Thailand Phuket Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Phuket is very-high
December is very-high for Phuket.
December is full dry season recovery + the year's peak tourist crush. Christmas-New Year week (Dec 22-Jan 2) brings the year's maximum hotel pricing (+50-100% above shoulder), peak crowds at Phi Phi (book 2-3 weeks ahead), and the famous Patong New Year's Eve beach party with island-wide fireworks.
Weather conditions return to near-peak January quality: 7 rainy days, 80mm rainfall, sunshine 8 hours daily, sea calm and clear. Phi Phi visibility back to 25-30m. Promthep Cape sunset perfect every evening.
Travel score
Dry season + Christmas-NYE peak — year's busiest crush
December Weather at a Glance
December averages 88°F / 31°C highs and 73°F / 23°C lows with 7 rainy days and 80mm rainfall — full dry season return. Humidity 75%. UV 9. Sunshine 8 hours. Sea 27°C ideal for swimming. Evenings noticeably cooler (23°C). Conditions virtually identical to January.
December Travel Advice
Christmas-NYE week (Dec 22-Jan 2): book 8-12 weeks ahead, expect +50-100% premium. Dec 1-19 is the smart window — same weather, 60% of holiday pricing. Phi Phi day tours 2-3 weeks pre-booking. Promthep Cape sunset arrive 17:30 for any spot. Patong NYE beach party 9 PM-2 AM with island fireworks.
Flying In from Overseas
Year's peak inbound from all major markets: Russia (long-haul charter peak), Australia (summer vacation), UK + Europe (Christmas escape), Korea (winter vacation). Direct flights from Seoul $500-900 NYE week, Tokyo $400-700, Sydney $450-800, London $700-1,300. Most expensive flight window of the year.
December Pricing Trends
Year's peak pricing Dec 22-Jan 2: Patong 4-star $120-250/night, Karon family $180-380, Trisara luxury $1,500-4,500. Phi Phi day tour $90-130. Flights from Seoul $600-1,000. Dec 1-19 is 40-50% less expensive than holiday week.
Phuket December Weather Stats
Avg High
31°C
Avg Low
23°C
Rainy Days
7
80mm total
Sunshine
8h
Daily avg
Humidity
75%
moderate
UV Index
9
Very high
Wind
12 km/h
Gusts 25
Sea Temp
27°C
swimming
Crowds
Very busy
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
12 μg/m³
PM10
22 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
35°C
Nighttime
25°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
12 km/h
Max gust 25 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Dry season ideal weather
- Phi Phi crystal water
- Christmas + NYE festive atmosphere
- Patong NYE fireworks spectacle
Cons
- Maximum pricing Dec 22-Jan 2
- Year's biggest tourist crush
- Phi Phi + Promthep Cape peak crowds
December Events & Festivals
- Christmas-New Year peak (Dec 20-Jan 5 maximum prices)
- Year's busiest tourist period
- Patong NYE beach party + fireworks
Phuket in December — Full Picture
December is full dry season recovery + the year's peak tourist crush. Christmas-New Year week (Dec 22-Jan 2) brings the year's maximum hotel pricing (+50-100% above shoulder), peak crowds at Phi Phi (book 2-3 weeks ahead), and the famous Patong New Year's Eve beach party with island-wide fireworks.
Weather conditions return to near-peak January quality: 7 rainy days, 80mm rainfall, sunshine 8 hours daily, sea calm and clear. Phi Phi visibility back to 25-30m. Promthep Cape sunset perfect every evening.
The trade-off is real: maximum prices + maximum crowds in exchange for ideal weather + festive atmosphere. December 1-19 is the smart-money window — dry-season weather at pre-Christmas pricing, before the holiday crush hits.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Dry season ideal — light tropical, hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen. Evenings cool 23°C — light long sleeve or wrap for AC restaurants + sunset cruises.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
33°C
25.3°C
10/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
31°C
25°C
16/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
31°C
24°C
16.3/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current32°C
24°C
4/mo
Phuket Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January (Best) | 32° | 24° | 3d·30mm | 9h | 73% | 10 | Very busy | Peak |
| February (Best) | 33° | 25° | 2d·20mm | 9h | 72% | 10 | Very busy | Peak |
| March (Best) | 33° | 25° | 5d·50mm | 9h | 73% | 11 | Busy | Peak |
| 34° | 26° | 9d·100mm | 9h | 75% | 11 | Busy | Peak | |
| 32° | 25° | 16d·230mm | 7h | 80% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 25° | 15d·220mm | 7h | 80% | 10 | Moderate | Low season | |
| 31° | 25° | 16d·230mm | 6h | 80% | 10 | Busy | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 25° | 17d·240mm | 6h | 80% | 10 | Busy | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 24° | 18d·270mm | 6h | 82% | 10 | Moderate | Low season | |
| 31° | 24° | 18d·280mm | 6h | 80% | 10 | Moderate | Low season | |
| 31° | 24° | 13d·180mm | 7h | 78% | 9 | Busy | Shoulder | |
| December (Best) | 31° | 23° | 7d·80mm | 8h | 75% | 9 | Very busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Phuket December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Phuket?
Phuket in December is very-high. Tourist crowds are very busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Phuket in December?
Phuket December averages a high of 31°C and a low of 23°C.
Does it rain much in Phuket in December?
Phuket December averages 80mm of rainfall over about 7 rainy days.
What should I wear in Phuket in December?
Dry season ideal — light tropical, hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen. Evenings cool 23°C — light long sleeve or wrap for AC restaurants + sunset cruises.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Phuket in December?
Phuket December sunrise is 06:45 and sunset is 18:00, with 11h 15min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Phuket in December?
Phuket December air quality (AQI) averages 35, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 12μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Phuket in December?
In December, Phuket is great for Phi Phi Islands, Similan dive trips, James Bond Island.
Is December peak season in Phuket?
Phuket December crowds are very busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Phuket
View Other Months
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.