What January feels like in Phuket
January is part of Phuket's dry season, when rain totals drop well below the wet months. Expect proper heat in the afternoon — slow down between noon and four. Nights bring little relief: even the coolest hour of the night stays very warm. Thick, humid air means clothes cling and the heat feels stronger than the number.
Rain in Phuket in January
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. Wet days average about 6.1 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 9.2 mm per rainy day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in January
In mid-January, sunrise is at about 6:44 am and sunset at about 6:26 pm (local time) — 11 h 43 min of daylight. Day length barely changes from mid-December (2 min longer). Close to the equator, sunrise and sunset times move very little through the year. The sun is out for roughly 89% of those daylight hours, so skies are mostly clear.
How January compares to the rest of the year
January is the 6th warmest month of the year in Phuket. Compared with December, afternoons are 0.3°C (0.5°F) warmer, with 47 mm less rain. Temperatures keep climbing into February. By February, typical highs are 30.3°C (86.5°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
Tips for visiting Phuket in January
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Sun Protection
Protect yourself from strong sun: hat, SPF and plenty of water.
Quick questions
How warm is Phuket in January?
It feels hot: typical highs are 29.1°C (84.4°F), with lows near 25°C (77°F).
Does it rain a lot in Phuket in January?
Quite a lot — 61 mm spread over about 10 days.
What should I wear in Phuket in January?
Pack rain protection and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is January or February better for visiting Phuket?
February, narrowly: it ranks #1 of 12 among Phuket's months, against #2 for the other. February is warmer and has fewer rainy days.