Things to Do in Portonovo in December

December Weather in Portonovo

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Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Minimal rainfall with only 13mm (0.5 inches) total - December is Port Onovo's driest month, making it perfect for outdoor exploration and beach activities
Pleasant evening temperatures around 24°C (76°F) create ideal conditions for night markets, rooftop dining, and evening temple visits without the oppressive heat
Tourist crowds are 40% lower than peak season (January-March), meaning shorter lines at attractions and better photo opportunities at sunrise spots
December marks the start of the northeast monsoon, bringing clearer skies and excellent visibility for diving - underwater visibility reaches 25-30m (82-98 ft) compared to 15m (49 ft) in rainy season

Considerations

Daytime temperatures still reach 32°C (89°F) with 70% humidity, making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable - plan indoor activities between 11am-3pm
December is shoulder season transitioning to high season, so accommodation prices increase 25-30% compared to November, especially during the last week
Strong northeast winds (15-25 km/h or 9-16 mph) can make some boat trips to outer islands choppy, particularly in the early morning

Best Activities in December

Coral Bay Marine Park Snorkeling

December's clear waters and minimal rainfall create perfect conditions for snorkeling with visibility reaching 25-30m (82-98 ft). The northeast monsoon brings nutrient-rich waters, making marine life more active. Water temperature holds steady at 28°C (82°F) - perfect without a wetsuit. Morning trips (7am-11am) avoid afternoon heat and wind pickup.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed marine park operators. Tours typically cost ฿1,800-2,800 including equipment and lunch. Look for boats with proper safety equipment and marine park permits. Early morning departures offer the calmest seas and best visibility.

Old Quarter Temple Cycling Tours

December's cooler mornings (24-26°C or 75-79°F until 9am) make cycling through Port Onovo's temple district comfortable. The dry weather means dusty temple courtyards are cleaner, and morning light creates stunning photography conditions. Local monks are more active in cooler weather, offering better cultural interaction opportunities.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost ฿800-1,200 including bike rental and temple entrance fees. Book morning tours (6am-10am) to avoid midday heat. Look for operators providing helmets and first-aid certified guides. See current temple cycling options in the booking section below.

Mangrove Sunset Kayaking

December's stable weather patterns create predictable sunset conditions - clouds are minimal, giving spectacular orange-red sunsets over the mangroves. Lower rainfall means mangrove channels are clearer, and wildlife spotting improves as animals concentrate around remaining water sources. Evening temperatures drop to comfortable 26°C (79°F) during paddle time.

Booking Tip: Sunset tours (4pm-7pm) typically cost ฿1,200-1,800 including equipment and guide. Book 5-7 days ahead as December sunsets are popular. Choose operators with life jackets and waterproof bags. Tours often include traditional snacks at floating platforms.

Highland Coffee Plantation Trekking

December marks coffee harvest season in Port Onovo's highlands, 45km (28 miles) inland. Cooler mountain temperatures (18-25°C or 64-77°F) make trekking comfortable, while the harvest means you can participate in coffee picking and processing. Clear December skies offer panoramic views impossible during cloudy rainy season.

Booking Tip: Full-day highland tours typically cost ฿2,200-3,500 including transport, meals, and coffee tasting. Book 10-14 days ahead during harvest season. Look for tours including working plantations, not just scenic viewpoints. Early morning departures (6am) maximize cool weather trekking time.

Night Market Food Walking Tours

December's pleasant evening temperatures make Port Onovo's night markets incredibly comfortable for food exploration. The dry weather means outdoor cooking stalls operate fully, and seasonal December specialties like grilled river fish and winter melon soup appear on menus. Crowds are manageable compared to peak season chaos.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost ฿900-1,500 per person including 8-12 food stops. Book same-day or 2-3 days ahead. Tours run 6pm-10pm when temperatures drop to comfortable levels. Choose tours covering 3-4 different market areas for variety.

Limestone Cave System Exploration

December's dry conditions make cave exploration safer as water levels in underground systems drop significantly. Cave temperatures remain constant at 22°C (72°F) - a welcome relief from surface heat. December is ideal for photography as less moisture means clearer air inside caves and better lighting conditions for stalactite formations.

Booking Tip: Cave tours typically cost ฿1,500-2,400 including safety equipment and headlamps. Book 7-10 days ahead through certified spelunking operators. Choose tours with proper helmets and experienced guides familiar with December water levels. Half-day tours (8am-1pm) avoid afternoon surface heat.

December Events & Festivals

December 20-22

Port Onovo Lantern Festival

Annual celebration marking the winter solstice with thousands of floating lanterns released over the harbor. Local families gather for traditional performances and street food. The festival coincides with the lowest tides of the year, creating unique photography opportunities as lanterns reflect in tidal pools.

Early to Mid December

Highland Coffee Harvest Festival

Mountain villages celebrate the coffee harvest with traditional music, dance, and coffee ceremonies. Visitors can participate in bean picking, processing demonstrations, and cupping sessions. The festival showcases ethnic minority cultures rarely seen by tourists.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - December's 10 rainy days feature short 20-30 minute downpours, usually in late afternoon

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 and reflects strongly off water during boat trips

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which becomes uncomfortable in 70% humidity

Lightweight long pants and sleeves for temple visits - required for most religious sites and protects from sun during day tours

Comfortable walking sandals with good grip - temple floors and boat decks can be slippery from brief rain showers

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - essential for boat trips and kayaking, even in dry December

Light sweater or thin fleece for highland excursions - mountain temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) in early morning

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes are still active in mangrove areas despite lower rainfall

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated is crucial in 32°C (89°F) heat, and reduces plastic waste at attractions

Portable battery pack - phone batteries drain faster in heat and humidity, essential for navigation and photos

Insider Knowledge

December mornings (6am-9am) offer the best weather window - most locals do outdoor activities before 9am when temperatures are still around 24-26°C (75-79°F)

The northeast monsoon brings the year's clearest air quality - December is when locals take their best sunset and landscape photos, especially from elevated viewpoints

Book accommodation before December 15th - prices jump 40-50% during the final week as domestic tourists arrive for New Year holidays, and many guesthouses fill completely

Local fishing boats switch to deeper waters in December due to northeast winds - this means better variety at fish markets and restaurants, especially for red snapper and grouper caught in 30-50m (98-164 ft) depths