What to Do in Phuket in December and What to Expect?
December in Phuket is the first month of the much-awaited high season, and the weather is usually perfect. The weather in Phuket is typically beautiful, with a magnificent blue sky peppered with tiny white clouds and comfortable temperatures. Anything below 25°C is considered ‘cold’ by locals and long-term residents. Trees and vegetation are bright green after benefitting from the monsoon rains, and waterfalls are replenished. December (and January) is the perfect month to enjoy the island’s beauty and take superb photos. Read more about the high season in Phuket.
Phuket Weather in December
| 🌡️ Average day temperature | 31.7°C |
| 🌡️ Average night temperature | 24.4°C |
| ☀️ Average sunny days | 23 days |
| 🌧️ Average rainy days | 8 days |
| 🌧️ Average rainfall | 72 mm |
| 💧 Average humidity | 75% |
| 🏖️ Water temperature | 28°C |
| 🌊 Sea condition | Calm, clear, good for swimming |
| ☀️ Sunshine hours | 7.5 hours/day |
| 🔆 UV Index | 10 (Very High) |
Phuket Averages in December
Rain Chart for Phuket in December
Sea Condition in December
The high season returns with calm, clear waters. Ideal conditions for swimming, snorkelling and other water activities. All beaches are safe for swimming, and the sea is at its most photogenic with clear blue water and good visibility for diving and snorkelling.
Prices in December
Hotel rates switch to high season pricing, and accommodation can be expensive, especially during the Christmas and New Year period. Book well in advance for the best selection and rates. Tuk-tuks and night market vendors are less willing to negotiate. Food and shop prices remain relatively stable year-round.
What to Do in Phuket in December
December is the perfect month to do all the activities and tours you dreamed of. The beaches are superb, the sea is calm, and the south of Thailand is all yours to explore.
Explore Nearby Islands
The sea in December is calm and beautiful. This is your chance to explore the many islands nearby, from the popular Phi Phi or Similan Islands to lesser-known gems such as Rang Yai and Maiton Island. Visibility for snorkelling and diving is excellent.
Beach Time
All of Phuket’s beaches are at their best in December. The sea is calm with no red flags, the sand is clean, and the sky is blue. Popular beaches like Patong, Kata and Karon are busy but well-serviced with sun loungers and restaurants. For quieter options, head to Nai Harn, Surin or the northern beaches.
Events and Festivals
Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025-2026
Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025 is a national contemporary art biennial set across Phuket, featuring Thai and international artists under the theme “Eternal [Kalpa],” which explores long-timescale relations between humans and nature and encourages sustainable cultural tourism. The edition runs from November 2025 to April 2026, with exhibitions across multiple districts and outdoor/indoor venues on the island.
Christmas in Phuket
Christmas in Phuket is festive and lively. Hotels host special evening events with cocktails and buffet dinners, often served by the pool. Many include live performances, music and entertainment. The night usually ends with fireworks lighting up the sky. It’s a cheerful way to celebrate the holiday season in a tropical setting.
New Year’s Eve in Phuket
The end of December is an opportunity to celebrate Christmas and New Year. Christmas is more toned down and often celebrated around a special dinner, but New Year’s Eve is a chance to join one of the many parties Phuket is famous for! All the beach clubs, rooftop bars and nightclubs on Bangla Walking Street are ready to welcome you until morning.
If you prefer to keep it low profile, hotels always set up a New Year’s dinner and party. Note that New Year’s dinner is sometimes compulsory in some big hotels. Check before you book, as it can be expensive.
– Click here to see all Events in Phuket –
Time-lapse of Each Day of December 2024
What to Pack for December
Pack light, breathable clothing. T-shirts, shorts, skirts and sandals are all you need. The temperature is comfortable, and rain is unlikely but not impossible. A light cardigan can be useful for air-conditioned restaurants or cooler evenings. High-SPF sunscreen is essential. If you plan to attend New Year’s parties, pack something smart casual. Read more in my full packing guide for Phuket.
Insider Tips
December is peak season, and prices reflect it. Hotel rates can be two to three times higher than low season, especially during the Christmas and New Year period. Book accommodation well in advance for the best selection and rates.
Traffic gets noticeably busier, especially around Patong and the southern beaches. The roads between Patong and Kata/Karon can be slow in the evenings. Allow extra time if you have dinner reservations or airport transfers.
The most popular restaurants fill up quickly. Make reservations for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve dinners. Many hotels require guests to book their gala dinners, which can be expensive but are often included in the package.
December weather is generally excellent, but occasional rain can still occur, especially in the first week. Don’t panic if you see clouds. They usually clear quickly.
This is the best month for island hopping. The Similan Islands are open, the sea is calm, and visibility is excellent. Book popular tours a few days in advance as they fill up during peak season.
The best way to check real conditions is my daily weather timelapses. Each video shows a full day compressed into one minute. Nothing helps more than seeing what a typical December day actually looked like last year.
December Weather Through the Years
December is supposed to be perfect, and most years it delivers. Blue skies, calm seas, comfortable temperatures. The classic tropical paradise experience.
But not every December is the same. Climate patterns have become less predictable. Some recent Decembers have seen more rain than expected, especially in the first half of the month. The transition from monsoon to high season doesn’t always follow the calendar precisely.
What remains consistent is the transformation of the island. December is when Phuket comes alive. Hotels fill up, restaurants extend their hours, and the beaches buzz with activity. The energy is completely different from low season.
The Christmas and New Year period is the busiest time of year. Prices peak, traffic increases, and popular spots get crowded. But the atmosphere is festive and fun. If you enjoy the buzz of a tropical holiday destination at its peak, December delivers.
For photography, December is hard to beat. The light is beautiful, the sky is blue, and the vegetation is lush green from the monsoon rains. The combination creates stunning photos that capture Phuket at its best.
Phuket Weather Each Month of the Year
More About the Weather in Phuket
