Phuket in December: Weather, Events and Prices

Phuket in December brings the island's driest, calmest weather of the year so far, with average highs of about 32°C, under half of November's rainfall and boat trips running almost every day to Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay and the Similan Islands. The catch is demand: December is the start of peak season, so rooms, boats and airport transfers fill quickly, especially from about December 20 to early January.

This guide covers what the weather and sea are really like, the big events on the 2026 calendar, what to expect on prices and how to plan a December trip without paying peak rates for the wrong week.

What is the weather like in Phuket in December?

December marks the switch from the southwest monsoon to the drier northeast monsoon. Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) climate normals for 1991 to 2020 at the Phuket Town station show the change clearly:

Month	Average rainfall (Phuket Town)
November	178.2 mm
December	82.0 mm
January	49.9 mm
February	24.0 mm

In December the station averages highs of 32.1°C and lows of 25.0°C, with rain recorded on about ten days and thunderstorms on fewer than two, down from almost five in November.

A "rainy day" in TMD tables only means at least 0.1 mm of rain, so ten rainy days usually means a handful of short showers rather than lost beach days. Early December can still catch the tail of the wet season, which our Phuket weather in November guide explains. For the official short-range forecast before you travel, check the Thai Meteorological Department.

Is the sea safe for swimming and boat trips?

Mostly yes. With the wind coming from the northeast, the west coast beaches such as Patong, Karon, Kata and Nai Harn are usually calm, and red warning flags become far less common than in the monsoon months. Lifeguards still put out flags on rough days, so always follow them.

December is also prime time for day trips. The Similan Islands National Park opens every year from mid-October, and our Similan Islands from Phuket guide covers boats, prices and park fees. Phi Phi boats run daily; see the Phuket to Phi Phi ferry guide for piers and timetables. Divers get some of the best visibility of the season, as our diving in Phuket guide explains.

What events are on in Phuket in December 2026?

Phuket King's Cup Regatta, December 5 to 12: the 38th edition is based at Beyond Kata Resort on Kata Beach, with racing from December 7 and the awards on December 12, according to the official Notice of Race. Our Phuket King's Cup Regatta guide explains where to watch.
EDC Thailand, December 18 to 20: the electronic music festival returns to Rhythm Park in Laguna, open 15:00 to midnight each day for guests aged 20 and over with photo ID. Organisers list three-day general admission from 10,490 baht, and a pre-party at a Bang Tao beach club on December 17.
Christmas, December 24 and 25: Christmas is not a Thai public holiday, so shops, markets and tours run as normal, while big resorts host Christmas Eve dinners and Christmas Day brunches.
New Year's Eve, December 31: Patong Beach traditionally hosts a free countdown with live music and fireworks at midnight. The 2026 programme had not been published by early November, so confirm dates closer to the time.

National holidays also affect traffic and crowds. December 5 (Father's Day and National Day) falls on a Saturday this year, with the substitute bank holiday on Monday, December 7, and Constitution Day on Thursday, December 10.

How expensive is Phuket in December?

Prices climb through the month. The first two weeks are high season but still workable, while the period from around December 20 to the first days of January is the most expensive of the year. Travel guides, some citing Thai Hotels Association figures, put festive rates roughly 30 to 50 percent above the rest of the high season, and many resorts add rules for those nights:

Minimum stays of three to five nights around Christmas and New Year.
Compulsory gala dinner supplements on December 31, sometimes also on December 24.
"++" restaurant prices, meaning a service charge and VAT are added to the menu price.
Higher prices and earlier sell-outs for boat trips between Christmas and New Year.

If your dates are flexible, the first half of December gives almost the same weather at noticeably lower prices.

Where should you stay in Phuket in December?

It depends on the trip you want. Patong is the centre of nightlife and the New Year countdown. Kata and Karon are calmer and suit families, and Kata is also the base for regatta week; see our guide to things to do in Kata Beach. Bang Tao and Laguna put you close to EDC Thailand and the island's best-known beach clubs, while Nai Harn, Nai Thon and Mai Khao are quieter options if you want to escape the crowds.

Practical tips for a December trip

Book early: rooms, New Year galas and transfers for January 1 and 2 sell out first. Pre-book your ride using our Phuket airport transfer guide.
Check entry rules: Thailand's visa-exempt stay rules changed in 2026; read our Thailand visa exemption update before booking a long stay.
Allow for traffic: holiday weekends and event days slow down the main roads between the airport, Patong and the south.
Protect yourself from the sun: drier air and clear skies mean a stronger UV index than many visitors expect.

For a wider month-by-month comparison, see our best time to visit Phuket guide.