Things to Do in St. Uttgart in December

December Weather in St. Uttgart

28°C (82°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak cool season with temperatures averaging 22-28°C (72-82°F) - perfect for all-day outdoor activities without the exhausting heat of March-May
December marks the start of the premium diving season with 20-25m (65-82ft) underwater visibility at nearby islands, compared to 8-12m (26-39ft) during monsoon months
Lowest humidity levels of the year at 75% make evening street food tours and night markets genuinely comfortable instead of sweltering
December aligns with university winter break, meaning more English-speaking local students work as guides and the city has a vibrant, youthful energy

Considerations

Peak season pricing means accommodation costs 40-60% more than shoulder season, with beachfront hotels jumping from ฿2,000 to ฿3,500+ per night
Popular attractions like the Old Town temples see 3x normal crowds between 10am-3pm, requiring either very early morning visits or strategic timing
December rain showers, while brief, are unpredictable - you might get soaked walking between venues despite sunny skies 10 minutes earlier

Best Activities in December

Similan Islands Diving Expeditions

December marks the opening of diving season with crystal-clear waters and 24°C (75°F) sea temperatures. The northeast monsoon has settled, creating ideal conditions with minimal current and maximum marine life visibility. Whale shark sightings peak in December-January.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through PADI-certified operators. Full-day trips typically cost ฿3,500-4,500 including equipment and lunch. Choose operators with dive insurance and recent safety certifications. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Mangrove Kayaking Adventures

December's lower rainfall means mangrove channels are calmer and wildlife is more active during cooler morning hours. The 22°C (72°F) morning temperatures make 3-4 hour paddling trips comfortable, and you'll spot more birds and monitor lizards than in hotter months.

Booking Tip: Morning tours (7am-11am) offer the best wildlife viewing and avoid afternoon heat buildup. Expect to pay ฿1,200-1,800 per person including guide and equipment. Book with operators providing life jackets and waterproof bags - see current options below.

Old Town Heritage Cycling Tours

Cool December mornings (22-25°C/72-77°F) make cycling through St. Uttgart's historic quarter actually enjoyable. You can cover 15-20 km (9-12 miles) without overheating, and the reduced humidity means less sweat and more photo opportunities at colonial architecture sites.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically run ฿800-1,200 including bike rental and English-speaking guide. Choose tours starting before 9am or after 3pm to avoid midday crowds at temples. Electric bike options available for ฿200-300 extra.

Night Market Food Crawls

December's comfortable evening temperatures (24-26°C/75-79°F) and lower humidity make extended food tours pleasant. Local specialties like boat noodles and mango sticky rice taste better when you're not sweating profusely while eating.

Booking Tip: Guided food tours cost ฿1,500-2,500 for 4-5 hour experiences including 8-10 tastings. Independent exploration works well in December - budget ฿300-500 for a full evening of sampling. Peak dinner hours are 7-9pm.

Sunrise Mountain Trekking

December's cool mornings make the 2-hour trek to Khao Sunset Peak (480m/1,575ft elevation) achievable for average fitness levels. Clear skies occur 70% of December mornings, offering spectacular views over the coastline and nearby islands.

Booking Tip: Tours start at 4:30am to reach summit by sunrise. Cost ฿900-1,400 including transportation and breakfast. Bring layers - temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) at elevation. Book with operators providing headlamps and emergency supplies.

Traditional Longtail Boat Island Hopping

Calm December seas and gentle northeast winds create perfect conditions for traditional longtail boat tours. You can comfortably visit 3-4 islands in a day trip without the seasickness risk present during monsoon months.

Booking Tip: Full-day island tours typically cost ฿2,200-3,000 per person including lunch and snorkeling equipment. Private longtail charters for groups of 6-8 people run ฿8,000-12,000 total. Book through licensed boat operators with life jacket certification.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

St. Uttgart Lantern Festival

Annual celebration where thousands of paper lanterns float over the harbor on the new moon night. Locals gather at Sunset Beach from 6pm onwards, with food vendors and traditional music performances. The cool December evening makes this a comfortable outdoor event.

December 20-23

Winter Solstice Night Market

Special extended night market running December 20-23, featuring regional crafts and seasonal foods not available other times of year. Local universities set up cultural booths and there's live traditional music until midnight.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool or cotton-blend shirts - synthetic fabrics become unbearable in 75% humidity even during cool season

Compact umbrella or packable rain jacket - December showers are brief but intense, lasting 15-30 minutes

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 6-7 even on partly cloudy days and regular reapplication needed for water activities

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - temple visits require shoe removal but walkways can be slippery after rain showers

Quick-dry shorts and swimwear - you'll want to swim or snorkel almost daily in 24°C (75°F) water temperatures

Light sweater or long-sleeve shirt - early morning boat trips and mountain treks can feel cool at 22°C (72°F)

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - essential for kayaking and boat trips, and protects against sudden rain

Comfortable walking sandals - for beach activities and easy temple visits, choose ones that dry quickly

Mosquito repellent with 20%+ DEET - December evenings still have mosquitos, especially around mangrove areas

Portable phone charger - you'll use GPS and camera extensively, and power outages occasionally occur during storms

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by early November - December is when Bangkok residents take their annual beach holidays, creating a secondary demand spike beyond international tourists

Eat breakfast before 7am or after 9am - the 7:30-8:30am rush at popular local spots means 20-30 minute waits and potentially sold-out dishes

December university students offer excellent English-language cultural tours for ฿500-800 per day - ask at the Tourism Information Center near the bus terminal for current contacts

ATM withdrawal fees jump to ฿250-300 during peak season - bring USD or EUR for better exchange rates at gold shops rather than banks

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon diving trips - morning departures (7-8am) have calmer seas and better visibility before wind picks up around 2pm

Wearing white or light colors to temples during rainy season - red dirt stains permanently and temple grounds get muddy

Assuming all restaurants stay open late during peak season - many family-run places close early (8-9pm) when they sell out of daily prepared food