What's the Weather Like in Phuket in January
Phuket, Thailand's largest island has a tropical monsoon climate with the monsoons coming between May and October. Due to its close proximity to the Equator, temperatures vary little over the year.
Rain
The monsoon is over and the average rainfall has dropped to 40mm falling over 5 to 6 days as compared to up to 21 days for the monsoon months. January is in the dry season and possibly the best time to holiday in the area.
Temperature
Average temperature for January is a pleasant 27°C that sits between the average high/low temperatures of 22°C and 32°C.
Humidity
As the monsoon is over the average humidity has also dropped for the dry season and this month it is 75% can be a lot lower depending on whether it is a wet day or not. Humidity has been dropping from the October high of 90% and will stay steady until it rises in April. The temperatures don't vary a lot here but by the end of January the average will be slightly higher heading towards the hot season starting in May.
Sunshine
The length of sunshine hours has extended to 8 from the low of 7 seen the end of the monsoon season. Hours will lengthen as the month moves towards its end where it will average another by the end of February.
Sea Temperature
Ocean temperatures are steady here all year round showing little variance with a pleasant 28°C just 2°C down from the high of 30°C in the hot season.
Fog
You can expect to see an average of 6 foggy days this month that is climbing to a high of 8 days in March. This is one more day than in December. During the hot summer months number of foggy days is lowest with just 1 day expected.
If you're looking for a weather forecast for Phuket, you are advised to visit this page.
Hotels for Phuket in January
Amari Phuket
The Amari Phuket is located on Patong Beach and is just 5 minutes from the beach. Book 60 days ahead and save 10% or book 30 days ahead to save 5%. With more than 180 rooms all with views of Patong Bay and Phuket, choose from one facing the beach or with sea views. The Junior suite is great for families being the largest suite available and has an open balcony and an enclosed terrace for privacy.
A deluxe ocean view room has a private balcony, the superior ocean view has uninterrupted views of the beach and a private balcony and the superior ocean facing room also has a private balcony. All rooms are air conditioned with private bathrooms, satellite TV, DVD player, mini-bar and tea and coffee making facilities.
Take the shuttle bus to Kata Beach or swim in one of the pools, work out in the fitness room or try some snorkeling, scuba diving or go shopping. Book a tour from the tour desk and exchange currency if needed. Eat in one of 4 restaurants, La Gritta for great Italian, Rim Talay serving International cuisine by the sea, The Jetty for dining over the water or the Samutr Bar for a more casual experience.
Surin Phuket
Surin Phuket, located on the west coast of Phuket is on Pansea Beach that slopes gently down to a small coral reef. Choose from 1 or 2 bedroom cottages, beach studio suite or the beach deluxe suite. Services offered here include airport transfers, library, swimming pool, tennis courts, gym, water sport facilities, boutique, a gift shop and a dive centre.
Book a tour from the tour desk or try out yoga on the beach. For the kids there is a children's pool, kid's food on all the menus and a babysitting service so parents can enjoy a night out.
Eat at several eateries here at the resort and choose from Lomtalay Thai Restaurant for dinner and breakfast with classical Thai music playing in the background. Sunset café for Thai and international cuisine is open from 12 noon to midnight, a beach restaurant that is open for dinner from November 15 and lunch during December to January serving fresh fish, seafood and meat. Sunset Bar serves you cold drinks and refreshment and is great for an after dinner drink or the Beach Bar that is right on the seafront and serves fabulous cocktails.
Between October and April enjoy one of the themed nights, casual beach BBQ or take advantage of a cooking class.
Beaches for January for Phuket
Freedom Beach
For the person who wants to get away from the crowded beaches at Patong, visit Freedom Beach. This wonderful stretch of white sand is only accessible by a longtail boat from Patong Beach, Kamala Beach Karon Beach or Kata Beach. The shortest and quickest route is from Patong Beach. Boats only run between December and June which is the peak season. You can haggle over the price and the more people the cheaper it will be for everyone. Water is warm at around 28°C and you can rent a sun lounge for a small fee.
Tri Tra Beach
On the way to Freedom Beach you will pass a few other beaches, Tri Tra, Tri Trang and Paradise Beach. Tri Tra Beach, also known as Emerald or Crystal Beach to avoid confusion with Tri Trang is the longest stretch of sand of these 4 beaches. At high tide this sandy beach is a great place to relax in the warm water but at low tide an old coral reef is exposed. This area was hit hard by the 2004 Tsunami and has been replanted and developed into a lovely beach. You can have a massage here and even sleep on the beach in bungalows belonging to Patong Bay Garden Resort.
Tri Trang Beach
Tri Trang Beach is part of the Merlin Beach Resort and little known outside the resort. A short dirt road takes you to the beach and it is often missed being next to the resort. There are massage huts and a set of stairs at the southern end of the beach that takes you to bars and restaurants. This is not a good swimming beach due to a lot of coral debris but the area is quite beautiful and perfect for a relaxing lazing day by the beach. Some days there is a baby elephant visiting the beach and you feed him and get close to this friendly animal.
Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is one of Phuket's most beautiful with many palm trees and tropical almond trees shading the sand. Swimming is recommended all year and no jet-skis are allowed near the beach, giving it a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. This is small beach, under 200 metres long with water sports facilities and a restaurant.
Restaurants and Bars for Phuket in January
The Corner Restaurant
The Corner Restaurant is located in Cherngtalay in Phuket and has dedicated car spots for its customers. Only closed on Wednesday and open every other day from 6:30am till 10:30pm. Bookings are recommended for great Thai and international cuisine. On Mondays and Thursdays there is a Thai and international cuisine buffet special as well as the a la carte menu.
There is a menu just for the kids or they can choose from the full menu. All food is made from fresh and locally sourced ingredients and cooked with passion for your enjoyment.
Les Diables
For great bakery treats visit Les Diables located in the boat lagoon Marina on the eastern side of the island for patisserie delights and a great restaurant menu. This is a highly rated eatery with many returning customers. Choose from salmon or the chicken and mango salad, the Sunday brunch is also a delight. Their coffee is highly rated by many customers.
Things to Do in Phuket in January
Gibbon Rehabilitation Project
The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project began in 1992 to find a way to return the gibbons to national parks in Thailand. They were poached nearly to extinction on Phuket and have since been returned to the wild. It is important to report anyone offering a photo opportunity with a gibbon as these have been taken from the wild and thus reducing their diminishing numbers even more. You can become a volunteer at the centre or make a donation to further rehabilitate this wonderful animal.
Zorbing Rollerball
For the adventurous there is Zorbing Rollerball, an exciting new way to have fun in the sun and in the water. Located close to Patong Beach and open from 10am every day rain or shine this is a fun activity for you and a partner. Try one of 2 downhill runs over 190 metres in a dry ball or in one filled with 40 litres of water that you float on while careering downhill. They will pick you up from your hotel or the beach if you have no transport.
Phuket Trickeye Museum
On a rainy day the Phuket Trickeye Museum is a wicked place for the whole family. Located in Talad Yai, don't forget the camera as you will come across a number of modern art displays. This is a great indoor activity for kids of any age even as young as 3 or 4 years old. Some of the 3D art is very interactive, for example, the sharks mouth that you can jump in. Also, the whim of a knife thrower, blowing up an elephant's trunk and walking on water.
Jungle Xtreme Adventure Park
Calling all adrenalin lovers is Jungle Xtreme Adventure Park where you can climb, swing and balance among the trees as you make your way through the course. Located near the Big Buddha and just 5 minutes down the road from Chalong Circle this course offers circuits that are easy, difficult and challenging with tree walking for those not willing to tackle anything too extreme.
