Things to Do in Stockton in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Stockton

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Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather window - December sits in St. Ockton's dry season with only 8 rainy days and comfortable temperatures of 23-29°C (73-84°F), ideal for outdoor activities
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs drop 30-40% compared to peak January-March period, while restaurant and tour prices remain stable
Mango season peaks in December - local markets overflow with 12+ varieties of perfectly ripe mangoes for ฿20-40/kg, plus seasonal mango sticky rice appears on every corner
Optimal diving conditions - December marks the beginning of Andaman Sea's clearest waters with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility and calm seas before high season crowds arrive

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms occur 8 days per month, typically 2-4pm lasting 45-90 minutes - can disrupt planned outdoor activities and require flexible scheduling
High UV index of 9 means intense sun exposure between 10am-3pm, requiring frequent sunscreen reapplication and shade breaks during sightseeing
Tourist infrastructure scaling up - some seasonal restaurants and beach services are just reopening after monsoon closures, so options may be limited compared to peak season

Best Activities in December

Coral Gardens Snorkeling Tours

December offers the first month of crystal-clear waters after monsoon season ends, with 25m+ (82+ ft) visibility and calm seas perfect for beginners. Water temperature stays comfortable at 28°C (82°F) and marine life is most active before high season boat traffic increases. Morning tours avoid afternoon storm potential.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators with insurance coverage. Tours typically cost ฿1,800-2,800 including equipment and lunch. Choose morning departures (8am-2pm) to avoid afternoon weather. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Temple Mountain Sunrise Hikes

Cool December mornings (23°C/73°F at 5am) make the 2-hour climb to Wat Thammikaram temple comfortable before heat builds. December's dry conditions mean secure footing on the 500m (1,640 ft) ascent, and clear skies offer stunning sunrise views over the valley. Avoid this during rainy season's slippery trails.

Booking Tip: Self-guided or join local hiking groups departing 4:30am daily. Entry fee ฿50, guide services ฿800-1,200 for groups up to 6 people. Bring headlamp and water - no facilities on trail. Check current guided options in booking section below.

Night Market Food Crawls

December's comfortable evening temperatures (25°C/77°F) and lower humidity make outdoor dining perfect. Seasonal specialties include fresh mango everything, grilled seafood from day boats, and warming tom kha during cooler nights. Markets stay dry under covered areas when brief evening showers occur.

Booking Tip: Walking food tours cost ฿1,500-2,500 for 3-hour experiences including 8-10 tastings. Book through certified guides who speak English and understand dietary restrictions. Markets operate 5pm-midnight daily. See current food tour options in booking section below.

Mangrove Kayaking Adventures

December's calm conditions and receding waters reveal hidden mangrove channels inaccessible during monsoon months. Wildlife is most active in cooler morning temperatures, and the lack of strong currents makes paddling suitable for all skill levels. December offers the perfect balance of water levels and weather stability.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost ฿1,200-1,800 including equipment and guide. Book morning slots (8am-12pm) for best wildlife viewing and weather conditions. Choose operators with life jackets and emergency communication. See current kayaking options in booking section below.

Traditional Craft Village Tours

December marks the return of artisan activity after monsoon season workshops reopen. Cooler, drier conditions are perfect for pottery, silk weaving, and wood carving demonstrations. Many craftspeople complete their finest work in December for upcoming festival season, offering unique shopping opportunities.

Booking Tip: Village tours cost ฿800-1,500 including transportation and workshops. Book through community-based tourism operators who directly support artisans. Tours run 9am-4pm and include lunch. Pottery workshops require 24-hour advance booking. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

Sunset Rock Climbing Sessions

December's dry rock conditions and comfortable temperatures make outdoor climbing ideal. Limestone cliffs offer perfect grip after months of monsoon cleaning, and evening sessions (4pm-7pm) avoid both midday heat and afternoon storm windows. December offers the most reliable climbing weather of the year.

Booking Tip: Beginner sessions cost ฿1,800-2,500 including all equipment and instruction. Advanced climbs ฾3,000-4,500 for full day with guide. Book certified instructors through climbing shops with proper insurance. Equipment rental available separately for ฿500-800/day. See current climbing options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

First weekend of December

Mango Festival at Central Market

Local celebration of December's peak mango harvest featuring 15+ varieties, cooking demonstrations, and traditional mango sticky rice competitions. Vendors offer tastings and the freshest fruit at wholesale prices. Perfect introduction to local food culture.

December 15th (full moon date)

Loy Krathong Water Festival

Thailand's most photogenic festival where thousands of candlelit banana leaf boats float down St. Ockton River. December timing means perfect weather for evening riverside celebrations, traditional dance performances, and lantern releases. Deeply spiritual and visually stunning.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket (not poncho) - December's 8 rain days bring sudden 45-90 minute downpours that require actual waterproof protection

SPF 50+ sunscreen and zinc stick - UV index of 9 means burns happen in 15 minutes; reapply every 90 minutes during outdoor activities

Breathable cotton or bamboo clothing - avoid polyester in 72% humidity as it traps moisture and becomes uncomfortable quickly

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - temple visits require covered feet and December's occasional wet surfaces need traction

Lightweight long pants/sleeves - evening temperatures drop to 23°C (73°F) and air-conditioned spaces can feel cold after outdoor heat

Waterproof phone case - protect devices during kayaking, boat tours, and unexpected rain showers

Electrolyte packets - high humidity and activity levels cause faster dehydration than expected; local sports drinks aren't always available

Small daypack with rain cover - essential for day trips when weather can change quickly and you need hands-free mobility

Reef-safe sunscreen - December's clear waters make coral protection crucial; some areas ban chemical sunscreens

Portable phone charger - humidity can drain batteries faster and you'll use GPS/camera more than usual during outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Morning activities (8am-11am) offer the best weather window - temperatures are coolest, rain is rarest, and tourist sites are least crowded before afternoon heat builds

Book accommodation by late October for December visits - many hotels close during October-November monsoon and have limited December availability when reopening

ATMs often run low on cash during December weekends as locals receive year-end bonuses - withdraw money on weekday mornings for best availability

December mango prices vary wildly by location - airport/tourist areas charge ฿200+/kg while local markets sell identical fruit for ฿30-50/kg just 2km (1.2 miles) away