Carmel in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Carmel

104°F (40°C) High Temp

79°F (26°C) Low Temp

0.1 inches (2.5 mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather - only 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) rainfall across the entire month makes it ideal for outdoor activities and beach days
Crystal clear ocean visibility for diving and snorkeling - December offers the best underwater visibility of the year at 25-30 m (82-98 ft)
Comfortable evening temperatures at 79°F (26°C) - perfect for night markets, outdoor dining, and evening temple visits without the oppressive heat
Cooler mornings make December the only month when sunrise activities like temple visits and hiking are genuinely pleasant rather than sweltering

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to shoulder season and popular spots get crowded, especially beaches and viewpoints
Afternoon temperatures reaching 104°F (40°C) combined with 70% humidity make midday outdoor activities genuinely uncomfortable - you'll need 3-4 hour indoor breaks
Strong Andaman Sea winds (15-20 knots) can make boat transfers to islands choppy and uncomfortable, though they rarely cancel tours

Best Activities in December

Early Morning Temple Cycling Tours

December's cooler mornings (79-85°F/26-29°C) make this the only month where cycling between temples is actually enjoyable rather than punishing. Start at 6:30 AM to beat both heat and crowds. The dry weather means dusty temple grounds are manageable, and you'll have golden hour photography at ancient ruins without sweat dripping on your camera.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead as December morning slots fill quickly. Look for tours that start by 6:30 AM and include multiple temple stops. Typical cost ฿1,500-2,500 per person including bike rental and guide. Reference booking widget below for current early morning options.

Sunset Beach Photography Tours

December's minimal rainfall and clear skies create spectacular sunset conditions. The 104°F (40°C) afternoon heat drives most casual beachgoers away by 4 PM, leaving you with emptier beaches for the golden hour. Professional photographers love December because equipment doesn't fog up from humidity changes and you get 15-20 consecutive clear sunset days.

Booking Tip: Book photography tours that start around 4:30 PM to capture both harsh afternoon light and golden hour. Costs typically ฿2,000-3,500 including equipment and professional guidance. Small group tours (4-6 people) work best. See current options in booking section below.

Air-Conditioned Cultural Workshops

When it's 104°F (40°C) outside, December is perfect for immersive indoor experiences like traditional cooking classes, textile workshops, and artisan demonstrations. Local craftspeople offer extended sessions during peak season, and you'll appreciate spending 3-4 hours in climate-controlled spaces during the brutal midday heat.

Booking Tip: Book workshops that run 11 AM-3 PM to avoid the outdoor heat completely. Traditional cooking classes cost ฿1,800-2,800 per person, textile workshops ฿1,200-2,000. Look for venues with proper air conditioning, not just fans. Check current workshop availability in booking widget below.

Evening Night Market Food Tours

December evenings are the most comfortable for outdoor dining - temperatures drop to 79-82°F (26-28°C) with light breezes. Night markets come alive in December with extended hours and special seasonal vendors. The dry weather means no sudden downpours ruining your street food experience, and vendors stay open later due to peak season crowds.

Booking Tip: Book guided food tours starting 7-8 PM when temperatures become comfortable. Tours typically cost ฿1,500-2,200 per person covering 8-12 food stops. Peak season means more vendor variety but also crowds - book 5-7 days ahead. See current evening tour options below.

Dawn Wildlife Watching Expeditions

December's dry conditions and cooler dawn temperatures (75-79°F/24-26°C) create optimal wildlife viewing. Animals are most active in early morning before the heat, and the lack of rain means clearer forest paths and better photography conditions. December is migration season for several bird species, adding variety to sightings.

Booking Tip: Book tours departing 5:30-6:00 AM for best wildlife activity. Costs range ฿2,500-4,000 per person including transportation and professional guides. December books up 10-14 days in advance due to optimal conditions. Reference booking section for current dawn expedition options.

Spa and Wellness Retreats

December's heat makes this the most popular month for spa treatments and wellness centers. Many spas offer extended December packages taking advantage of tourists seeking relief from 104°F (40°C) heat. Traditional treatments using cooling herbs and techniques are specifically designed for hot season relief, and you'll genuinely appreciate spending entire afternoons in climate-controlled wellness environments.

Booking Tip: Book full-day spa packages (4-6 hours) to escape midday heat. Traditional wellness treatments cost ฿2,000-5,000 per session. December requires 7-10 days advance booking for premium spa slots. Multi-treatment packages offer best value. Check current wellness package availability below.

December Events & Festivals

Early to Mid December

Winter Arts Festival

Local and international artists showcase work in climate-controlled galleries and outdoor evening installations. Features live performances, craft demonstrations, and extended evening hours perfect for December's cooler nights.

Mid December through New Year

Holiday Lights Harbor Display

The harbor area transforms with elaborate light displays visible from multiple viewing points. Evening boat tours offer unique perspectives, and the dry weather ensures displays run nightly without weather interruptions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in cotton or linen - essential for morning temple visits and air-conditioned spaces, plus protection from UV index 8 sun exposure

SPF 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen (reef-safe if doing water activities) - December's clear skies mean intense UV with minimal cloud protection

Insulated water bottle holding 1 liter (32 oz) minimum - dehydration happens quickly in 104°F (40°C) heat with 70% humidity

Cooling towel or small portable fan - practical relief during the 4-5 hour period when outdoor temperatures are unbearable

Light rain jacket or packable poncho - while only 0.1 inches total rainfall, those 10 rainy days can bring sudden intense downpours

Comfortable walking shoes with breathable mesh - you'll walk more in December due to pleasant evening temperatures, but feet need ventilation

Electrolyte supplements or powder - sweating is constant in 70% humidity, and regular water isn't enough for 8+ hour outdoor days

Portable phone charger - batteries drain faster in extreme heat, and you'll use GPS more frequently to find air-conditioned spaces

Quick-dry shorts and moisture-wicking underwear - cotton stays wet in high humidity, synthetic materials dry faster between activities

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - essential for morning activities, and December winds can be strong enough to blow hats off

Insider Knowledge

Most locals schedule outdoor activities for 6-9 AM and after 6 PM in December - follow this pattern and you'll avoid both heat and crowds while experiencing the destination like residents do

Air conditioning costs spike in December so budget accommodations often limit AC hours (typically 6 PM-8 AM only) - verify 24-hour AC if you're sensitive to heat, as midday room temperatures can reach 95°F (35°C)

December is when locals take their own vacations, so authentic neighborhood restaurants may have modified hours or close for family trips - ask your accommodation for currently operating local favorites

The 15-20 knot Andaman winds in December actually make beach afternoons more tolerable than other peak season months - seek beaches with western exposure for maximum breeze benefit

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outdoor activities between 11 AM-4 PM when temperatures reach 104°F (40°C) - this ruins the experience and can be dangerous, yet many tourists don't check timing when booking

Underestimating water needs - many visitors bring 500ml bottles when they need 2-3 liters daily in December's heat and humidity combination

Assuming 'dry season' means no rain gear needed - those 10 rainy days often bring intense 20-30 minute downpours that can soak you completely without warning