern, and morning temperatures (23-26°C / 73-79°F) before 10am make for comfortable climbing conditions. Railay has over 700 bolted routes ranging from beginner 5.6 grades to expert 5.14s. December through February is when international climbers descend on Railay, so you'll find a solid community vibe and plenty of climbing partners at the bars afterward. The challenge is that popular routes can have queues during peak hours (10am-2pm).

Booking Tip: Half-day climbing courses for beginners typically cost ฿1,500-2,200 and include equipment. Multi-day courses (3-5 days) run ฿4,500-8,000. Book 5-7 days ahead, especially for private instruction. Most climbing happens on the Tonsai side, accessible by long-tail boat from Ao Nang (฿100 each way per person, 15 minutes). See current climbing tour options in the booking section below.

Ao Thalane Kayaking Through Mangroves

This feels like a completely different Krabi from the beach scene - you're paddling through ancient mangrove forests and limestone canyon systems about 20 km (12 miles) north of Ao Nang. December's lower rainfall means the water stays clear enough to spot mudskippers, monitor lizards, and occasionally crab-eating macaques. The morning high tide (check local tide tables) gives you the best water levels for navigating the narrower passages. It's genuinely peaceful because most tourists skip this for the islands, which is exactly why locals recommend it.

Booking Tip: Half-day kayaking tours run ฿900-1,500 per person including guide, kayak, and usually lunch. Morning tours (starting 8-9am) catch better wildlife activity and avoid the afternoon heat. You can rent kayaks independently for ฿300-500 per day, but a guide adds significant value for navigation and wildlife spotting. Book 3-5 days ahead during December. Check current kayaking options in the booking section below.

Krabi Town Night Market Food Circuits

The weekend night market (Friday-Sunday, 5pm-10pm) along the Krabi River waterfront comes alive in December with cooler evening temperatures making the outdoor eating actually pleasant. You're looking at authentic southern Thai food - the Muslim-influenced curries, fresh-caught seafood grilled roadside, and roti vendors doing the dough-spinning performance. Dishes run ฿40-120, and locals genuinely eat here (not just tourists), which is always a decent indication of quality. December also brings seasonal fruits like mangosteen and longan that you won't find year-round.

Booking Tip: No booking needed - just show up hungry around 6-7pm for the best selection before popular stalls sell out. Bring cash in small bills (฿20, ฿50, ฿100 notes) as most vendors don't take cards or large bills. Budget ฿300-500 per person to eat very well. The market is a 10-minute walk from Maharaj Road in central Krabi Town. Food tour companies also run evening walking tours for ฿1,200-1,800 if you want cultural context with your eating.

Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Circuit

Located in Thung Teao Forest Natural Park about 45 km (28 miles) southeast of Krabi Town, the Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) maintains its striking turquoise color in December because lower rainfall keeps sediment levels down. The water temperature stays around 30°C (86°F) year-round from the natural springs. Combine this with the nearby natural hot springs at Khlong Thom for a proper contrast - the hot springs hit 40-50°C (104-122°F). December crowds are manageable on weekdays but weekends get packed with Thai families. The 1.4 km (0.9 mile) nature trail to Blue Pool is worth the walk for the even more intense color.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is ฿200 for foreigners (฿90 for Thais). Arrive before 9am or after 3pm to avoid tour group rushes. Rent a scooter for ฿250-350/day to do this independently, or join organized tours for ฿800-1,400 that include hotel pickup and usually combine with the Tiger Cave Temple. The drive takes 1-1.5 hours from Ao Nang. Bring water shoes as the pool bottom is rocky. Check current tour options in the booking section below.

Sunset Long-Tail Boat Charters to Hong Islands

December's calm seas and clear skies create those postcard-perfect sunset conditions, and chartering a private long-tail boat (4-6 people) gives you flexibility to avoid the day-trip crowds. Hong Islands (about 25 km / 15.5 miles offshore) has a spectacular interior lagoon accessible only at high tide, and the limestone formations catch the late afternoon light beautifully. You'll have the beach largely to yourself after 4pm when the day tours head back. The water stays warm enough (28°C / 82°F) for swimming right through sunset.

Booking Tip: Private long-tail boat charters run ฿2,500-4,000 for 4-5 hours depending on group size and negotiation skills. Book through your hotel or directly at Nopparat Thara Beach (better rates than Ao Nang). Confirm the price includes national park fees (฿300 per person) and snorkel equipment. Late afternoon departures (2-3pm) give you the best light and fewer crowds. Check current boat tour availability in the booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Early December

Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival

This annual celebration typically runs for 5-7 days in early December along Ao Nang Beach, combining beach sports competitions, traditional long-tail boat races, southern Thai cultural performances, and a night market that's significantly larger than the regular weekend market. You'll see Manohra dance performances (southern Thai classical dance with elaborate costumes) and traditional shadow puppet shows. The food stalls lean heavily into southern specialties like khanom jeen (fermented rice noodles) with various curry options. It's genuinely aimed at Thai tourists and locals rather than being manufactured for foreigners, which gives it authentic energy.

December 5

King's Birthday Celebrations

December 5th is Thai National Day (King's Birthday), and you'll see yellow flags and decorations throughout Krabi. Government buildings and many businesses close, and there are evening ceremonies at provincial halls with candle lighting. It's more subdued than other Thai festivals but worth experiencing if you're in town - locals dress in yellow (the King's color), and there's a respectful, patriotic atmosphere. Some restaurants and tour operators close or run reduced schedules on December 5th specifically.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Reef-safe mineral sunscreen SPF 50+ in large quantities - the UV index of 8 means you're getting burned even through clouds, and many Thai national parks now ban chemical sunscreens. You'll go through a 200ml bottle faster than you expect with multiple daily applications.
Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - those 10 rainy days translate to brief afternoon showers that come out of nowhere. A compact rain layer (150-200g) takes up minimal bag space and saves you from getting soaked while waiting out a 20-minute downpour.
Quick-dry synthetic clothing rather than cotton - the 70% humidity means cotton stays damp and uncomfortable. Merino wool or synthetic fabrics dry in 2-3 hours even in humid conditions. Bring enough for 4-5 days since you'll be doing laundry frequently.
Water shoes with decent grip for rocky beaches and boat entries - most beaches in Krabi have coral fragments and sharp limestone rocks rather than soft sand. The ฿200-300 water shoes from 7-Eleven actually work fine and save your feet from cuts.
Small dry bag (10-20 liter) for boat trips - even in calm December seas, you'll get spray on speedboat rides, and keeping phones, wallets, and cameras dry is essential. The inflatable dry bags pack down to nothing when not in use.
Sarong or lightweight scarf - required for temple visits (covering shoulders and knees), useful as a beach blanket, dries quickly after swimming, and provides sun protection. Locals wear them constantly for good reason.
Electrolyte packets or rehydration salts - the combination of heat, humidity, and sun exposure means you're sweating more than you realize. The local Electrolyte brand (฿15-25 per packet at 7-Eleven) works well mixed with water.
Headlamp or small flashlight - surprisingly useful for evening beach walks, navigating unlit paths in Railay (no roads, limited lighting), and dealing with occasional power cuts at budget accommodations.
Antihistamine cream and antiseptic - sand fly bites are common on beaches, especially around sunset. The bites itch intensely for 3-5 days, and having treatment on hand beats trying to find a pharmacy with English-speaking staff.
Modest clothing for town visits - tank tops and beach wear are fine for beach areas, but Krabi Town and temples require covered shoulders and knees. Bring at least one outfit that covers up appropriately.

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in Ao Nang by early November for December stays - the best mid-range hotels (฿1,500-3,000/night range) fill up first, leaving you with either budget hostels or expensive resorts if you wait. That said, if you're flexible, booking last-minute (3-5 days out) in early December sometimes yields deals from hotels with unexpected cancellations.
The tide schedule matters more than tourists realize - low tide at Railay exposes 50-100 m (165-330 ft) of mudflat, making beach swimming impossible and turning the boat landing into a muddy scramble. Check tide tables before booking accommodations or planning beach days. High tide times shift roughly 50 minutes later each day.
Krabi Town is genuinely worth staying in for 1-2 nights instead of just passing through to the beaches. Accommodation costs 40-60% less than Ao Nang, the food is more authentic and cheaper, and you'll see actual Thai life rather than the tourist bubble. The weekend night market alone justifies the stay.
Scooter rentals are everywhere (฿250-350/day) but driving standards are chaotic and accident rates for tourists are genuinely high. If you do rent, avoid the main Ao Nang-Krabi Town highway during rush hours (7-9am, 4-6pm), wear the helmet even though it's hot, and get photos of any existing damage before leaving the shop. Songthaews (shared trucks, ฿60-100 per person) and Grab cars work well for most destinations.

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking island tours through hotel concierges or beach touts rather than comparing prices - hotels typically add 30-40% commission to tour prices. Walk to tour operator offices in Ao Nang center or book online directly to save ฿500-1,000 per tour. The tours are identical regardless of where you book.
Trying to pack too many islands into one trip - tourists often try to hit Phi Phi, Railay, Koh Lanta, and Hong Islands in 4-5 days, spending half their time on boats and in transit. Pick 2-3 areas and actually enjoy them rather than rushing around. Each location deserves at least a full day.
Underestimating how long everything takes - the 15 km (9 miles) from Krabi Airport to Ao Nang takes 30-45 minutes in traffic, not 20 minutes. Getting from Ao Nang to Railay requires a long-tail boat (15 minutes plus waiting time) that costs ฿100-150 each way. Build in buffer time for connections and transfers.

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