December is the month Phuket looks like its own brochure. The sea is flat and clear, the sky stays blue, and everyone knows it.
Weather#
| December | |
|---|---|
| Day | 29–31°C |
| Night | ~24°C |
| Rain | Very little |
| Sea | Calm, clear, boats daily |
| Sunset | Around 6:15pm |
Two Decembers#
1–19 December: high season, busy but workable, boats and beaches pleasant, hotel prices up 30–50%.
20 December – 5 January: peak. Prices double, minimum stays appear, Phi Phi boats sell out, Patong is wall to wall. Book months ahead or avoid.
Christmas and New Year#
Christmas is a party, not a holiday: decorated malls, resort dinners, everything open. New Year's Eve: fireworks on Patong, Kata and Karon, lantern releases on the sand, beach parties until dawn, and a countdown on Bangla Road for those who want it. Phuket nightlife covers the rest of the month.
Where it stays calm#
Nai Harn, Nai Thon, Mai Khao and the Old Town. Where to stay in Phuket and Phuket beyond Patong.
Plan#
Phuket itinerary, 5 days. Island choice: Phuket vs Koh Samui vs Krabi. The month before: Phuket in November. The capital's version: Bangkok in December.
A local in peak season#
In peak, a Phuket Local Friend is the difference between the full boat and the small one, the booked restaurant and the one with a table. They set their own rates and message you before you meet.
Do December in Phuket with someone who lives there.
Meet a Local FriendFrequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Phuket?
The best weather of the year: dry, calm seas, sunshine. It's also the most expensive and crowded, especially from 20 December to early January. Early December is the sweet spot.What is the weather in Phuket in December?
Daytime 29–31°C, nights around 24°C, very little rain, calm Andaman sea. Boat trips to Phi Phi and Phang Nga run reliably.How expensive is Phuket in December?
First three weeks: high season rates, roughly 30–50% above the shoulder months. From around 20 December to 5 January: peak surcharges, often double, with minimum stays and compulsory gala dinners at some resorts.What is New Year's Eve like in Phuket?
Fireworks over Patong, Kata and Karon beaches, beach parties, lantern releases, and resort galas. Patong is the loudest; Kata and Nai Harn are the relaxed versions. Book dinner in advance.Is Christmas celebrated in Phuket?
As a party and a hotel dinner, yes; Thailand is Buddhist so it isn't a public holiday. Shops and restaurants are open and decorated, and resorts run Christmas Eve dinners.