Weather in Phuket in December

How December compares

December is the 9th warmest month of the year in Phuket and ranks 17th of 134 destinations we compare for December - see where else is hot in December. Within Thailand it is 4th of 6 (Thailand in December). Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Phuket is 20.5°C warmer by day and 22.6°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Phuket peaks at 28.2°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 29.3°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and 1 in 53 pass 30°C. Nights average 25.3°C; one night in ten drops to 24.1°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest December day here reached 30.4°C (2015-12-28) and the coldest night 21.7°C (1999-12-26).

Rain in December

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 12 days with 1 mm or more, 87 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 2016 with 235 mm, the driest 2004 with 11 mm. Humidity averages 79%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 28.6°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 28.1°C to 29.4°C. For the warmest sea here, come in April (30.2°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 3.4 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.5 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:32 and sets about 18:12 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 70%.

Is December a good time to visit Phuket?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Phuket on our scoring are February, January, March; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Warm evenings, with humidity to allow for

Phuket feels hot in December without regularly reaching extreme daytime temperatures: only 2% of days reach 30°C. Humidity averages 79%, though, so walking around can feel more tiring than the temperature suggests. Loose, breathable clothing is the sensible choice, with shade breaks around midday rather than packing the day with activity. Evenings offer little cooling, so you can generally leave heavy layers out of your holiday wardrobe. This suits travellers who enjoy warmth after dark, but it is less appealing if you need cool nights to sleep comfortably. Air-conditioned accommodation is a practical consideration rather than something to overlook when booking.

Warm sea, but sunshine is not guaranteed

The sea averages 29°C, making December a comfortable choice for swimming rather than a bracing dip. That warmth does not mean uninterrupted beach weather: sunshine averages about 3.4 hours within 11.5 hours of daylight. Expect to make use of bright spells rather than assume the whole day will be sunny. Rain is also a meaningful part of the month, so keep outdoor plans flexible and carry a light waterproof that will not feel too heavy in the heat. The figures do not tell you when rain will fall or how long it will last. December therefore suits a relaxed approach to beach time better than a schedule that depends on clear skies.