Things to Do in Phuket in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Phuket

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

35mm (1.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak cool season weather with daily highs of 30°C (86°F) and comfortable 24°C (75°F) nights - the most pleasant temperatures all year
Minimal rainfall at just 35mm (1.4 inches) with only 3 rainy days expected, making it ideal for island hopping and outdoor activities
Northeast monsoon brings consistent winds perfect for sailing and keeps humidity bearable at 70% - locals call this 'fan season'
Crystal clear waters with 20-25m (65-82ft) visibility for diving and snorkeling as sediment settles after rainy season ends in November

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular beaches like Patong can feel overcrowded between 10am-4pm
Strong winds (15-20 knots) on the west coast can make some boat trips to outer islands choppy, occasionally canceling tours to Similan Islands
Need to book island tours and restaurant reservations 14+ days ahead as availability fills up quickly during high season

Best Activities in December

Similan Islands Diving and Snorkeling

December marks the official opening of Similan Islands after the monsoon closure. Water visibility reaches peak clarity at 25-30m (82-98ft), and the cooler sea temperatures of 26-28°C (79-82°F) make diving comfortable. The northeast winds create perfect conditions for day trips without the rough seas of other months.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead as tours fill quickly. Liveaboard trips typically cost ฿8,500-15,000 while day trips range ฿2,800-4,500. Look for operators with Nitrox certification and small group sizes (maximum 16 divers). Reference booking widget for current availability.

Phang Nga Bay Sea Kayaking

The calm post-monsoon conditions make December ideal for exploring limestone karsts and hidden lagoons. Morning tides are particularly favorable, with low water at 8-9am revealing cave entrances. The cooler temperatures prevent overheating during 4-6 hour excursions through mangrove tunnels.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost ฿1,800-2,500, full-day tours ฿3,200-4,800. Book morning departures (7am start) to avoid afternoon crowds at popular spots like James Bond Island. Operators with traditional wooden kayaks provide more authentic experiences.

Phuket Town Cultural Walking Tours

December's comfortable morning temperatures of 24-26°C (75-79°F) make exploring Sino-Portuguese architecture pleasant. This is also when local Chinese-Thai families prepare for Chinese New Year (late January/February), so traditional shops stock special ingredients and decorations you won't see other times.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is free with downloadable maps, guided tours cost ฿800-1,500 per person. Start by 8am to capture morning market activity and avoid midday heat. Focus on Thalang Road and Soi Romanee for authentic shophouse architecture.

Sunset Sailing Trips

Northeast monsoon winds of 10-15 knots create perfect sailing conditions without the choppy seas of southwest monsoon season. December sunsets occur at 6:15pm, allowing comfortable afternoon departures. The clear post-monsoon skies produce spectacular sunset colors over the Andaman Sea.

Booking Tip: Catamaran trips cost ฿1,500-2,800 per person, traditional boats ฿900-1,600. Book 7-10 days ahead for popular sunset slots. Choose boats departing from Chalong Pier to avoid Patong crowds. Look for trips including light dinner as restaurants get busy during peak season.

Elephant Sanctuary Visits

Cooler December weather is more comfortable for elephants and visitors during walking tours. Morning visits (8-11am) are particularly pleasant with temperatures around 26-28°C (79-82°F). This is also when elephants are most active before seeking shade during midday heat.

Booking Tip: Ethical sanctuaries charge ฿2,500-4,500 per person for half-day experiences. Book 10-14 days ahead as group sizes are limited to 6-8 people per guide. Avoid any venue offering rides or shows. Transportation from hotels typically included in price.

Thai Cooking Classes with Market Tours

December brings seasonal fruits like rambutan and mangosteen to local markets, plus cool morning temperatures make market tours comfortable. Many ingredients used in traditional Thai dishes are at peak freshness after rainy season harvests.

Booking Tip: Classes with market tours cost ฿1,800-3,200 per person. Morning classes (9am start) offer the best market experience and cooler cooking conditions. Choose classes teaching 5-6 dishes with recipe books included. Small class sizes (8-12 people) provide better instruction.

December Events & Festivals

Early December

Phuket King's Cup Regatta

Asia's premier sailing regatta attracts international yacht crews to Kata Beach. Even non-sailors enjoy the festive atmosphere with beachside parties, live music, and food stalls. The event showcases traditional long-tail boat races alongside modern sailing competitions.

Early December

Loy Krathong Festival

Though the main festival occurs in November, many temples in Phuket hold additional celebrations in early December. Locals float decorated baskets on water while making wishes. Chalong Temple and Saphan Hin Park host the most beautiful ceremonies with traditional music and dance.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts for air-conditioned spaces and sun protection - UV index reaches 8 even in cooler December weather

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ as you'll spend significant time on boats and beaches with intense reflected sunlight

Light rain jacket or umbrella for occasional brief showers, though only 3 rainy days expected in December

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for temple visits and wet boat decks - avoid flip-flops for active excursions

Quick-dry clothing as humidity stays around 70% and sea spray is common during boat trips

Waterproof phone case essential for kayaking and snorkeling activities - December's clear waters are perfect for underwater photos

Light sweater for evening dining as temperatures can drop to 24°C (75°F) with air conditioning

Mosquito repellent containing DEET - mangrove areas and evening outdoor dining still attract insects despite cooler weather

Cash in small bills (฿20, ฿50, ฿100) as December's peak season means vendors less likely to have change for large notes

Sarong or beach cover-up for temple visits - required for covering shoulders and legs at religious sites

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by October as December prices jump 40-60% and beachfront properties sell out first - locals call this period 'farang season'

Visit popular viewpoints like Big Buddha before 9am or after 4pm to avoid tour bus crowds that peak during December's comfortable midday temperatures

December is wedding season for Thai-Chinese families, so weekend restaurant reservations book up quickly - locals prefer Tuesday-Thursday for dining out

The strong northeast winds make west-facing beaches like Kata and Karon perfect, but create rough conditions on the east coast - locals switch to Rawai and Nai Harn beaches

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all islands are open - Similan Islands just reopened in November, but Surin Islands may have limited access due to conservation scheduling

Booking east coast accommodations expecting calm beaches - December's northeast winds make the west coast far superior for swimming and water sports

Underestimating how quickly tours fill up - December is when European visitors escape winter, creating much higher demand than other months