Koh Samui in December: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

Wondering what it’s like to travel to Koh Samui in December? This article covers everything you need to know, including weather, crowd levels, prices, and the best things to do.

If you’re looking for consistently good weather, December might not be the best time to visit Thailand’s second-largest island. However, if you manage your expectations and don’t mind the occasional shower, you can still have a great time there.

My husband and I spent a week in early December on this popular island. While we enjoyed our stay, the weather was unpredictable. Read on to find out more about our experience and what to expect.

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Is December a good time to visit Koh Samui?

As I’ve previously mentioned, December is not necessarily the best time to visit Koh Samui, especially if you’re looking for perfect beach weather with blue skies and plenty of sunshine.

December marks the tail end of Koh Samui’s rainy season, which begins in October. While November is the wettest month, December still experiences a fair amount of rainfall.

The upside of travelling during the rainy season as accommodation and flight prices are more attractive and there are fewer tourists around in general. This is something we personally really enjoyed during our stay.

If you’re after the best weather, I’d recommend visiting Koh Samui in February or March instead, as these are the driest months. Alternatively, you might consider another destination within Thailand. For example, I’ve found that Phuket in December typically offers excellent weather.

Nevertheless, the weather does improve as the month progresses. Late December marks the beginning of the high season with many visitors heading to the island to enjoy their Christmas and New Year break. You will also see prices increase significantly during this time.

Weather in Koh Samui in December

Let’s take a closer look at the weather conditions you can expect at this time of the year. Don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom.

Average temperatures

Despite the rainy season, Koh Samui experiences hot days and warm nights in December. The average temperature hovers around 27°C (80°F), with highs of 29°C (84°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F).

Thanks to the consistent heat throughout the day, even if a storm passes over the island, the wind and rain won’t have a strong cooling effect—although you’ll likely notice a change in humidity.

Rainfall

The average rainfall in December is 150mm, which is quite substantial. Expect tropical showers and possibly the occasional thunderstorm.

These downpours are usually short-lived, often clearing up within a couple of hours, and you’ll still likely experience sunshine later in the day.

During our week in Koh Samui in early December, it rained almost every day. There was only one completely dry day, and it was glorious.

Personally, I didn’t find it to be a major issue, as the rainfall was brief, but I appreciate that not everyone wants to travel all the way to Thailand only to encounter unpredictable weather.

It’s worth noting that as the month progresses, rainfall decreases. So, if you’re set on visiting in December, heading to the island later in the month should improve your chances of getting the best weather.

Swimming

The average sea temperature in December is 29°C, which is perfect for swimming, as it feels pleasantly warm. Due to rain and wind, the sea can sometimes be a little choppy, but it should still be safe enough to swim.

I’ve seen some online resources claim that December is a great time for snorkelling in Koh Samui, but to be honest, that wasn’t my experience. With regular rain and even a thunderstorm during our stay, underwater visibility was low.

There was a small reef just outside one of the resorts where we stayed, but unfortunately, we didn’t see anything. Once underwater, visibility was so poor that you could barely make anything out. Perhaps we were unlucky, but I would imagine that snorkelling conditions are much better during the dry season.

Additionally, stormy seas can bring a lot of rubbish to the shore. While hotel staff are generally good at clearing it, their remit doesn’t cover entire beaches, so you may still find random debris washed up on the sand. I also (very occasionally) had to dodge floating rubbish while swimming.

Is Koh Samui crowded in December?

Just because December is part of the rainy season doesn’t mean the island is quiet. As the weather improves throughout the month, crowds grow larger.

I found that early December was still relatively quiet, with many resorts not at full capacity. For example, the paradisiacal Mae Nam Beach on the north coast was beautifully peaceful, and I almost had the beach to myself during morning walks.

However, popular spots like Chaweng and Bo Phut still became very busy, especially in the evening, as visitors flocked there to experience the nightlife.

Late December marks the beginning of the high season, as tourists arrive to celebrate Christmas and New Year. Be sure to book your accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment.

Prices in Koh Samui in December

As crowds grow larger throughout the month, so do accommodation prices. Early December offers attractive pricing, reflecting the rainy season, so there are great deals to be found if you’d like to enjoy luxury for less.

However, in the last week of December, during the Christmas break, hotel prices can be at least 50% higher than at the start of the month. Many resorts more than double their rates during this period.

Flight prices also increase, with both international and domestic airlines charging more in the run-up to Christmas, reflecting the higher demand. Booking as far in advance as possible may help secure some savings.

Prices for tours, transport, and food remain fairly stable throughout the month, though some tour companies may offer discounts at the start of December, when visitor numbers are still relatively low.

Overall, if you’re not put off by unpredictable weather, you can save a significant amount on accommodation and flights in early December.

Top Things to Do in Koh Samui in December

As I’ve mentioned before, you can still have a fantastic time on the island in December, despite the rainy season. Here are some of the best things to do during this time.

Christmas and New Year’s Celebrations

Personally, I’ve never been a fan of traditional Christmas celebrations involving stodgy food, bad weather, and dull TV programmes. If I have the chance, I usually like escape somewhere warm and sunny for the holidays.

Koh Samui is a great choice, with many resorts hosting special celebratory meals, events and even fireworks. Nothing beats ringing in the New Year by the beach for me.

I recommend booking your Christmas and New Year stay as early as possible as this is a busy time on the island.

Relax by the Beach

Ksenia walking along Mae Nam Beach — Ksenia walking along Mae Nam beach

Although the weather in Koh Samui may be far from perfect in December, chances are there will still be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the island’s biggest draw—its beautiful beaches.

From the bustling Chaweng Beach to the laid-back Bo Phut, with its smart beach bars and seafood restaurants, to the paradisiacal Mae Nam, there’s a beach to suit every taste on the island.

I especially loved Mae Nam, a long stretch of sand on the northern coast, offering stunning views of Koh Phangan. It may feel a little too quiet for some, but I loved long walks along the beach with hardly anyone around in early December.

Sip a Craft Cocktail at a Beach Bar

Coco Tam's beach bar in Bo Phut, Koh Samui — Coco Tam’s in Bo Phut

The nightlife in Koh Samui is generally laid-back, with beach bars scattered across the island. These range from rustic spots, where you can enjoy your drink barefoot on the sand, to stylish establishments serving craft cocktails, international cuisine, and DJ sets in elegant settings.

My husband and I had a great night out at Coco Tam’s, a beach bar in the heart of Fisherman’s Village in Bo Phut. It’s a well-known, busy spot, but still well worth a visit.

You can choose to watch the sunset with a craft cocktail in hand, relaxing on one of the many bean bags placed directly on the beach, or enjoy dinner and drinks in the main restaurant. The highlight of the menu is their quality pizza, made fresh in the restaurant’s wood-fired oven.

At night, Coco Tam’s hosts fire shows right on the beach—a fantastic way to end another day in Koh Samui.

Enjoy a Thai Massage

If the weather isn’t great, a Thai massage is sure to lift your mood. This traditional form of wellness is perfect for releasing tension and allowing you to fully switch off for the ultimate relaxation.

You’ll find Thai massage parlours in almost every town across Koh Samui. They might not look like much, but don’t judge a book by its cover—the massage therapists know exactly what they’re doing.

While the traditional Thai full-body massage is a fantastic option, I also love the foot massage, where the therapist applies pressure to specific points on the feet and lower legs to stimulate energy (Sen) lines and promote overall well-being.

Honestly, it’s divine. Plus, it’s a bargain at just 300–400 baht (US $9–$12), depending on where you are on the island.

Go to a Night Market

One of the many things Thailand is famous for is its night markets, brimming with street food vendors, trinkets of all kinds, and a lively, convivial atmosphere. While in Koh Samui, you can visit several night markets to experience the vibrant energy for yourself.

One of the most popular markets on the island is the Fisherman’s Village Night Market, which takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. It brings together numerous vendors selling Thai souvenirs, designer knock-offs, and an abundance of street food, including Thai specialities, cocktails, sushi, and even Western favourites.

Another popular option is the Chaweng Night Market, which runs daily. The selection of goods is similar to that of the Fisherman’s Village Night Market, so simply head to whichever is more convenient for you.

One thing is certain—no matter which market you choose, you’ll get to enjoy some truly delicious and affordable food.

Shop at Central Samui

If the weather takes a turn for the worse, you can escape the rain at Central Festival Samui, a shopping mall located in Chaweng.

It might not seem like the most exciting suggestion at first, but I found that the mall offers excellent food options, including a food court with a variety of affordable local dishes, as well as a market stall area on the ground floor, where you can find homewares and accessories crafted by local makers.

Central Festival Samui is also home to my beloved Thai silk brand, Jim Thompson, where you can find beautiful clothing and accessories. For me, a trip to the mall was worthwhile for that shop alone.

Where to Stay in in Koh Samui

Koh Samui is home to several villages, each with a concentration of tourist accommodation and its own unique vibe.

Whether you’re looking for an area with a lively party scene or a quiet village where you can fully switch off, there’s something for everyone on the island. Plus, since Koh Samui isn’t particularly large, you could easily stay in multiple locations during one trip.

My personal favourite places to stay so far are SAii Koh Samui Villas, a small adults-only resort conveniently located between Chaweng and Choengmon, with access to a secluded beach, and Santiburi Koh Samui, a luxurious resort in Mae Nam that offers a taste of Thai elegance.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, if you’re looking for perfect weather when visiting Koh Samui, December might not be the best time to go. It’s the end of the rainy season, so tropical showers and cloudy days are likely to be part of your experience.

If you’d prefer to visit somewhere with more reliable weather, Phuket in December is a great alternative, as the dry season is already in full swing there. Check out this comparison guide to learn more about the differences between Phuket and Koh Samui.

That said, if you do decide to visit Koh Samui at this time of year, you can still have a fantastic time. Plus, if you travel in early December, you might be able to find great deals on accommodation.

FAQs: Koh Samui in December

Is Koh Samui good for Christmas?

Christmas is a popular time to visit, with many hotels offering special Christmas-themed meals to mark the occasion. The weather improves in late December, although the occasional short-lived downpour or thunderstorm is still possible. The main downside is that it’s a very busy time to travel, so accommodation prices will be higher to reflect this.

Is Phuket or Koh Samui better in December?

If having the best weather is a priority, Phuket is the better option. Early December marks the tail end of the rainy season in Koh Samui, so the weather can be unpredictable, with plenty of rain still possible. In contrast, the whole of December in Phuket is typically dry and sunny.

What to wear in Koh Samui in December?

Light clothing suitable for heat and humidity is the best choice. I’d also recommend bringing a light waterproof jacket, especially if you plan on hiking, so you have some extra cover in case you get caught in the rain. Since there will still be sunshine from time to time, I’d also suggest packing a hat and sunglasses.

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Koh Samui in December: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

Is December a good time to visit Koh Samui?