Things to Do in Songkhla in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Shoulder Season · Good Value
December Weather in Songkhla
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
87°F (31°C)
High Temp
69°F (21°C)
Low Temp
8.4 inches (213 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
⚠ Heavy rainfall expected, carry rain gear daily
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + The monsoon has usually retreated, leaving Songkhla's 5 km (3.1 mile) crescent of Samila Beach with calm, swimmable water and cleaner sand compared to the churned-up sea of late November.
- + Crowds from the Loy Krathong festival in November have dissipated. But you still catch the lingering scent of jasmine and incense from temple offerings, and the city moves at a more local, unhurried pace.
- + December's shorter, gentler afternoon showers mean the Songkhla night markets - the sizzle of satay, the sticky-sweet aroma of kanom krok coconut pancakes - run uninterrupted most evenings, and you can walk the old town lanes without getting drenched.
- + The weather is warm enough for a sundowner at Laem Samila, watching the bronze mermaid statue silhouette against orange sunsets. But cool enough at night that the open-air seafood grills along Khao Seng Road feel pleasant.
Considerations
- − That 8.4 inches (213 mm) of rain doesn't fall politely. It tends to arrive in intense, tropical downpours, usually mid-afternoon, which can scrub a planned trip to Khao Noi hill or a boat ride to Ko Yo island right off your itinerary.
- − While not peak season, December sees a noticeable uptick in domestic tourists from Bangkok escaping the capital's cooler weather, which means Songkhla's smaller, family-run guesthouses near the lake might be booked up weeks in advance.
- − The sea, while calmer than in previous months, can still be a bit murky from the tail end of the rainy season runoff, so snorkeling off the main beach isn't the crystal-clear experience you'd get in the dry months of January or February.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
December in Songkhla hits a new rhythm. The month sheds November's downpour and trades it for dry, dependable days. Air feels lighter, still warm, yet a Gulf breeze cuts the edge off midday. Sunlight lands sharp on the old town's pastel facades, bleached but handsome. No festivals crowd the calendar; instead, fishermen mend nets on Samila Beach while charcoal smoke drifts from dusk grills, announcing open-air season. Skies blaze blue between quick showers, and the city's charms, historic lanes, seafront paths, can be savored without monsoon drama. Humidity drops, heat loosens its grip, and rain rarely spoils plans. The golden mermaid statue on Samila Beach glints against slate-gray chop. Seafood sizzles in shore stalls. Walk the quiet lanes: damp earth in hidden courtyards, sun-warmed Sino-Portuguese tiles underfoot. The whole town feels rinsed and ready.
One Way Van and Speedboat Ticket Hat Yai Airport to Koh Lipe
cruiseA van slides from Hat Yai Airport through rubber plantations, then a speedboat flings salty spray as Tarutao's limestone towers rise from emerald water. This door-to-island transfer erases haggling and guesswork.
Provides a smooth, pre-arranged transfer from the airport directly to the island, eliminating the need for haggling and guesswork.
Insider tip: Book portside on the boat for front-row karst views.
One Way Speedboat and Van Ticket Koh Lipe to Hat Yai Airport
cruiseThe return run from Koh Lipe gives a last, wide look at the Andaman. Engines roar, wind whips past forested islets, and timed links lock onto your flight.
Has a timed, convenient return journey with scenic views of the Andaman Sea and ensures a connection to your flight.
Insider tip: Confirm pick-up at your resort the night before. Island clocks run slow.
One Way Van and Speedboat Ticket Hat Yai City to Koh Lipe
cruiseLeave Hat Yai's humid core. The city's buzz fades as the van pushes toward Pak Bara pier. Diesel and brine mix on the speedboat, flying fish skim the hull. Urban energy to island calm in one straight shot.
Provides a direct, efficient transition from the urban energy of Hat Yai to the island calm of Koh Lipe.
Insider tip: Use the van ride to stock baht; Koh Lipe ATMs queue hard and charge extra.
Where to Stay in Songkhla in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
Packing Checklist
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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Songkhla Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Locals head to the indoor food court at Songkhla's central market when the afternoon rain hits. It's where you'll find the best khanom jeen (fermented rice noodles) with southern-style curry, a dish that tastes even better when eaten to the sound of rain on a tin roof.
The best time to photograph the well-known mermaid statue at Samila Beach is just after a rain shower, around 4 PM. The crowds have scattered, the light is golden, and the bronze figure glistens against a clearing sky.
Skip the generic beachfront seafood places. For the real deal, follow the locals to the unmarked grills in the fishing communities on the north side of the lake, where the day's catch is cooked over charcoal within sight of the boats.
If your hike up Khao Noi gets rained out, the alternative is the Songkhla National Museum. It's a beautifully preserved former palace, cool and quiet, with exhibits that explain the city's Malay, Chinese, and Thai layers better than any guidebook.
Avoid These Mistakes
Assuming 'variable' weather means 'unpredictable' and not planning at all. Mornings are reliably clear. Schedule outdoor activities then and keep afternoons flexible for markets or museums.
Booking accommodation only in Hatyai because it's bigger. You'll miss Songkhla's charm and end up spending an hour in traffic each way. Stay in Songkhla itself, preferably within walking distance of the old town or lake.
Songkhla lives and breathes through its lake. The 1,040 sq km inland sea teems with birdlife, stilted villages, and dusk light that painters chase for years. Skip the beach for a day. Rent a longtail, glide past water hyacinth, watch Brahminy kites dive. The sand is nice. The lake is essential.
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