Maldives vs Phuket in December — Which to Pick?
The numbers, side by side
Every figure below is an average across 11 complete years (2015–2025) of daily Open-Meteo records. Not a forecast — a historical baseline you can plan against.
Maldives vs Phuket in December
| Metric | Maldives | Phuket | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average high | 28 °C (83°F) | 29 °C (84°F) | Effectively even in warmth. |
| Average low | 26 °C (79°F) | 25 °C (76°F) | Nights differ by ~2°C. |
| Rainfall | 206 mm | 133 mmWinner | Phuket is 73 mm drier. |
| Rainy days | 19 | 16Winner | Phuket is 2.1 days with fewer rainy days. |
| Sunshine | 10.3 h/day | 9.5 h/day | Effectively even in sunshine. |
Our honest take
Temperatures are effectively tied across Maldives and Phuket in December.
Phuket sees roughly 73mm less rainfall this month, so your afternoons are more likely to survive intact.
Neither is objectively better: pick Maldives for what Maldives is famous for; pick Phuket for what Phuket does uniquely. The persona cards below break the choice down by traveller type.
Traveller verdict for December
Data-driven picks based on 11-year climate averages (2015–2025). Neither destination is objectively “better” — it depends on what you're after.
Phuket takes the beach-day advantage — warmer sea air, drier skies, and more useful sun.
Both offer credible nightlife — pick by taste rather than data.
Either destination works for a family visit this month.
Similar shooting conditions — atmosphere becomes the deciding factor.
Prices track closely — book early either way.
Maldives has the edge for wandering food streets — walkable weather and a livelier scene.
Compare hotels in both
Booking.com deep links with December check-in dates pre-filled.
Maldives vs Phuket in December — FAQ
Q01Is Maldives warmer than Phuket in December?
Is Maldives warmer than Phuket in December?
In December, Maldives and Phuket average nearly identical daytime highs — around 28°C and 29°C respectively. Temperature is not a differentiator.
Q02Which is drier — Maldives or Phuket in December?
Which is drier — Maldives or Phuket in December?
Phuket is drier in December. It averages 133mm of rainfall vs 206mm at Maldives. That is a meaningful difference for outdoor plans.
Q03Which is better for outdoor activities in December?
Which is better for outdoor activities in December?
Neither destination pulls ahead on sunshine or dry days in December — both offer similar outdoor windows. Choose by terrain and interest rather than weather.
Q04Which is cheaper to visit in December — Maldives or Phuket?
Which is cheaper to visit in December — Maldives or Phuket?
Both destinations command similar peak pricing when the weather is at its best; visiting either in shoulder or off-season lowers hotel rates by 30–50%.
Q05Which is better for a beach trip in December?
Which is better for a beach trip in December?
Phuket is the stronger pick for beach days in December — warmer daytime highs, drier weather, and more useful sun per day.