Phuket in December: Peak Season Weather, Events & Travel Guide
Seasonal Guide

Phuket in December: Peak Season Weather, Events & Travel Guide

December is peak season in Phuket, and for good reason. The monsoon has fully retreated, the skies are blue, the Andaman Sea is calm and crystal-clear, and temperatures hover at a comfortable 27-31°C — warm enough for the beach but without the oppressive heat of March-May. It is, by most measures, one of the two best months to visit the island (alongside January). But peak season comes with peak-season realities. Hotel prices surge 50-100% above shoulder season rates, and premium properties around Christmas and New Year can charge 200-300% more than their off-peak rates. Popular beaches like Patong, Kata, and Surin are noticeably crowded. Restaurants in tourist zones require reservations for dinner. Day trips to the Phi Phi Islands and Similan Islands should be booked well in advance. December in Phuket also means festive celebrations. While Thailand is predominantly Buddhist, Phuket's tourism industry embraces Christmas and New Year wholeheartedly — resort galas, beachfront countdown parties, spectacular fireworks at Patong and Bang Tao, and special holiday menus at the island's best restaurants. The atmosphere is electric, especially in the final week of the month. If you can afford the premium and don't mind sharing the island with larger crowds, December delivers Phuket at its most beautiful. This guide covers everything you need to plan a perfect December visit.

Weather Overview

Temperature

24-31°C. Daytime highs of 30-31°C, nighttime lows of 24-25°C. This is among the "coolest" and most comfortable months — warm without being oppressive. Water temperature is 28-29°C.

Rainfall

40-60mm average — one of the driest months of the year. Typically 4-6 rainy days in the month, usually brief showers that clear within an hour. Consecutive full-sun days are the norm.

Humidity

65-75%. Lower than monsoon season and very comfortable by tropical standards, especially with the sea breeze along the coast.

Sea

Excellent. The Andaman Sea is calm, clear, and flat. Visibility for snorkeling and diving ranges from 15-30 metres. All beaches fly green flags. The Similan Islands are open and at their best. Ideal conditions for boat trips, island hopping, and all water activities.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Near-perfect weather — dry, sunny, and warm without the extreme heat of March-May
  • Calm, crystal-clear seas with excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving
  • Similan Islands are open and at peak conditions — this is one of the best months for a Similan trip
  • Festive atmosphere with Christmas and New Year celebrations across the island
  • Spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks displays at Patong Beach and Bang Tao
  • All beaches, activities, and attractions are fully operational
  • The most comfortable humidity levels of the year for outdoor exploration
  • World-class sunsets on the west coast in dry, clear-sky conditions

Cons

  • Peak season pricing — hotel rates 50-100% higher than low season, with Christmas/NYE week rates 200-300% higher at premium properties
  • Crowded beaches, especially Patong, Kata, and Surin during the Christmas-New Year period
  • Popular restaurants require dinner reservations, especially between December 20-January 5
  • Day trips to Phi Phi and Similan Islands should be booked at least a week in advance
  • Flights to Phuket are at peak pricing — book 2-3 months ahead for the best fares
  • Traffic congestion increases, particularly around Patong and along the coastal roads
  • Some resorts require minimum stay periods (3-5 nights) over Christmas and New Year
  • European holiday crowds are at their annual maximum in the last two weeks of the month

Events & Festivals

Christmas Celebrations (24-25 December) — Hotels and resorts host Christmas Eve dinners, brunches, and celebrations. Phuket Old Town and Patong have festive decorations. Many restaurants offer special Christmas menus. While not a Thai holiday, the island caters extensively to international visitors.

New Year's Eve Countdown (31 December) — The biggest night of the year on the island. Patong Beach hosts a massive countdown party with fireworks, live music stages, and tens of thousands of revellers. Bang Tao and Surin beach clubs host upscale NYE parties. Resorts hold gala dinners ($100-500+ per person). Fireworks displays are visible from almost anywhere on the west coast.

King's Birthday / National Day (5 December) — Thailand's national holiday honouring the late King Bhumibol. Buildings are decorated with royal portraits and yellow lights. Candlelight ceremonies are held in the evening. Government offices and banks close but tourist businesses operate normally.

Constitution Day (10 December) — National holiday. Government offices close but no impact on tourism activities.

Phuket King's Cup Regatta (early December, dates vary) — Asia's largest sailing regatta, attracting international yachts and sailing crews. Based out of Kata Beach with parties and social events throughout the week. A prestigious event on the Asian sailing calendar.

Countdown festivals at major beach clubs — Café del Mar, Catch Beach Club, XANA Beach Club, and others host special DJ events and countdown parties throughout the final week.

Activities

Similan Islands day trip or liveaboard — December offers peak conditions with 20-30m visibility and calm seas
Phi Phi Islands snorkeling and sightseeing tour — Maya Bay is open (with visitor limits) and conditions are ideal
Phang Nga Bay sea kayaking — paddle through limestone caves and past James Bond Island in perfect weather
Sunset sailing cruise along the Andaman coast — clear December skies produce stunning golden-hour light
Patong Beach New Year's Eve countdown party — one of Southeast Asia's biggest beach celebrations
Phuket Old Town walking tour — explore Sino-Portuguese architecture without monsoon rain
Scuba diving at Racha Yai and Racha Noi islands — excellent visibility and warm water temperatures
Zip-lining at Hanuman World through the tropical forest canopy
Christmas dinner at a beachfront restaurant — Blue Elephant, Baan Rim Pa, and Suay offer special holiday menus
King's Cup Regatta spectating at Kata Beach (early December)
Muay Thai training sessions at Tiger Muay Thai or Sitsongpeenong in comfortable December temperatures
Island hopping to Koh Racha Yai or Coral Island for swimming and snorkeling in calm, clear water

Packing List

Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reef-safe) — the sun is strong even at "cooler" December temperatures
Light, breathable clothing — cotton and linen for daytime, slightly dressier options for Christmas/NYE dinners
Smart-casual evening wear if attending resort gala dinners or upscale beach club events
Swimwear (multiple sets recommended)
Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
Light cardigan or wrap for aggressively air-conditioned restaurants and malls
Reef shoes or water shoes for rocky beach areas and snorkeling
Waterproof phone case for boat trips
Modest clothing for temple visits (covering shoulders and knees) — Wat Chalong and Big Buddha enforce dress codes
Camera with underwater housing or GoPro — December's clear water offers the best underwater photography conditions
Insect repellent — mosquitoes are less common than monsoon season but still present, especially at dusk

Frequently Asked Questions

Hotel rates in December are typically 50-100% higher than monsoon season (May-October). During Christmas week (December 20-27) and New Year's week (December 28 - January 3), rates at premium properties can be 200-300% higher. A hotel room that costs 2,000 THB/night in June might cost 4,000-6,000 THB in early December and 8,000-12,000 THB during Christmas/NYE week. Budget accommodation sees smaller increases (20-40%). Book 2-3 months in advance for the best selection and rates.

Very little. December averages only 40-60mm of rainfall, making it one of the driest months. You can expect 4-6 brief rain events during the month, typically lasting under an hour. Most days are full sunshine. The chance of rain disrupting your plans significantly is low — it is one of the most reliable months for good weather.

The crowds are real but manageable with some planning. Patong Beach, Bangla Road, and the main tourist attractions will be noticeably busy, especially from December 20 onward. However, beaches like Nai Harn, Freedom Beach, Banana Beach, and Nai Yang remain relatively peaceful even in peak season. Visiting popular spots early in the morning helps significantly. The biggest impact is on pricing and restaurant availability rather than unbearable physical crowding.

Book these well ahead: flights (2-3 months), hotels (1-2 months, especially for December 20 - January 5), Similan Islands day trips or liveaboards (2-4 weeks), New Year's Eve restaurant reservations or resort gala dinners (1-2 months), and Phi Phi Islands tours (1-2 weeks). Walk-in availability for popular tours and restaurants is limited during the last two weeks of December.

Patong Beach hosts the biggest public celebration with fireworks, live music stages, and a massive countdown. It is free, chaotic, and unforgettable. For a more upscale experience, beach clubs at Bang Tao (Catch Beach Club, XANA) and Surin host ticketed NYE events with DJs, open bars, and VIP areas ($100-300+ per person). Many 5-star resorts (Trisara, Banyan Tree, JW Marriott) host gala dinners ($200-500+ per person) with fireworks views. For a low-key option, Promthep Cape offers panoramic views of fireworks across the southern coast.

Absolutely. Sea temperatures in December are 28-29°C — bath-warm and extremely comfortable. The Andaman Sea is calm with minimal waves on the west coast. All beaches fly green flags. Visibility is excellent for snorkeling (15-30 metres at the best sites). December is one of the best months of the year for water activities of all kinds.

For the best selection and prices, book flights 2-3 months ahead and accommodation 1-2 months ahead. For Christmas and New Year's week specifically, booking 3-4 months in advance is recommended — popular mid-range and luxury properties sell out entirely. Last-minute deals are extremely rare in December. If you have flexible dates, the first two weeks of December are slightly less expensive and crowded than the Christmas-New Year period.

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