Things to Do in Huahin in December

December Weather in Huahin

29°C (85°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

13 mm (0.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect beach weather with minimal rain - only 13mm (0.5 inches) total rainfall makes December ideal for beach activities and outdoor dining
Cool season arrives with evening temperatures dropping to comfortable 23°C (73°F), perfect for night markets and beachfront walks after 6pm
King's Birthday celebrations on December 5th create festive atmosphere with special cultural events and illuminated royal portraits throughout the city
Ideal wind conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing - December brings consistent 15-20 knot winds from the northeast monsoon

Considerations

High season pricing kicks in - accommodation rates increase 40-60% compared to shoulder season months, book minimum 6 weeks ahead
Afternoon humidity peaks at 85% between 1-4pm making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable despite lower rainfall
Weekend crowds from Bangkok double as Thai families take advantage of cool weather - avoid Hua Hin Beach area Friday-Sunday afternoons

Best Activities in December

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing Lessons

December delivers the year's most consistent wind conditions with northeast monsoon bringing steady 15-20 knot winds. Morning sessions (7am-10am) offer glassy water and building winds perfect for beginners. Water temperature stays warm at 27°C (81°F) while air temperatures make 3-hour sessions comfortable.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead during December peak season. Beginner packages typically cost ฿3,500-4,500 for 3-hour sessions. Look for IKO-certified instructors and equipment insurance. See current lesson availability in booking section below.

Elephant Sanctuary Visits

December's cooler mornings make elephant interactions more comfortable for both visitors and animals. Elephants are most active 8am-11am before midday heat. The brief afternoon showers (20-30 minutes) often provide natural mud baths that elephants enjoy, creating unique photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Ethical sanctuaries book out 10-14 days ahead in December. Half-day experiences cost ฿2,800-3,800. Choose sanctuaries with no riding policy and veterinary care on-site. Transportation typically adds ฿500-800 from Hua Hin center.

Floating Market and Temple Cycling Tours

December's lower humidity and minimal rain create perfect cycling conditions. Start at 6:30am to reach Amphawa Floating Market by 8am when vendors are setting up. The 35km (22-mile) route includes Wat Mahathat Worawihan with its famous Buddha statue visible from 2km (1.2 miles) away.

Booking Tip: Book guided cycling tours 5-7 days ahead, typically ฿1,800-2,500 including bike rental and temple entrance fees. Tours run 6:30am-2pm to avoid afternoon heat. Electric bike options available for ฿300 surcharge.

Royal Palace and Railway History Walking Tours

Klai Kangwon Palace grounds offer shaded walking paths perfect for December's weather. The historic railway station provides indoor exhibits during brief afternoon showers. Golden hour lighting (5:30-6:30pm) creates ideal conditions for photography of the palace's European architecture.

Booking Tip: Palace tours require advance booking through official channels, typically ฿200-400 per person. Combine with railway museum visits (฿50 entrance) for comprehensive historical context. Private guides cost ฿1,500-2,000 for half-day tours.

Night Market Food Discovery Tours

December's pleasant evening temperatures make the 2km (1.2-mile) walking circuit through Hua Hin Night Market and Cicada Market comfortable. Seafood vendors offer seasonal catches including December's premium blue swimmer crabs. Markets stay busy until midnight due to cool weather.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost ฿1,200-1,800 per person including 8-10 tastings. Book same-day or 1-2 days ahead. Tours run 6pm-9pm covering both markets. Vegetarian options available with advance notice.

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park Hiking

December's lower rainfall makes the 3.2km (2-mile) hike to Phraya Nakhon Cave manageable with minimal muddy sections. Morning temperatures of 26°C (79°F) are ideal for the 45-minute uphill trek. Cave illumination occurs 9:30am-11am when sunlight streams through the opening.

Booking Tip: Park entrance ฿200 for foreigners, boat transfers ฿50 each way. Guided hikes cost ฿800-1,200 including transportation from Hua Hin (45-minute drive). Bring water and start before 8am to avoid midday heat.

December Events & Festivals

December 5th

King's Birthday Celebrations

December 5th marks King Rama IX's birthday with illuminated royal portraits, cultural performances at Railway Station Park, and evening candlelight ceremonies. Local temples hold special blessing ceremonies and free traditional performances from 6pm-9pm.

Mid December

Hua Hin Vintage Car Rally

Classic car enthusiasts display vintage automobiles along Naresdamri Road with special focus on royal family's historic vehicles. Free viewing with food stalls and live jazz music. Classic cars parade through town center at 4pm daily during event.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight breathable fabrics (cotton/linen) - avoid polyester which traps moisture in 70% humidity conditions

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even during December's 'cool' season

Packable rain jacket - afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes and occur 10 days in December

Comfortable walking sandals with good grip - brief rain showers create slippery temple steps and market floors

Light cardigan for evening - temperature drops to 23°C (73°F) make beachfront dining chilly after 8pm

Waterproof phone case - sudden showers and water activities around elephant sanctuaries require protection

Wide-brimmed hat - provides shade during midday temple visits and market walking tours

Quick-dry clothing for water activities - morning beach sessions and potential afternoon rain require fast-drying materials

Insect repellent with 20% DEET - December's humidity attracts mosquitoes especially near evening food markets

Comfortable closed-toe shoes for hiking - Khao Sam Roi Yot trails require ankle support on rocky 3.2km (2-mile) climbs

Insider Knowledge

Thai families flood Hua Hin on weekends during December's cool weather - book weekday accommodations for 30% savings and peaceful beaches

December's northeast winds create ideal kitesurfing conditions on north side of Hua Hin beach while south side remains calm for swimming

Local seafood markets offer December specialties including blue swimmer crabs and pomfret - ask vendors to recommend seasonal catches rather than tourist-focused displays

Railway station area transforms into unofficial evening market after 6pm with local street food vendors setting up along platform areas - much cheaper than official night markets

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities between 1-4pm when humidity peaks at 85% despite December being 'cool season' - schedule temple visits and markets for early morning or evening

Booking accommodation less than 6 weeks ahead - December high season pricing and limited availability mean last-minute bookings cost 60% more than advance purchases

Wearing dark colors during daytime activities - black and navy fabrics absorb heat making 29°C (85°F) temperatures feel much hotter than necessary