Phuket in December: Weather, Christmas Crowds and Tours

December is when Phuket's high season gets fully under way. The dry season has usually settled in, the sea on the west coast is calm on most days, and every tour we sell runs on a normal schedule. It is also the busiest and most expensive time of the year around Christmas and New Year, so planning ahead matters more than in any other month.

This guide covers December weather, how busy the holidays get, which tours to book and how early, and a sample week that works with the crowds.

What the Weather Is Like in December

Phuket has two broad seasons: the dry season, roughly November to April, and the southwest monsoon, roughly May to October. By December the dry season is usually well established.

• Temperature: highs usually around 31 to 32°C, nights around 23 to 25°C.
• Rain: usually little. Early December can still bring some showers in years when the monsoon ends late, but by the second half of the month dry, sunny days are the norm.
• Sea: calm on most days, with good conditions for the open-water trips to Phi Phi and Racha. A windy spell can still make a crossing bumpy. The water is warm all year, usually around 28 to 30°C.

West coast beaches such as Patong, Kata and Karon are usually calm and good for swimming. Still swim where lifeguards are present, between the flags, and never when red flags are up. If you arrive in early December, our Phuket in November guide explains how the season changes over.

Crowds and Prices in December

The first half of December is busy but usually manageable. From around 20 December to the first days of January comes the busiest stretch of the whole year, when many visitors arrive for the Christmas and New Year holidays at the same time.

• Hotels: rates are at their highest, and many hotels set minimum stays over Christmas and New Year. Book as early as you can.
• Tours: they run every day, but popular dates fill up. For the holiday weeks, book the tours that matter most a week or more ahead, and private charters earlier still.
• Restaurants: Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve dinners at hotels and popular restaurants often need a reservation.

Our Christmas and New Year booking tips go into more detail.

Events in December

• 5 December: a public holiday marking the birthday of the late King Bhumibol, also Thailand's National Day and Father's Day.
• 10 December: Constitution Day, a public holiday.
• Christmas: not a public holiday in Thailand, but many hotels and restaurants hold Christmas dinners and events.
• 26 December: the anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Memorial ceremonies are held at several places along the Andaman coast.
• New Year's Eve: fireworks and parties on Patong Beach and many other beaches and hotels. 31 December and 1 January are public holidays.

Which Tours Suit December

All our tours run in December, and the calm sea makes it a good month for every one of them. Your main challenge is the crowds, not the weather.

Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island

December is a good month for Phi Phi, with calm crossings and clear water. The Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island tour (3,100 THB per adult, 2,200 THB per child aged 4 to 11) includes the national park fee, a halal buffet lunch, snorkel gear and a paddle board. Maya Bay is usually open; you walk in from Loh Sama Bay, and swimming there is not allowed. Expect company at the famous stops over the holidays. Our Phi Phi Islands guide helps you know what to expect.

Private speedboat charters

Peak season is when a private boat makes the most difference. A private speedboat charter gives you the whole boat with captain and crew, hotel pickup and up to 6 hours on the water, so you can reach the famous stops before or after the main tour boats. The Phi Phi charter costs 29,000 THB per boat, which can work out close to the shared tour price per person for a larger group. National park fees and lunch are not included. Book early for Christmas and New Year dates.

James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay

Sunny skies over the limestone towers make December a lovely time for Phang Nga Bay. The James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay tour (3,500 THB per adult, 2,200 THB per child aged 3 to 11) includes a sea canoe at Hong Island or Talu Island depending on the tide, and lunch at Koh Panyee. The national park fee is paid on the day.

Raya and Coral Island

Calm seas make December a good month for snorkeling at Racha, and the short boat rides suit families. The Raya and Coral Island tour costs 2,400 THB per adult and 1,700 THB per child aged 4 to 11.

Jet ski, rafting and the Similans

The Jet Ski 7 Islands tour (7,500 THB per jet ski for 1 or 2 riders) runs well on the calm east coast. White water rafting in the Phang Nga jungle is a fun change from boat days, and the river usually still has water after the rainy season. The Similan Islands national park is usually open from around 15 October to around 15 May; we do not sell a Similan tour.

How to Plan a December Week

• Book early for 20 December to early January. Hotels first, then your most important tours.
• Do your must-do trip before the holiday rush if your stay starts in mid-December.
• Do not book a 07:30 pickup on 1 January if you plan to stay up for New Year's Eve.
• Space out the long days. Phi Phi is about 10 hours door to door and James Bond Island about 9.
• Know the terms. Most tours have free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and some have their own operator terms on the tour page. If we cancel for unsafe weather, you get a full refund or a new date at no extra cost. See our booking terms.

Sample 5 day plan over Christmas

1. 23 December: arrive and settle in.
2. 24 December: Raya and Coral Island, back in time for Christmas Eve dinner.
3. 25 December: a slow beach day.
4. 26 December: Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island, or a private charter for your group.
5. 27 December: James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay.

See every tour available for your dates on our December tours page. If your trip continues into the new year, read Phuket in January.

What to Pack for December

• Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
• Swimwear, a rash guard for snorkeling and a quick-dry towel.
• A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch for boat days.
• A smart casual outfit for Christmas or New Year's Eve dinners.
• Light clothes covering shoulders and knees for temples and the Koh Panyee village.
• Seasickness tablets if you are prone to it.

Frequently asked questions

Is December a good time to visit Phuket?

For weather, yes: it is usually dry and calm, and all tours run. The trade-off is peak prices and crowds, especially from around 20 December to early January.

Does it rain in Phuket in December?

Not much. Early December can still bring a few showers in some years, but the second half is usually dry and sunny.

How far ahead should I book tours for Christmas and New Year?

A week or more ahead for the tours that matter most, and earlier for private charters. Browse all tours to check availability.

Is Maya Bay open in December?

Usually yes. The yearly closure normally falls around August and September. Swimming in the bay is not allowed; you walk in from Loh Sama Bay.