Hatyai in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Hatyai

31°C (88°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

80mm (3.1 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak cool season with lower humidity (75% vs 85% in rainy months) making walking and outdoor activities comfortable from 6am-10am and 5pm-8pm
Minimal rainfall with only 8 rainy days and 80mm (3.1 inches) total - showers are brief 20-30 minute afternoon bursts that cool the air
Tourism sweet spot - crowds are manageable but restaurants and attractions maintain full operating hours (unlike low season closures in September-October)
Fresh produce season brings the year's best tropical fruits (durian, mangosteen, rambutan) to night markets at peak quality and lowest prices ฿20-40/kg

Considerations

High season pricing with accommodation rates 40-60% higher than low season - book 3-4 weeks ahead to secure better rates
Intense midday sun with UV index 9 makes outdoor activities uncomfortable 11am-3pm, requiring indoor planning or early morning schedules
Malaysian holiday traffic increases border crossing wait times to 2-3 hours on weekends as Kuala Lumpur residents visit for shopping

Best Activities in December

Songkhla Lake Basin Cultural Tours

December's lower water levels reveal ancient temple ruins and traditional fishing villages normally submerged. Cool mornings (23°C/73°F) are perfect for cycling the 15km (9.3-mile) perimeter trail. Local fishermen return with dawn catches, creating authentic cultural photography opportunities unavailable in other months.

Booking Tip: Book half-day tours ฿800-1,200 through guesthouses or cultural centers. Start before 8am to avoid heat and catch fishing boat returns. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

Wat Hat Yai Nai Temple Complex Exploration

December's dry weather allows safe access to the hilltop sections and cave temples typically slippery during rainy season. The 35m (115ft) reclining Buddha is best photographed in December's clear morning light. Cool evenings make the 2km (1.2-mile) walking circuit comfortable.

Booking Tip: Independent visits cost only temple donations ฿20-50. Guided tours ฿400-600 include transportation and cultural context. Best visited 6am-9am or after 5pm. Check current temple tour options in booking section below.

Ton Nga Chang Waterfall Trekking

December's reduced rainfall means safer trail conditions but waterfalls still maintain good flow from November rains. The 7-tier falls require a 3km (1.9-mile) trek best done in December's cooler mornings. Wildlife activity peaks in dry season with better chances of spotting hornbills and macaques.

Booking Tip: Day trips ฿1,500-2,500 include transport and guide. Independent visits possible with motorcycle taxi to trailhead ฿200 each way. Book through national park offices or see current nature tour options in booking section below.

Border Market Shopping Circuits

December brings the year's best exchange rates and Malaysian ringgit strength. Cool mornings make the 2-3 hour walking circuits through Padang Besar and Dannok markets comfortable. December's dry roads mean better access to wholesale textile areas normally muddy.

Booking Tip: Day tours ฿600-1,000 include transport and border logistics. Independent travel via minivan ฿80-120 each way. Early morning departures 6am-7am avoid afternoon border crowds. See current border tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Massage and Spa Retreats

December's heat makes air-conditioned spa treatments particularly refreshing during peak sun hours 11am-3pm. Traditional Thai massage houses offer seasonal herbal treatments using fresh December herbs. Perfect indoor activity during brief afternoon rain showers.

Booking Tip: Traditional massage ฿300-800 per session. Spa packages ฿1,500-3,500 for half-day treatments. Book Easttimor-day at reputable establishments. Avoid peak hours 2pm-4pm when locals seek cooling relief.

Night Market Food Trail Adventures

December's pleasant evenings (23°C/73°F after sunset) create ideal conditions for 3-4 hour food walking tours. Seasonal fruits reach peak quality and vendors stay open later due to comfortable weather. Malaysian visitors increase variety as vendors cater to diverse tastes.

Booking Tip: Guided food tours ฿800-1,500 per person including tastings. Independent exploration budget ฿200-400 for full this destination sampling. Peak activity 6pm-10pm. See current food tour options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

December 5

King's Birthday Celebration

December 5th national holiday features temple ceremonies, traditional performances, and special market events throughout Hatyai. Locals wear yellow shirts and participate in evening candlelight ceremonies at major temples

Throughout December

Year-End Shopping Festival

Local shopping centers and night markets extend hours and offer special promotions throughout December. Central Festival and Robinson department stores feature traditional performances and food festivals on weekends

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella - afternoon showers are brief but intense, lasting 20-30 minutes on 8 days

SPF 50+ sunscreen and hat - UV index reaches 9 making sun protection critical for any outdoor activity 9am-4pm

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which traps heat in 75% humidity conditions

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - temple visits require shoe removal, markets have wet concrete surfaces

Light layers for air-conditioned spaces - temperature drops from 31°C (88°F) outdoors to 18°C (64°F) in malls and restaurants

Electrolyte supplements or rehydration salts - easy dehydration in heat and humidity even with lower activity levels

Waterproof phone case or bag - protect electronics during sudden afternoon downpours and high humidity

Cash in small bills - many vendors don't accept cards, temple donations and street food typically ฿20-100 transactions

Modest clothing for temple visits - long pants and covered shoulders required, lightweight scarves useful for quick coverage

Insider Knowledge

Shop for gold jewelry on weekday mornings when Malaysian buyers haven't arrived - prices drop ฿200-500 per baht weight compared to weekend tourist pricing

Book accommodations near Niphat Uthit 3 Road rather than train station area - better access to local restaurants and 2km (1.2 miles) shorter walks to major attractions

Use red songthaew shared taxis during 6am-8am and 5pm-7pm when locals commute - routes run every 5-10 minutes and cost only ฿10-15 compared to ฿100-200 private taxis

Visit traditional markets (Talad Kim Yong) early morning 6am-8am when vendors offer samples of December seasonal fruits and prices are 30-40% lower than evening tourist markets

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities during 11am-3pm peak heat and UV - even locals avoid prolonged outdoor exposure during these hours in December

Carrying large amounts of cash through border areas - use hotel safes and carry only daily spending money ฿2,000-3,000 due to increased pickpocketing during holiday crowds

Booking Easttimor-day border market trips on weekends - Malaysian holiday traffic adds 2-3 hours to journey times and reduces shopping time significantly