Things to Do in Hua Hin in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Hua Hin
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak season weather without peak season crowds - December in Hua Hin sits in that sweet spot where you get reliably dry days (only around 10 rainy days typically, with minimal rainfall at 15 mm or 0.6 inches) but you're not fighting the European winter holiday crowds that descend on Phuket and Krabi. The town feels busy but not overwhelmed.
- Ideal beach conditions with calm Gulf waters - The northeast monsoon actually works in Hua Hin's favor. While the Andaman coast gets rougher seas, the Gulf of Thailand stays relatively calm in December. Water temperatures hover around 28°C (82°F), and the morning seas are typically flat enough for stand-up paddleboarding and kitesurfing without the chop you'd get in other months.
- Perfect temperature window for outdoor activities - Those 22°C (72°F) mornings are genuinely comfortable for cycling through Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park or hiking up to Wat Khao Takiap before the midday heat. By 10am you're looking at 28-30°C (82-86°F), which is warm but manageable with the sea breeze that picks up along the coast.
- King's Birthday celebrations on December 5th create genuine local atmosphere - This isn't manufactured tourist entertainment. You'll see the whole town decorated in yellow, locals gathering for almsgiving ceremonies at dawn, and evening events at Railway Station Plaza. It's one of the few times you can experience Thai civic pride in a way that feels authentic rather than staged for visitors.
Considerations
- Thai school holidays from mid-December mean domestic tourist surge - Around December 15th, Thai families start arriving for their school break, and accommodation prices jump 30-40% in the second half of the month. Beach Road hotels that were ฿1,800 in early December suddenly want ฿2,500-3,000. Weekend rates get even more aggressive. If you're budget-conscious, stick to the first two weeks.
- That 70% humidity is persistent and affects comfort more than temperature suggests - The thermometer might say 30°C (86°F), but the humidity makes it feel closer to 35°C (95°F) by early afternoon. Synthetic fabrics become unbearable, air conditioning becomes non-negotiable for midday breaks, and you'll go through more water than you expect. First-timers from dry climates consistently underestimate this.
- New Year's week (December 26-January 2) brings inflated prices and requires advance booking - This is when Hua Hin genuinely gets crowded. Bangkok residents flee the city, and everything from restaurants to beach chair rentals charges holiday premiums. If your dates are flexible, avoid this week entirely. If they're not, book accommodations at least 8-10 weeks ahead or you'll pay 2-3x normal rates for mediocre options.
Best Activities in December
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park hiking and cave exploration
December is legitimately the best month for this. The park sits about 45 km (28 miles) south of Hua Hin, and those 22°C (72°F) morning temperatures make the hike up to Phraya Nakhon Cave actually pleasant rather than the sweat-fest it becomes March through October. The cave itself - with that famous pavilion lit by the roof opening - gets perfect light around 10-11am in December. Minimal rainfall means the mangrove boardwalks and beach trails are dry and accessible. Go on a weekday in early December to avoid Thai tour groups.
Kitesurfing and wind sports at Hua Hin Beach
December through February is peak wind season here, and you'll see why Hua Hin has become Thailand's kitesurfing hub. The northeast monsoon brings consistent 15-20 knot winds, typically picking up around 11am and holding through late afternoon. The wide, shallow beach provides a forgiving learning environment - you can walk out 50 m (164 ft) and still be waist-deep. Water temperature at 28°C (82°F) means you don't need a wetsuit, just a rash guard for sun protection with that UV index of 8.
Cycling tours through coastal fishing villages and prawn farms
The combination of cooler mornings and dry roads makes December ideal for the 20-30 km (12-19 mile) loops through villages south of town. You'll ride past working prawn farms, salt fields that are actively harvesting in December's dry weather, and fishing communities that aren't on any tourist circuit. The cultural authenticity here is genuine - these aren't staged village visits, just normal Thai coastal life that happens to be scenic and accessible by bike. Start early to catch the morning fish market activity around 6-7am.
Hua Hin Night Market and street food exploration
December's lower humidity makes evening market wandering genuinely pleasant rather than the sticky ordeal it becomes in hot season. The main Chatchai Market (open 5pm-11pm) and the smaller Hua Hin Soi 72 night market both hit their stride around 6:30pm when locals finish work. December is peak season for grilled seafood - you'll see whole squid, prawns the size of your forearm, and fish grilled over coconut husk charcoal. The mango sticky rice actually uses mangoes in December (other months often substitute), and you'll find seasonal sweets like khanom krok (coconut rice pancakes) that vendors make fresh to order.
Wat Huay Mongkol and hilltop temple circuit by scooter
December's clear skies provide the visibility you want for the temple circuit west of town. Wat Huay Mongkol - with its massive 12 m (39 ft) Luang Phor Thuad statue - sits about 15 km (9 miles) west and makes a good anchor point. From there, loop through Wat Khao Krailat and Wat Tham Khao Tao, both built into limestone hills with genuinely impressive views when the air is clear (which it typically is in December, unlike the hazy months of March-April). The 70% humidity is still present, but the breeze at elevation helps considerably.
Hua Hin Hills Vineyard wine tasting and countryside experience
Located about 40 km (25 miles) west in the cooler hills, December is harvest season for some grape varieties here, and the vineyard actually functions as a working farm rather than just a tourist attraction. The elevation brings temperatures down 2-3°C (4-5°F) from the coast, and the views across the valley toward Myanmar are spectacular when December's clear weather cooperates. The wine itself is decent by Thai standards - the whites particularly benefit from the local climate. More importantly, it's a legitimate change of scenery from beach activities.
December Events & Festivals
King Bhumibol Memorial Day (December 5th)
This is a major national holiday honoring the late King Rama IX, and Hua Hin takes it seriously given the royal family's historical connection to the town. You'll see buildings decorated in yellow and black, portraits displayed everywhere, and locals dressed in mourning colors. The main ceremonies happen at Railway Station Plaza with almsgiving to monks starting around 6:30am, followed by evening candlelight vigils. Banks and government offices close, but tourist businesses stay open. The atmosphere is respectful and genuine - this isn't performative. Worth experiencing if you want to understand Thai civic culture, but be appropriately dressed (shoulders and knees covered, avoid bright colors that day).
Hua Hin Jazz Festival
Usually held in late December (exact dates vary year to year, typically around December 15-20), this has become a legitimate music event rather than tourist entertainment. The festival brings Thai and international jazz acts to an outdoor venue near the beach, running from late afternoon through evening over a weekend. Previous years have featured genuine talent - Thai jazz musicians are actually quite accomplished. The crowd is mixed Thai and expat with some tourists. Tickets typically run ฿800-1,500 depending on seating. Food and drink prices are inflated but not outrageously so. Check the official Hua Hin Jazz Festival page in September for 2026 dates and lineup.