Koh Samui is on Thailand's Gulf coast, and the Gulf's monsoon runs late. That makes December a month of two halves.
Honest weather#
| 1–15 December | 16–31 December | |
|---|---|---|
| Rain | Possible, sometimes heavy | Brief showers, mostly sunny |
| Sea | Can be rough, red flags | Calming, swimmable |
| Ferries | Occasional delays | Normal |
| Temperature | 27–29°C | 28–30°C |
Some years early December is beautiful. Some years it storms for a week. Koh Samui in November explains why.
If you're coming early December#
Pick the west coast (Lipa Noi, Taling Ngam), which is sheltered. Plan spa days, cooking classes, Fisherman's Village dinners. Have a flexible attitude to boats. Or book the Andaman instead: Phuket vs Koh Samui vs Krabi.
If you're coming for Christmas and New Year#
Usually lovely. Fisherman's Village strung with lights, beach barbecues on Christmas Eve, resort galas (often compulsory), fireworks on Chaweng and Bophut on New Year's Eve, lanterns rising. Book ahead: Samui fills for the holidays. Where to stay in Koh Samui and Koh Samui nightlife.
Day trips#
Ang Thong and Koh Tao boats run when the sea allows; by late December they usually do. Koh Samui and the Gulf islands.
Ask someone on the island#
A Koh Samui Local Friend knows whether the ferries are running today and which beach is calm this week. They set their own rates and message you before you meet.
Check December with someone who lives on Koh Samui.
Meet a Local FriendFrequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Koh Samui?
The second half, yes: warm, mostly sunny, calming seas, a festive Christmas. The first half can still be stormy as the Gulf monsoon ends. Phuket and Krabi are the safer early-December choice.Does it rain in Koh Samui in December?
Early December often does, sometimes heavily: November is the wettest month and it tails into December. By Christmas, rain is usually brief showers. Nobody can promise a given week.Is the sea rough in Koh Samui in December?
It can be in the first half, with red flags on the east coast and delayed ferries. By late December it's usually calm again. The west coast (Lipa Noi, Taling Ngam) is more sheltered.What is Christmas like on Koh Samui?
Resort dinners, Fisherman's Village lit up, beach barbecues, a party on Chaweng. New Year's Eve has fireworks on Chaweng and Bophut beaches and lantern releases on the sand.Koh Samui or Phuket in December?
Phuket or Krabi for the first half of December, when they are dry and Samui may not be. From 20 December either works; Samui is a little quieter and the Gulf water is calmer than the Andaman's by then.