Weather lowdown
After January, December is usually the coldest month of the year in Krabi, Thailand. The average temperature at this time of year starts off at 27°C (created by highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C) and drops down to 26.5°C (highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C) by the end of the month.
Although it only happens on an average of 10% of days, temperatures have been known to rise above 32°C and fall below 28°C in Krabi in December. The highest temperature ever recorded in the province during this month is 34°C, whilst the lowest temperature ever recorded at this time of year is 20°C.
With average temperatures as warm as these, you'll need to bring plenty of light and airy clothing to ensure you stay comfortable during your holiday, plus enough suntan lotion so you don't suffer from sunburn. Being one of the coldest months of the year, December is the perfect time for travellers who are determined to visit Krabi but don't enjoy hot temperatures. If you'd rather visit Krabi when the temperatures are at their highest, forget about December and visit in February or March instead.
Across December, Krabi is subject to an average of 59mm/2 inches of rainfall spread out between six rainy days that's almost 1/3 of the rainfall experienced by Krabi in November. The likelihood of rainfall making an appearance during your holiday in Krabi in December starts off at 49% on December 1st, dropping down to 47% by December 11th, 44% by December 21st and 36% by December 31st, making the period around Christmas and New Year the best time to visit if you don't want to risk the chance of rainfall spoiling your holiday. The most common types of precipitation Krabi receives in December are light rain (39%), moderate rain (29%) and thunderstorms (27%).
Throughout the month, Krabi enjoys an average of seven hours of sunshine each day that's one hour more every day compared to last month along with median cloud cover ranging between 80% (mostly cloudy) at the beginning of the month and 72% (partly cloudy) by the end of the month. If you plan on spending most of your holiday sunbathing, your best bet is to visit at the end of the month, when the sky will be clearest.
The average sea temperature for Krabi stays constantly warm throughout the year. In November, it's 29°C, which is more than warm enough to enjoy a dip.
Because of the tropical climate, Krabi stays humid all-year-round. In December, the relative humidity for the province ranges between 59% (mildly humid) and 93% (very humid), rarely falling below 51% (mildly humid) or reaching as high as 98% (very humid). The air is normally at its driest around December 18th, when the relative humidity falls below 63% (mildly humid) three days out of every four, whilst it tends to be its most humid around December 21st, when it exceeds 91% (very humid) three days out of four.
Over the course of an average December in Krabi typical wind speeds fluctuate between 1 m/s (light air) and 4 m/s (gentle breeze), rarely exceeding 6 m/s (moderate breeze). The highest average wind speed of 2 m/s (light breeze) happens around December 2nd, when the average daily maximum wind speed is 4 m/s, whilst the lowest average wind speed of 2 m/s happens around December 23rd, when the average daily maximum wind speed is 4 m/s.
Where to stay
Baan Habeebee Resort
Baan Habeebee Resort is made up of numerous bungalows inspired by nature, made from Thai-Lanna-style wood and surrounded by tropical grass, trees and plants. Each bungalow is completely private and separate from the rest and features air conditioning, coffee making facilities and free WiFi access. One of the highlights of the resort is its location only five minutes away from the Napharat Thara beach which can be reached via the resort's shuttle service. Another plus point for the resort are the excursions there are seven different tours available to book from reception which allow you to explore the Krabi province and the various attractions, including the Emerald Pool and Tiger Cave Temple.
Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort
Families and couples searching for top end accommodation in Krabi should consider staying at Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort. Overlooking the Andaman Sea on Klong Muong beach, this resort is nestled into 16 acres of landscaped gardens, providing amazing natural views from almost every room. Accommodation is provided in the form of 240 guest rooms and 12 suites which are divided between eight low-rise buildings which provide WiFi access. There are three restaurants onsite specialising in Western, Asian, Italian and Indian cuisine, plus a pool bar which serves speciality cocktails. Other facilities include infinity swimming pool, all-inclusive dining programme for kids, fitness centre and kids' club, making it a great place for families.
Railay Princess Resort and Spa Krabi
For a relaxing spa holiday in Krabi, it's got to be Railay Princess Resort and Spa Krabi. Located in between Railay Village on the west and YaYa resort on the east, this resort is found back from the beach, surrounded by tropical greenery and facing the natural beauty of the flora-covered cliffs of Krabi. Accommodation is provided in the form of princess deluxe rooms which can sleep up to two adults and two children. Facilities onsite include adults' swimming pool, kids' swimming pool and international restaurant, but the spa which offers Thai massages and aromatherapy is one of the best amenities.
Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort
Phi Phi Island Vilage Beach Resort is another top pick when it comes to spa hotels in Krabi. Located on a secluded part of Phi Phi Island, this luxury resort is spread out over 70 acres and features thatched bungalows surrounded by frangipani and hibiscus. Twin and double bungalows, junior suites and villas are available, each of which comes with air conditioning and satellite TV. Everything you could ever need to relax is provided within the hotel's grounds, including four restaurants which serve Asian cuisine, Western dishes and seafood, four bars/cafes which serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, swimming pool, fitness centre and free WiFi access. The Wana Spa boasts a hillside location and offers Thai massages, herbal aromatherapy, facials, body scrubs and wraps.
Hit the beach
Kai Island
If you fancy trying snorkelling during your holiday in Krabi, Kai Island is one of the best places to do it. Located in between Koh Tarutao and Koh Adang-Rawi, this island is often referred to as 'Chicken Island', because of the rock formation which resembles a rooster perched on top of a limestone mountain.
The beach on this island is more rock than sand, making it unsuitable for sunbathing, although the rocky shores and coral underneath the water create the ideal environment for snorkelling and admiring all sorts of colourful fish. You can take a boat from Pakbara Pier to Kai Island and there are no sun loungers, shades, bars or restaurants provided, so make sure you take all your own commodities with you.
Talabeng Island
Located east of Koh Lanta Noi, Talabeng Island is perfect for holidaymakers who want to enjoy kayaking amongst picturesque cliff surroundings. Great for Kayaking .
This limestone island is similar to Koh Phi Phi Lay and offers a few small sandy beaches which are only accessible when the tides are low.
Although the beaches are great for sunbathing, Talabeng Island is much more suited to those who enjoy beachside sports, with kayaking, rock climbing and cave exploring all available around the beaches. You can catch a taxi boat from Ban Loh Yai Pier to Talabeng Island and will need to bring food and drink with you.
Eating and drinking out
Bussaba Thai Restaurant
Bussaba Thai Restaurant is ideal for diners who want to experience authentic Thai food in casual surroundings with free WiFi access. This restaurant offers a selection of traditional Thai dishes and very affordable house wines, making it a great place to eat well without blowing your budget. The mixed starter platter and massaman curries come very highly recommended. You'll find the Bussaba Thai Restaurant in Ao Nang opposite the Thai Village Hotel.
Wan-A-Rouy-Restaurant
Wan-A-Rouy Restaurant has been voted as the best restaurant on Railay Beach and it's no wonder why. Whilst many restaurants in Krabi claim to serve authentic Thai food but actually play the flavours down to suit western palates, Wan-A-Rouy Restaurant genuinely does serve real Thai food, with flavours and seasonings the locals eat, making it a must-visit for foodies who want a true taste of Krabi. Although the curries come highly recommended, the fresh fish, noodle dishes and salads are also said to be superb.
Phi Phi Islands
Found on Ton Sai Beach in the Phi Phi Islands, Carlito's Bar is the place to go for beer buckets, cocktails and live entertainment. In the daytime, you can sip your drink of choice whilst sunbathing on the terrace, participating in the yoga classes, swinging the fire chains, having a go at Thai boxing or playing backgammon. When the sun sets, the bar takes on more of a nightclub vibe, with fire shows from 10pm and music provided by local DJs.
Earth Bar
Earth Bar is one of the few nightclubs in Krabi. Located in Prae Ae and open from 4pm until late, this club hosts parties every Wednesday and Saturday, when classic and modern techno dance music is played whilst the dance floor is brimming with tourists and locals. If you're not one for dancing, the spacious bar also provides plenty of room for you to relax, socialise and enjoy a drink on several terraces and chill out zones.
Things to do
Krabi Snake Farm and Monkey School
Families with kids won't want to miss the chance to visit Krabi Snake Farm and Monkey School. Accessible via a tuk tuk ride from Ao Nang, this entertainment venue is home to the largest king cobra in Thailand which measures over 5m long. During the show, visitors are encouraged to touch the snakes and are taught all about them, whilst the skilled trainers perform incredible stunts of bravery with the reptiles. After watching the snake show, you'll be able to meet the monkeys being taught at the training school and watch as they show you their various talents.
The Smart Cook Thai Cookery School
The Smart Cook Thai Cookery School is a great place to go if you want to learn how to cook authentic Thai dishes. Located in Ao Nang, this professional cookery school is found inside a teak wooden home and the classes are taught in a clean open-air kitchen, with everyone being in charge of their own wok and cooking station. Classes are limited to 12 people, providing maximum individual attention for everyone. Special course, daily course plus market tour and smart short class are all available and each dish can be made vegetarian and prepared as spicy or as mild as you want it.
Dragonfly Silver Jewellery Making
For a unique Thai souvenir, stop by Dragonfly Silver Jewellery Making. Based in Sai Thai, this establishment provides silver jewellery making workshops which allow you to design and create your own pieces of jewellery, including broaches, earrings, pendants, rings and jewellery boxes. The creative workshops are designed for complete beginners and come in the form of one day course with 5g of silver, two day course with 10g of silver and three day course with 20g of silver. The longer the course you take, the more expensive the price, but the more impressive and detailed the piece of jewellery will be.
