What December feels like in Phuket
December sits between Phuket's dry and wet seasons. Afternoons are hot, so sightseeing works best in the morning or evening. Even after dark it stays hot and sultry. Thick, humid air means clothes cling and the heat feels stronger than the number.
Rain in Phuket in December
Dry days are the exception, with rain on about every other day. Each rainy day adds about 7.7 mm (0.3 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. The yearly figure is similar, around 9.2 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 6:31 am and sunset at about 6:12 pm (local time) — 11 h 40 min of daylight. Day length barely changes from mid-November (6 min shorter). Close to the equator, sunrise and sunset times move very little through the year. Measured sunshine covers about 83% of the daylight — skies are mostly clear.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 5th coolest month of the year in Phuket. Compared with November, afternoons are 0.3°C (0.5°F) warmer, with 98 mm less rain. Temperatures barely move from one month to the next here. By January, typical highs are 29.1°C (84.4°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
Tips for visiting Phuket in December
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sun Protection
Protect yourself from strong sun: hat, SPF and plenty of water.
Quick questions
How warm is Phuket in December?
Afternoons average 28.8°C (83.8°F) and nights about 25.1°C (77.2°F) — hot by most people's standards. It is the 5th coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Phuket in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about every other day and totals about 108 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Phuket in December?
The numbers point to rain protection and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting Phuket?
January, narrowly: it ranks #2 of 12 among Phuket's months, against #4 for the other. January has fewer rainy days.