Thinking about a holiday trip to Surat Thani? You’ll find warm, tropical weather instead of the cold winter chill you might expect elsewhere. Around Christmas, temperatures hover near 27°C (80°F), with highs close to 31°C (88°F) and lows around 22–24°C (72–75°F). That makes it a great time for outdoor adventures.
December still brings some rain, but showers are shorter and lighter than during the peak monsoon.
You’ll notice the air is humid, though not as suffocating as in late autumn when rain peaks. Sunshine hours go up, letting you hit the beaches, islands, or temples without worrying so much about storms.
This weather shift marks the start of Surat Thani’s drier season. That’s a big reason why December is so popular with travelers.
If you want to see how Christmas weather stacks up against other times, check out Surat Thani’s overall climate patterns. The region follows a tropical monsoon cycle. You’ll get wetter months from May to November, and drier, sunnier days from late December through April.
That background helps you plan your holiday with realistic expectations.
Typical Christmas Weather in Surat Thani
At Christmas, Surat Thani gives you warm tropical weather, moderate rainfall, high humidity, and steady daylight. You’ll see only small changes between day and night, so it’s easy to plan both indoor and outdoor fun.
Average Temperatures in Late December
Late December in Surat Thani means steady tropical warmth. Daytime highs usually reach 31–32°C (88–89°F), and at night, lows settle around 23–24°C (73–75°F). The average for the day sits at about 27°C (80°F).
Humidity makes the heat feel stronger, but it’s still not as intense as the hottest months in April and May.
The sea temperature sits at 28°C (82°F), perfect for swimming or water sports. You won’t need extra layers here, unlike in chillier Christmas destinations.
Light, breathable clothes work best, day or night.
Rainfall and Humidity Levels
December comes after the rainy season’s peak, but you’ll still get showers. The month averages about 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain over 20 days. Most of these are quick bursts, not all-day storms.
Humidity stays high, around 83%. That can make the air feel heavy, especially at midday.
Mornings and evenings usually feel more comfortable, thanks to lower temps.
Rainfall drops compared to November, but you’ll want to stay ready for wet weather. Toss a light rain jacket or umbrella in your bag if you’re heading out for day trips or boat rides.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
December gives you about 11 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:30 a.m. and sunset near 5:30 p.m. That’s a bit shorter than mid-year, but still plenty for sightseeing.
You’ll get around 288 hours of sunshine for the month, which averages to about 9 hours per day. Still, fully sunny days only show up about 35% of the time, since clouds and scattered rain are common.
The UV index often hits 11, which is considered extreme. If you’re outside, sunscreen, hats, and protective clothes are a must—even on cloudy days.
Wind Conditions
December brings stronger winds than earlier months. Average speeds hit about 4.0 m/s (9 mph), making it the breeziest time of year in Surat Thani.
These winds help cut the humidity, making afternoons more comfortable.
They can also make the sea a bit choppier, so ferries to the islands might feel bumpier than usual.
If you’re planning water activities, check the local forecast first. For most folks, the wind just adds a refreshing touch to the tropical heat.
Comparing December Weather to Other Months
December in Surat Thani brings slightly cooler temperatures and less rain than the peak monsoon. The climate shifts from heavy autumn rains to drier, more comfortable days, but you’ll still get warmth and humidity typical of the tropics.
How December Differs from November and January
In November, expect heavy rain—totals often top 300 mm. Humidity stays high and frequent showers can mess with outdoor plans.
December sees rainfall drop to about 120–130 mm, so it’s noticeably drier.
Temperatures in December average about 30°C (86°F) for highs and 22°C (72°F) for lows. That’s a touch cooler than November, when highs are closer to 32°C.
You’ll also get fewer rainy days, making December better for travel.
Compared to January, December is just a bit warmer. January highs dip below 30°C, and nights can feel a little cooler at around 21°C. Rain drops even more in January, so you’ll see drier days than in December.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 32°C | 23°C | ~330 mm | 18–20 |
| December | 30°C | 22°C | ~129 mm | 13 |
| January | 29–30°C | 21°C | ~50–80 mm | 8–10 |
Seasonal Climate Trends in Surat Thani
Surat Thani’s tropical climate keeps temperatures steady all year, but rainfall patterns create clear seasons. The monsoon season lasts from May through November, with the heaviest rain in October and November.
December starts the drier period. Rain drops off, and you’ll see fewer wet days, though humidity sticks around.
You’ll still get warm days and mild nights, but it feels more comfortable than the rainy months before.
From February to April, the heat builds again, with highs up to 34–35°C. Rain stays pretty low until May, when the wet season returns.
This cycle of heavy rain and dry stretches shapes Surat Thani’s travel rhythm.
Climate Patterns and Influences
Surat Thani’s December weather shows off its tropical monsoon climate, with steady warmth, high humidity, and shifting rainfall. Temperatures don’t swing much, but rainfall and humidity change as the southwest monsoon fades and the northeast monsoon arrives.
Tropical Monsoon Characteristics
Surat Thani sits in a tropical monsoon climate zone (Am in the Köppen system). Here, you’ll get warm temps, high humidity, and distinct wet and dry seasons.
In December, daily highs usually average around 29–30°C (85°F), with lows near 22°C (72°F). You won’t see wild swings—just steady warmth.
Humidity stays high, usually 80–85%, but it feels better than during the peak monsoon.
Sunshine hours increase a bit as the heavy October and November rains fade.
Some features of this climate:
- Warm seas at about 28°C, perfect for coastal fun
- High UV levels, so sun protection is essential even on cloudy days
- Short rain showers that pass quickly, not the long downpours from earlier months
This reliable tropical setup shapes what you’ll experience at Christmas.
Impact of Monsoon Season on December Weather
December marks the shift from the wet monsoon to a drier spell. By now, rainfall drops a lot compared to the peaks in October and November. Average precipitation falls to about 120–130 mm, spread over 12–14 days.
You’ll still see showers, but they’re lighter and less of a hassle. That makes outdoor activities much more doable.
Roads and ferries usually run more smoothly than in stormier months.
The northeast monsoon winds bring cooler breezes and clearer skies. These winds help cut down on the worst humidity, though the air still feels moist.
With the heaviest rains gone, December offers a nice balance—warm tropical weather with fewer weather-related headaches. That’s why so many people find Christmas here more comfortable than the months just before.
Weather Variability Around Christmas
You’ll get warm, humid weather in Surat Thani at Christmas, with hot days and cooler nights. Rain can still happen, but it’s not as intense as during the monsoon.
Temperature Fluctuations During the Holiday Period
Daytime highs usually hit 29–31°C (84–88°F), which feels hot but not unbearable. At night, temps drop to about 21–24°C (70–75°F), so evenings are more pleasant.
Humidity stays high, often near 80–85%, so the air can feel thick even if the thermometer isn’t sky-high.
If you’re outside, you’ll probably feel the heat most around midday when the sun is strongest.
Sea temperature sits at 28°C (82–83°F), so swimming is always inviting.
You won’t get sharp cold fronts, but sometimes nights cool off a bit more if skies are clear.
Light breezes are common, but winds are usually on the gentle side.
For comfort, stick to lightweight clothes and find shade or air conditioning when you need a break.
Rainfall and Storm Probability Near Christmas
Rain in December is lighter than in November, but you’ll still get some wet days. On average, 120–130 mm (about 5 inches) of rain falls over 12–14 days in the month.
Showers tend to be quick bursts, not all-day soakers. Thunderstorms can happen, but they’re not as common as during monsoon.
Rain is more scattered, and you’ll have some days that stay dry.
Sunshine averages 6–7 hours per day, so you’ll catch clear skies between showers.
Roads and paths can get slick after rain, so give yourself extra travel time.
If you’re by the coast, seas are usually calm, though brief squalls can show up. It’s smart to check local weather if you’re planning a boat trip or heading to the islands.
Travel Tips for Christmas in Surat Thani
You’ll get warm days, cooler nights, and occasional rain at Christmas in Surat Thani. Packing light, practical clothes and planning outdoor time around the weather will help you enjoy your trip.
What to Pack for the Weather
Daytime temps in December often reach about 29°C (84–86°F), and nights drop to around 22–23°C (71–73°F). Humidity stays high, and short showers are still likely.
Pack light cotton shirts, shorts, and airy dresses for the day. For evenings, toss in a light jacket or long-sleeve shirt for when things cool off.
Rain can appear, so bring a compact umbrella or thin rain jacket. For shoes, you’ll want comfortable sandals for dry days and water-resistant footwear for the wet ones.
If you’re heading to the islands, pack swimwear, sunscreen (SPF 30+), and a hat. The sea’s warm—around 28°C (82°F)—so swimming is always on the table.
A small insect repellent helps, since mosquitoes love humid weather. Keep your clothes simple and practical—laundry services are easy to find in Surat Thani.
Outdoor Activities and Weather Considerations
Christmas lands right in the drier season, so you’ll probably get to enjoy ferry trips to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao with fewer interruptions than during the heavy monsoon months.
Rain showers still pop up, but they usually don’t last long. Try to plan outdoor tours, like Ang Thong Marine Park boat trips or river cruises, for earlier in the day since the skies tend to be clearer then.
Cool evenings make night markets and walking tours pretty comfortable. Still, toss a light rain layer in your bag if you’re staying out late, because you never know when a shower might sneak up on you.
If you want to hike in Khao Sok National Park, expect trails to be a bit damp, but you can usually get through just fine. Grab sturdy shoes with grip and maybe a spare set of clothes in case you get caught in the rain.
Snorkeling or diving? Visibility actually gets better in December compared to earlier months. Always check local weather and sea reports before booking, since conditions can change out of nowhere.
Long-Term Weather Averages and Records
In Surat Thani during December, you’ll notice warm days, mild nights, and way less rain than during the peak monsoon. Historical records point to steady tropical conditions with only small year-to-year changes.
Historical Temperature Extremes in December
Daytime highs in December usually hover around 29–31°C (84–88°F). Nights drop to about 21–23°C (70–73°F), which feels pretty pleasant.
Sometimes, the lowest nighttime temperatures in December dip just below 20°C (68°F), but that’s rare. Highs have hit 33–34°C (91–93°F) on occasion, though it doesn’t happen often.
You won’t really get dramatic temperature swings here, thanks to the tropical monsoon climate. Surat Thani doesn’t see the wild cold snaps or heatwaves you’d find in more temperate places.
| Measure | Typical Range | Recorded Extremes |
|---|---|---|
| Average High | 29–31°C | ~34°C |
| Average Low | 21–23°C | ~19–20°C |
Rainfall and Humidity Records
December steps out of the wettest stretch of the year. Average rainfall drops to about 120–130 mm (4.7–5.1 in), usually falling over 12–14 days of showers.
That’s quite a dip compared to October and November, when totals often go past 200–300 mm.
Humidity sticks around at a pretty high 80–85%, which honestly just feels like typical Surat Thani weather. Mornings can feel a bit damp, but afternoons tend to get more comfortable since there’s less rain and a bit more sunlight sneaking through.
Some years bring wild extremes, with rainfall shooting above 200 mm. Other times, you might run into a stretch of dry weather.
So, while you’ll probably see the occasional shower, those heavy downpours don’t show up nearly as often as they do earlier in the monsoon.