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Phuket in December 2025

December in Phuket kicks off the high season with postcard-perfect weather, cool breezes, and festive buzz. The skies are clear, seas calm, and nightlife in full swing. Whether you’re here for the King’s Cup Regatta or a beachy New Year’s Eve, December delivers. Book early—flights, ferries, and hotels fill up fast.

Phuket in December 2025 at a glance

🌧️Weather

Avg highs of 30.4°C / 87°F; blue skies and low rainfall.

☀️Daylight

~11.7 hours of sun; sunrise around 6:30am, sunset by 6:15pm.

🎉Key events

King's Cup Regatta, Constitution Day, New Year's Eve.

👥Crowds

High season—expect full hotels and packed beaches.

🧳What to pack

Swimsuits, linen shirts, reef-safe sunscreen, party wear.

🍽️Seasonal treats

Fresh mangoes, grilled seafood, coconut ice cream.

Top things to do in Phuket in December

Catch the King’s Cup Regatta finale

  • When: Nov 30–Dec 6
  • Tags: Seasonal, Outdoors, Tour

Watch elite yachts compete in Phuket’s signature sailing event. Base yourself near Kata Beach for easy access to viewing spots. Sunset over the sails? Stunning.

Island-hop to Phi Phi or Similans

  • When: All month
  • Tags: Outdoors, Tour, Adventure

The seas are calm, visibility's excellent—it's peak time for island tours. Speedboats head to Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, and Similan reefs daily.

Sunset at Phromthep Cape

  • When: Clear-sky evenings
  • Tags: Outdoors, Explorer

December's crisp air makes this southern viewpoint dazzling at dusk. Arrive by 5:30pm for the golden hour. It’s breezy, so bring a light layer.

Explore Phuket Old Town by foot

  • When: Early mornings or late afternoons
  • Tags: Cultural experience, Explorer

Wander colorful streets with Sino-Portuguese shophouses, cafes, and murals. Avoid midday heat. Sundays are great for Walking Street night market.

Beach-hop west coast coves

  • When: Any dry day
  • Tags: Outdoors, Family-friendly

From lively Patong to mellow Kata Noi, Phuket’s beach variety shines in December. Water is clear and swim-friendly—no red-flag days.

Go night shopping at Chillva Market

  • When: Wed–Sat evenings
  • Tags: Family-friendly, Cultural experience

Live music, street snacks, and fashion stalls in shipping containers. It’s a youthful scene without the Patong frenzy. Arrive after 6pm.

Visit the Big Buddha & Wat Chalong

  • When: Mornings before 10am
  • Tags: Cultural experience, Tour

Pair these landmarks for spiritual calm and panoramic views. December mornings are clear and cooler—ideal for light climbs and quiet prayer time.

Take a Thai cooking class

  • When: Rainy or hot afternoons
  • Tags: Cultural experience, Indoors

Join chefs at Blue Elephant or organic farms. You’ll make curry pastes and dessert, often after a market visit. Book ahead—December fills fast.

Offbeat experiences in December

Find solitude at Ao Sane Beach

Tiny and tree-lined, this tucked-away cove near Nai Harn is ideal for a quiet swim. Mornings are clearest. Bring snacks; no shops here.

📍Where: South of Nai Harn Beach

Explore the Amulet Market

Rows of talismans and sacred pendants line this alley in Phuket Town. It’s deeply local and makes a unique souvenir stop.

📍Where: Off Rassada Road

Shrine of the Serene Light

Hidden behind shophouses, this 1891 Taoist shrine glows with candles and calm. Step in from the holiday rush for incense and silence.

📍Where: Phuket Old Town

Visit Baan Teelanka (Upside Down House)

Defy gravity in this whimsical, inverted house—fun photos guaranteed. Great for a drizzly afternoon or a family laugh.

📍Where: Bypass Road, Kathu

Take a batik painting class

Learn this Thai-Malay art in a cozy workshop. You’ll leave with a wearable souvenir. Classes in Phuket Town are casual and festive in December.

📍Where: Old Town studios

Festivals and events in Phuket this December 2025

King's Cup Regatta

  • Dates: Nov 30–Dec 6, 2025
  • Event type: Sporting Event
  • Location: Waters off Kata Beach

Watch Thailand's top sailing competition wrap with award parties and sunset races. Book beachside stays early—many rooms sell out midweek.

H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Birthday

  • Dates: December 5, 2025
  • Event type: National Holiday
  • Location: Island-wide

Expect public tributes, candlelit ceremonies, and patriotic events. Some government offices close, but tourist areas remain open.

Constitution Day

  • Dates: December 10, 2025
  • Event type: National Holiday
  • Location: Island-wide

Marks Thailand's first constitution. Some closures occur, but shops, attractions, and beaches stay lively.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations

  • Dates: December 31, 2025
  • Event type: Public Celebration
  • Location: Patong Beach, resorts, restaurants

Expect beach fireworks, rooftop parties, and street festivals. Book dinners and taxis ahead—it’s Phuket’s biggest night.

Highlights for different traveler types

Couples

  • Watch sunset from Baba Nest’s rooftop with 360° ocean views.
  • Book a private boat to the Similans—sun, snorkels, no crowds.
  • Dine beachside in Kamala or Surin with fresh lobster and candles.

Families with kids

  • Visit Andamanda Water Park for splash zones and lazy rivers.
  • Tour an ethical elephant sanctuary (no riding; lots of interaction).
  • Try the quirky Upside Down House on a rainy day.

Night-owls

  • Start on Bangla Road for clubs, bars, and neon chaos.
  • Catch a cabaret show at Simon Cabaret before the clubs.
  • Wind down at a beach club like Catch or KUDO.

Solo wanderers

  • Join a food tour for eats and new friends.
  • Wander Phuket Old Town’s cafes and temples at your pace.
  • Take a Thai massage workshop—relaxing and social.

Value hunters

  • Stay in guesthouses in Old Town for charm without beach premiums.
  • Eat like a local at Naka Market—dishes from ฤ50.
  • Ride songthaews for ฤ25–50; slow but authentic.

Your perfect 3-day Phuket in December itinerary

  • Breakfast: Start at Gallery Cafe in Old Town for pandan pancakes.
  • Morning: Visit Big Buddha before it gets hot.
  • Midday: Head to Wat Chalong, Phuket’s biggest temple.
  • Lunch: Stop at Raya Restaurant for moo hong (braised pork).
  • Afternoon: Relax at Kata Beach; swim-friendly and clean.
  • Evening: Watch the sunset at Phromthep Cape, then dine seaside.
  • Breakfast: Grab a quick bite at your hotel—tour pickup is early.
  • Morning: Island-hop the Phi Phi circuit or Similans.
  • Midday: Buffet lunch included on most tours.
  • Afternoon: More swimming and snorkeling.
  • Dinner: Return and shower, then seafood at Kan Eang@Pier.
  • Evening: Chill with cocktails at a rooftop bar in Patong.
  • Breakfast: Coffee and roti in Old Town.
  • Morning: Visit Thai Hua Museum or take a batik class.
  • Midday: Shop Thalang Road’s boutiques and vintage shops.
  • Lunch: Snack at Chillva Market stalls.
  • Afternoon: Visit Baan Teelanka or get a Thai massage.
  • Evening: Join New Year’s Eve festivities on Patong Beach.

Best day trips from Phuket in December

Phang Nga Bay

🚤Travel time: ~90 min by boat

Kayak through caves and around James Bond Island. Calm seas in December mean smooth paddling and epic photo ops.

Similan Islands

🚤Travel time: ~1.5 hrs by speedboat

Some of Thailand's clearest waters await. Prime season for diving and snorkeling. Book early; daily permits are limited.

Coral Island (Koh Hae)

🚤Travel time: ~30 min by boat

Close to Phuket but quieter. Good for quick snorkeling or a beach day. Water is calm and clear in December.

Khao Lak

🚗Travel time: ~2 h by car

Relaxed coastal town with beaches and waterfalls. Less crowded than Phuket. Great for a quiet day out.

Go shopping in Phuket in December

  • When: Sundays 5pm-10 pm
  • Where: Thalang Road, Old Town

Colorful, family-friendly market for street food, art, and souvenirs—plus Christmas lights this month.

  • When: Wed–Sat evenings
  • Where: Yaowarat Road

Trendy stalls in shipping containers. December crowds pick up with holiday shoppers.

  • When: Weekends
  • Where: Chao Fa West Road

Huge market with clothes, snacks, and gifts. Peak season, so go early.

  • When: Year-round
  • Where: Outside Phuket Town

Biggest mall with holiday decor, AC comfort, and international brands.

Pro tips for visiting Phuket in December

  1. Book island tours and boat trips at least a week ahead—they sell out fast during the holidays.

  2. Grab beach chairs early; many resorts open their beachfronts to the public, but they fill by 10am.

  3. Carry cash for markets and tuk-tuks; ATMs charge ~ฤ50 withdrawal fee.

  4. Avoid taxis near Bangla Road at night; use Grab or inDrive for fixed fares.

  5. Pack light linens but carry a scarf or long pants for temple visits.

  6. Be cautious with New Year’s Eve traffic—roads into Patong close early.

  7. Many tours include lunch but not snorkel gear rentals—check what's included.

  8. Sunset is early (~6:15pm); plan evening views or beach time accordingly.

  9. Street food is safest when it’s hot and busy—eat where the locals queue.

  10. English is widely spoken in tourist zones, but learning basic Thai greetings goes a long way.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Phuket in December

Is December a good time to visit Phuket?

Yes—it’s high season for good reason: blue skies, clear seas, and lots to do. Expect crowds.

How hot is it in December?

Average highs are around 30°C / 86°F with low humidity—very comfortable.

What should I wear?

Lightweight clothes, swimwear, sunhat, and temple-appropriate coverups (shoulders, knees).

Is everything open in December?

Yes, with extended hours and seasonal events. Some attractions may close for public holidays like December 5 or 10.

Are the beaches crowded?

Yes, especially Patong. Quieter spots include Kata Noi, Kamala, and Ao Yon.

Do I need to pre-book hotels?

Absolutely. December demand is high. Book 2+ months ahead for choice and value.

Is snorkeling good in December?

It’s one of the best months—calm seas and great visibility.

Are taxis reliable in December?

Not always—fares are often inflated. Use ride apps or agree on price before boarding.

Where can I see New Year’s fireworks?

Patong Beach has the biggest displays, but many resorts also host private events.

What language is spoken?

Thai is official, but English is widely used in tourist areas.