Phuket in December

In December, Phuket averages 32°C (90°F) during the day and 23°C (73°F) at night, with around 6 days of rain (55 mm total).

Peak season

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

December in Phuket is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).

32°C
Avg high
23°C
Avg low
6
Rain days
55 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Phuket

7th
warmest month of the 12
10th
wettest month of the 12
2%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
11 h 40 min
daylight on the 15th

December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Phuket (7th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. December runs roughly the same as November (32°C) and stays flat into January.

December sunrise & sunset in Phuket

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:31 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:11 PM
Day length
11 h 40 min

Times shown for Phuket local time (Asia/Bangkok), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Phuket — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Phuket's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:31 AM – 6:11 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:11 AM – 7:11 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:31 PM – 6:31 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:31 PM – 7:11 PM

📅 When to book — Phuket in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Peak season) and Phuket's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-5 months
Flight prices are near their annual peak. Watch fare-alert tools, book directly when you see a fare under the typical range for this city.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
3-5 months
Reasonable selection still available at 3-4 months out, but central locations vanish first.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Phuket

Peak season

Phuket is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge beach-season conditions

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Phuket

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
10.6
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●○
High
Peak mosquito activity. DEET 30%+, long sleeves at dawn/dusk, sleep under nets if rural. Check current dengue/malaria advisories for the destination.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Sea temperature in Phuket — December

29.5°C (85°F)
bath-warm
tropical and comfortable for hours

Across the year Phuket's sea swings from 29.1°C (January) to 31.8°C (May) — December sits at 29.5°C.

Phuket in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 32°C / 90°F 23°C / 73°F 20 mm 3
February 33°C / 91°F 24°C / 75°F 30 mm 3
March 33°C / 91°F 25°C / 77°F 55 mm 6
April 33°C / 91°F 25°C / 77°F 155 mm 11
May 32°C / 90°F 25°C / 77°F 295 mm 19
June 31°C / 88°F 25°C / 77°F 250 mm 19
July 31°C / 88°F 25°C / 77°F 275 mm 21
August 31°C / 88°F 25°C / 77°F 285 mm 19
September 31°C / 88°F 25°C / 77°F 375 mm 22
October 31°C / 88°F 24°C / 75°F 290 mm 20
November 32°C / 90°F 24°C / 75°F 175 mm 13
December 32°C / 90°F 23°C / 73°F 55 mm 6

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Phuket in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Phuket in December?

In December, Phuket averages a high of 32°C (90°F) and a low of 23°C (73°F) — generally hot.

Does it rain a lot in Phuket in December?

December sees occasional rain in Phuket, with about 6 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Phuket?

December is hot. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Phuket in December?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full December packing list for Phuket for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Phuket on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.