Phuket in January

In January, Phuket averages 32°C (90°F) during the day and 23°C (73°F) at night, with only about 3 rainy days.

High season

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Skies are generally dry and clear.

January 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
3
Rain days
20 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Phuket

4th
warmest month of the 12
11th
wettest month of the 12
1%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
11 h 43 min
daylight on the 15th

January is in the middle of the year for warmth in Phuket (4th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. January runs roughly the same as December (32°C) and warms a further 1°C into February (33°C).

January sunrise & sunset in Phuket

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:44 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:26 PM
Day length
11 h 43 min

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

Photography light in Phuket — January

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:44 AM – 6:24 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:24 AM – 7:24 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:46 PM – 6:46 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:46 PM – 7:26 PM

📅 When to book — Phuket in January

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 January's tier (High season) and Phuket's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.
⚠ 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 — January in Phuket

High season

This is a busy month in Phuket — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather beach-season conditions

Sun & mosquito risk — January in Phuket

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
10.9
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 — January

29.1°C (84°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) — January sits at 29.1°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 January weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Phuket in January?

In January, 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 January?

January is generally dry in Phuket, with about 3 rainy days on average.

Is January a good time to visit Phuket?

January is hot and mostly dry. 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 January?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full January 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.