What's the weather like in Phuket in December
Temperature
December sees the monsoon over and the amount of average rainfall dropping from the highs of the monsoon. The average temperature is a pleasant 27°C with average high/low temperatures of 23°C and 31°C respectively. Temperatures have been cooling down from the highs seen in March and are heading to the coolest month in January where the average low temperature has dropped to 22°C.
Humidity
With the end of the monsoon the average humidity has been dropping from the high of 90% seen in October to a more comfortable 70 to 75%.
Rain
Average rainfall has dropped from 400mm a month in September to a more bearable 60mm falling over just 10 to 12 days. This is compared to the 21 wet days in monsoon season. Even on wet days the rain is all over in a few hours and then the sun will shine and you can get going to the beach and heading outdoors. The amount of rain and the number of wet days will fall again towards the end of the month.
Sunshine
You can expect average sunshine hours in December of 8 hours a day after the rain has gone. This gives you plenty of time to spend outdoors to see Phuket.
Sea Temperature
The average sea temperature is 28°C which is like swimming in a heated pool. The water here is warm all year round and this is just a few degrees down from the ocean's hottest temperature of 30°C in the hot summer season.
Fog
Since September the number of foggy days has been increasing to an average of 5 in December that will head towards 6 days at the end of the month. The average number of fog days has been increasing from the summer low of 1 day a month.
If you're looking for a weather forecast for Phuket, you are advised to visit this page.
Hotels for Phuket in December
Pen Villa
Pen Villa is located at Soi Haad Surin 4 on Surin Beach in a thriving community of local food and culture. This is a small place with just 15 rooms to choose from sleeping 2 to 3 people. All of the rooms look onto the swimming pool and the lush tropical gardens. Rooms are air conditioned for added comfort. The larger superior and family rooms have a small kitchen and all are furnished with rattan furniture, fridges and TVs.
Breakfast and dinner can be had at the restaurant and breakfast is a great combination of fresh fruits, cereals, yogurts and cooked selections. You are able to organise car or motorcycle here at the desk and even Thai cooking classes. On the Surin Beach there are many water sports to enjoy such as swimming, surfing, snorkeling and diving.
Sri Panwa
Located on Cape Panwa is the Sri Panwa with 52 villas all looking out to the Andaman Sea. Each villa is separate from its neighbour and feels like a private home. The Cool Spa is the place for pampering and rejuvenation with traditional Thai treatments and massages that are also available in your villa. All excursions can be tailored to a guests needs such as speed boating, fishing, yachting as well as trips to Phuket Town and night life.
Stay in a pool suite or one of the villas from 1 to 5 bedrooms. Every pool suite has its own private infinity pool and comes with a complimentary tropical fruit basket on arrival and has an iPod with an extensive music selection.
Baba Soul Food
The eateries here serve up a splendid array of food and Baba Soul Food is no exception. Open for dinner from 6pm and using the freshest of ingredients for Thai food, which is meant to be shared with a group of friends or family. This traditional Thai food includes fresh soups, appetisers and tasty mains.
The Pool Club is an indoor and outdoor venue offering a few eating options that includes Thai cooking classes. Grab a drink from the Pool Bar or enjoy a BaBaQ of traditional Thai and western favorites. Cook your own meal at the table with Baba Hotpot when you order your favorite meats and fresh veggies to cook in the simmering stock at your table.
For a special spot to try an exclusive cocktail goto the roof top Baba Nest Bar for a pre or post dinner drink. For nightlife try Baba88, the new disco and nightclub with guest DJs and other live entertainment.
Beaches for December for Phuket
Hua Beach
Hua Beach is a secluded beach with a small shack selling drinks and snacks. This is next to Rayee Beach which is a shingle and shallow beach only good for sunning yourself if you bring your own lounger. Hua Beach is much nicer with sandy foreshore shaded by Casuarinas and coconut palms. There are a lot of fish here and snorkeling is an option if you have your own gear.
Phrom Thep Cape
For some great beaches at the southern end of Phuket go to Phrom Thep Cape in Amphoe Muang district. The rocky cape slopes down to the sea and the beaches run along the coast from Rawai. Sehn Bay is a pretty and small rocky beach northwest of Nai Harn that is the perfect spot to watch the sunset and to have a picnic lunch or dinner.
Yanui Beach
Yanui Beach is along from the Cape that has lovely geological formations and a reef at the front of the beach that is great for snorkeling. Sing Beach is another pretty spot with a small crescent shaped beach backed by a rocky headland. This beach is ideal for swimming and rarely gets busy so is good for the kids.
Koh Bon
Just to the south of Phuket is Koh Bon that has some great beaches on the western shore. All of the beaches are covered in fine white sand with beautiful clear waters for swimming and snorkeling. The beach on the south western corner is the best for snorkeling and the kids will love this spot for the number of fish they will see before they even get in the water. Take some bread so the kids can feed the fish and enjoy a meal at the beach side restaurant that serves authentic Thai and western dishes.
Restaurants and Bars for Phuket in December
Treffpunkt
If you enjoy great German food try Treffpunkt in Rawai Nai Harn, it is open from 10am to midnight. Watch European League matches, Formula 1 racing and more on the large screen TVs. Try the pork fillet or beef tenderloin with a range of tasty sauces and for dessert there is traditional apple Strudel.
Lucky 13 Sandwich
For well made sandwiches Lucky 13 Sandwich is located in Phuket Town and you can sit indoors or outdoors. You can also order online and have them delivered to your hotel room in less than 40 minutes. You can get sandwiches, burgers, salads, coffee, smoothies and drinks here at very affordable prices.
The BBQ pork rib burger and the beef burger are popular and the sandwiches are freshly made. The breakfast sandwich is a must try, especially if you're looking to cure a hangover. However, some prefer to go for the open sandwich which includes brie cheese or shrimp and dill coronation and smoked salmon.
Lady Pie
For the pie lover Lady Pie is a glorious place for traditional Aussie meat pies and other delights. Choose from meat, chicken and vegetarian pies, pasties, sausage rolls, quiches, cheesecakes and cakes such as lamingtons. Pies are available in different sizes for families and munching by yourself. Specialty items are made at various times throughout the year so keep a check on what is coming up.
Things to Do in Phuket in December
Chalong Bay Rum Distillery
Rum lovers, we have found the best place for you... Chalong Bay Rum Distillery located at Talat Chalong Muang and open from Monday to Saturday between the hours of 9am and 6pm. The distillery tours are between 2pm and 6pm on the hour. They are currently creating a dining venue at the distillery so rum lovers and foodies can enjoy their 2 favorite things.
Wat Sri Sunthon
A beautiful temple located north of Phuket Town in Thalang is the Wat Sri Sunthon. There is a 29 metre high Buddha sleeping in the grounds as well as 9 smaller Buddha's in various poses. Images of lions and a giant are there to guard the temple that was built in 1792. There are also images of phets or ghosts from mythology that are believed to be people who did bad things during their life and ended up in temples. The gates are open from 7am to 5pm.
Jui Tui
A beautiful Chinese shrine is the Jui Tui located in Phuket Town. This is the oldest and the largest Chinese temple on the island and it is worth a look while you are in Phuket Town.
Kathu Mining Museum
For an insight into the local history and the tin mining on Phuket visit the Kathu Mining Museum. It opened in 2009 and at the moment all signs are in Thai so a guide would be handy. There are exhibitions inside and outside with a model of a tin mine, workers in the mine and stories on how the mine worked and tin smelting. Demonstrations of smelting tin and making products from tin can be seen as well as how people lived at the height of the mines operation.
