Visiting Phuket in December
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 16 rainy days across the month, on average.
Across Thailand's Andaman Coast, December in Phuket brings warmth that lingers well past sunset, and the streets adjust their rhythm to match. Averages sit around 29°C (84.2°F) by day and 24.6°C (76.3°F) after dark, with rainfall near 133 mm across roughly 16.4 rainy days — a persistent presence that reshapes the pavements. Daylight runs about 9.5 hours per day, a good working length of light, and the season stamps its signature on details like the karst columns of Phang Nga Bay.
On the ground, this reshapes daily pace. Mornings around Old Phuket Town's shophouses start early — locals move before the heat peaks, and the middle of the day belongs to shaded terraces, cool interiors, and slow lunches. By late afternoon Kata and Karon coves refills as temperatures ease, and dinners run late into the warm night.
Reading across 11 complete years (2015–2025), December in Phuket has trended warmer in recent seasons, with the last few years pushing daytime highs and rainfall patterns modestly away from the older normals. The 2026 signal so far tracks the recent shape rather than the long-run midpoint — meaning what you see above is weighted to how this month has actually been running, not a smoothed 30-year picture that masks the shift.
For travellers planning around 2026, this profile is the honest baseline. Match the packing list to the numbers — not to the month name — and you avoid the classic mismatch of arriving with the wrong shell, the wrong shoes, or the wrong daylight assumptions. The rest of this page breaks down what to wear, what to do, and how the season tends to run for Phuket visitors in 2026.
Phuket Old Town is Sino-Portuguese architecture and Sunday walking street on Thalang Road; the beaches are the tourist theater. Patong is stag-party chaos, Kata is family, Kamala is quieter local, and Rawai in the south is where dive expats live. Best Massaman curry at Raya restaurant in Old Town since 1935; skip beach restaurants entirely and eat where songthaew drivers park. Long-tail boat to Ko Yao Noi is the day trip locals do.
What to pack for Phuket in December
With daytime highs near 29°C, packing leans warm-weather but with a nod to cooler evenings and interior AC. Waterproofing matters this month — expect meaningful rain and plan around it.
- light cotton
- shorts
- swimwear
- sandals
- sunhat
What to pack for Phuket in December
- →Quick-dry travel shirtAmazon · shop this
- →UPF sun hatAmazon · shop this
- →Packable rain jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Waterproof dry bagAmazon · shop this
- →Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50Amazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Phuket
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated December trip to Phuket
Peak season prices — book early or shift by 2–3 weeks to save. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to Phuket?
Flights to Phuket in December can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Best-fit activities include island-hopping trips, beach days, temple visits, and Thai-cooking classes — a mix suited to the month's daylight and weather pattern.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Phuket. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Phuket
While December has its own character in Phuket, the data-backed best months to visit Phuket are January. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for PhuketOther places with a similar climate right now
Phuket in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good month for Phuket?
Is December a good month for Phuket?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In December, Phuket averages a high of 29°C (84°F) and a low of 25°C (76°F), with 133mm of rainfall across roughly 16 rainy days. Late November-early December kicks off dry season with clear water at Similan Islands opening November 15 and Loi Krathong lanterns floating from Patong beach.
Q02How warm does Phuket get in December?
How warm does Phuket get in December?
The average high temperature in Phuket during December is 29°C (84°F), with an average low of 25°C (76°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). There is no cold; December 24C nights feel chilly to locals who wear jackets, and Similan diving hits peak visibility of 40 meters.
Q03Does it rain a lot in Phuket in December?
Does it rain a lot in Phuket in December?
Phuket averages approximately 16 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 133mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days. May-October southwest monsoon closes Similan and Surin islands officially; the sea turns dangerous at Kata and Karon with red flag riptides drowning tourists yearly.
Q04What clothes should I bring to Phuket in December?
What clothes should I bring to Phuket in December?
For Phuket in December, pack light, breathable clothing (cotton or linen), a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, sunscreen and sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. Reef shoes and a dry bag: long-tail boats spray you constantly and the sea urchins at low tide Rawai cover the rocks.
Q05Are there many tourists in Phuket in December?
Are there many tourists in Phuket in December?
Tourist crowds in Phuket during December are typically moderate — winter is high season for tropical destinations. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. Phuket Old Town is Sino-Portuguese architecture and Sunday walking street on Thalang Road; the beaches are the tourist theater. Patong is stag-party chaos, Kata is family, Kamala is quieter local, and Rawai in the south is where dive expats live. Best Massaman curry at Raya restaurant in Old Town since 1935; skip beach restaurants entirely and eat where songthaew drivers park. Long-tail boat to Ko Yao Noi is the day trip locals do.