December in Phuket at a glance
- Weather: sunshine most days, 24 to 31 °C depending on the source, sea around 28 °C. The sun is strong: bring sunscreen and a hat.
- Sea: the west coast (Patong, Kata) is good for swimming, with red flags far rarer than in the monsoon. Still keep an eye on them.
- Crowds: early December is lively but manageable; visitor numbers and prices climb from mid-December, peaking around Christmas and New Year.
- Prices: a guide consulted in October 2026 estimates high-season hotels at 30 to 50% above low season; the best beachfront hotels fill up weeks ahead.
Early or late December?
- 1 to 15 December: the best compromise. Good weather, calm sea, quieter beaches, rates still below holiday levels. If your dates are flexible, this is our pick.
- 16 to 31 December: the most expensive and busiest. Book your hotel and tours well ahead (the sources recommend one to three months for Christmas and New Year) and allow for patience on the roads and in restaurants. The holiday details are in our guide to Christmas and New Year in Phuket.
What to do in Phuket in December
The good weather allows what is uncertain in the monsoon: boat trips.
The Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay
This is the season for island tours. To see them by speedboat, the Sea Angel, Phi Phi, Maya and Khai tour is rated 4.4 (2,153 reviews in October 2026); the park entry fee is optional, so check it before comparing prices. To choose between trips, read Phi Phi from Phuket: which tour to choose. In December, all boats visit Maya at the same times: the earlier the departure, the fewer people.
Phang Nga Bay
The longtail day trip with sea kayaking (4.8 from 2,512 reviews in October 2026) is a quieter format than a speedboat, with a kayak outing into the caves. Ask whether the park entry fee is included. See also Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island.
The Similan Islands
The Similan Islands reopen around mid-October, so December is in the middle of the season. See which Similan tour to choose.
Where to stay
Patong is lively until late at night; Kata and Karon are calmer. See Patong: area guide and where to stay in Phuket.
Getting ready
- Book early: the hotel first, then tours for peak days.
- Budget: expect high-season rates; see the Phuket budget.
- The unexpected: a rainy day in December is rare; if it happens, see what to do when it rains.
- Compare months: the best time to visit Phuket and Phuket in January.
Prices and ratings were taken from GetYourGuide in October 2026: they change with the date, so confirm them on the page. This page contains partner links: if you book, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
FAQ
Is December a good time to go to Phuket?
Yes: it is the dry season, with a generally calm sea. The price to pay is high season, especially from mid-December.
What is the weather like in Phuket in December?
About 24 to 31 °C, plenty of sunshine and rare, brief showers, with a sea of about 28 °C according to the records consulted.
When do prices go up in December?
From mid-December, peaking around Christmas and New Year.
Can you take boat tours in December?
Yes, it is the right season for Phi Phi, Phang Nga and the Similan Islands. The sea can still cancel a trip on a windy day: confirm with the operator.
