Winter in Phuket gives you some of the most comfortable weather all year. Warm days, mild nights, and way less rain than the monsoon months—it’s honestly a great time to be outside. Average daytime temperatures hang around 30°C (86°F), and evenings cool off just enough, so you can enjoy the beach or outdoor activities without the sticky humidity that comes with the rainy season.
From December through February, the sky usually looks clearer, and the sea calms down. You’ll find island-hopping and water sports safer and just more fun. Phuket keeps its tropical vibe, but you skip the endless downpours and rough surf that take over in the middle of the year.
Tourists flock here in winter, so hotels charge more and beaches get busier. Still, if you want solid sunshine, manageable heat, and calm seas, winter’s probably your best bet for Phuket.
Typical Winter Weather Conditions
Winter in Phuket means steady warmth, less rain, and a lot more sunshine than the wet season. You get consistent temperatures, fewer rainy days, and clearer skies. It’s honestly one of the most comfortable times to be outdoors.
Average Temperatures in Winter
Temperatures stay warm all season, with not much difference between day and night. Daily highs usually hit 31°C to 33°C (87°F to 91°F), and lows hover near 24°C (75°F).
Even on the “coldest” days in January, you’ll see about 32°C (90°F), and nights rarely drop below 22°C (72°F).
The sea keeps things steady and predictable. Water nearby helps stop temperatures from getting too hot or too cool. Sea surface temperatures average 28–29°C (82–84°F), so you’ll find swimming comfortable the whole time.
Rainfall and Humidity Levels
Rainfall drops off fast during winter. At the start of December, there’s about a 40% chance of rain, but by February it falls to around 10%. Average monthly rainfall drops from over 100 mm in December to less than 30 mm in February.
You might get a quick shower, but it’s usually short and not intense like the monsoon. February ends up being the driest month most years.
Humidity stays up, but it’s not as suffocating as during the wet season. Most days still feel muggy, with dew points around 24°C (75°F). You’ll notice it, but lighter winds and less rain make it more bearable.
Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover
Daylight grows a bit longer as the season goes on. In December, Phuket gets about 11 hours and 40 minutes of daylight, and by late February it’s nearly 12 hours.
Clouds start to clear out too. Early December skies are mostly cloudy about three-quarters of the time, but by late January, clear or partly clear skies jump to 40%.
On average, expect 6 to 8 hours of sunshine per day in winter. It’s honestly one of the brightest stretches of the year, with more reliable sunny days than the wetter months.
Monthly Breakdown of Winter Weather
Phuket’s winter brings the steadiest and most comfortable weather. You’ll get warm days, cooler nights, and much lower rainfall than during the monsoon. The sea calms down, skies clear up, and humidity feels a bit easier to handle—perfect for outdoor adventures.
December Weather Overview
December kicks off Phuket’s dry season. Daytime highs average around 30°C (86°F), and nights dip to about 24–25°C (75–77°F). Humidity drops compared to earlier months, usually around 75%, so the air feels a little lighter.
Rainfall stays pretty low, with 70–75 mm for the month. Showers are quick if they show up, and you usually get long sunny stretches. Expect about 14 sunny days and 10 rainy days, but most rain doesn’t last long.
The sea temperature sits near 29°C (84°F), so swimming and snorkeling feel great. Winds stay light, making boat trips to nearby islands smooth. More travelers arrive, so beaches and hotels get busier.
January Weather Overview
January often brings the driest and most pleasant weather in Phuket. Daytime temperatures average 30–31°C (86–88°F), while nights cool off to about 25–26°C (77–79°F). Humidity drops a bit more, hitting around 70%, which feels much more comfortable.
Rain barely shows up, with totals around 30 mm. You’ll get more than 15 sunny days, and any rain that does fall usually ends quickly. That means plenty of reliable beach days.
The Andaman Sea stays calm, with water temperatures near 28–29°C (82–84°F). It’s a great time for diving, island tours, and other outdoor stuff. January is peak tourist season though, so expect higher hotel prices and bigger crowds.
February Weather Overview
February keeps the dry season rolling, with things warming up a touch. Daytime highs reach 31°C (88°F), and nights hover around 27°C (81°F). Humidity averages about 69%, which is the lowest you’ll see all year, so the air feels drier.
Rainfall barely registers, averaging 20–25 mm, and you’ll only see about 3 rainy days. Sunshine takes over most of the month, so you get awesome visibility and clear skies.
The sea temperature holds steady near 29°C (84°F), and waters stay calm for boating or swimming. Beaches fill up, especially in places like Patong and Kata. If crowds aren’t your thing, check out the quieter northern beaches.
Sea Conditions During Winter
You’ll find warm sea temperatures and calmer conditions in Phuket during winter. The water feels great for swimming, and with much less rain than the monsoon, the sea stays predictable and safer for fun.
Sea Water Temperature
From December to February, the Andaman Sea around Phuket keeps a steady warmth. Average sea surface temperatures sit between 28°C and 29°C (82°F–84°F).
In December, you’ll see about 29.0°C, it cools slightly to 28.6°C in January, and then rises again to 28.9°C in February. Honestly, you won’t notice these tiny changes when you’re in the water.
That kind of warmth means you don’t need a wetsuit for swimming, snorkeling, or diving. Even at night, the sea holds its heat, so evening swims are still enjoyable.
Since the sea temperature doesn’t drop much, marine life activity stays steady. Divers get year-round access to coral reefs and tropical fish without dealing with cold water.
Swimming and Water Activities
Winter falls during Phuket’s dry season, so you’ll see fewer rainy days and calmer seas. Rainfall averages drop from over 100 mm in December to about 34 mm in February, making rough surf or bad visibility less likely.
With calmer water, snorkeling and diving get better. Clearer seas mean you can spot coral reefs and marine life more easily. Surfing isn’t really a winter thing here since waves are lower, but that makes beaches safer for casual swimmers.
Boat tours and island-hopping trips run more reliably now. With smaller swells, seasickness is less of a worry, and ferries or speedboats rarely get canceled due to weather.
Still, always keep an eye on local beach flags and lifeguard warnings, as rip currents can pop up even during calm months.
Comparing Winter With Other Seasons
Winter in Phuket brings dry skies, cooler nights, and calmer seas. Daytime highs usually hit 30–31°C (86–88°F), and humidity drops compared to the rainy months. Rain barely shows up, and the sea is usually safe for swimming and boating.
Summer months like April and May crank up the heat. Daytime highs often reach 32°C or more, and humidity goes above 75%. You’ll get short but heavy showers, and nights feel warmer—air conditioning becomes pretty much a must.
The rainy season from June to October brings frequent showers and rougher seas. September usually sees the heaviest rainfall, sometimes over 350 mm. You’ll still get a few sunny breaks, but ocean swimming can get risky because of strong currents.
Here’s a quick comparison of average conditions:
| Season | Avg. Day Temp | Rainfall | Humidity | Sea Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 30–31°C | 20–70 mm | 69–75% | Calm, clear |
| Hot Season (Mar–May) | 31–32°C | 70–260 mm | 71–79% | Warm, calm |
| Rainy Season (Jun–Oct) | 30–31°C | 200–360 mm | 79–82% | Often rough |
| Transition (Nov) | 30°C | ~180 mm | 79% | Improving |
Winter really stands out for its lower rainfall, comfortable humidity, and safer seas. It’s the most reliable time for outdoor activities and hitting the beach.
What to Pack for Winter in Phuket
Phuket’s winter months bring warm, dry weather, with daytime temperatures around 24–31°C (75–88°F). You won’t need anything heavy, but you should prep for both the flight and the tropical heat once you arrive.
Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. These keep you comfortable in the heat and humidity. A light cardigan or jacket comes in handy for cool airplane cabins or breezy evenings.
For temples or cultural spots, plan on modest clothing. Long skirts, trousers, and tops that cover your shoulders work best. A scarf or shawl can double as a cover-up and a practical accessory.
Don’t forget your beachwear. Bring a swimsuit, a quick-dry cover-up, and a wide-brimmed hat. Sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen are musts for the strong UV rays.
You’ll want comfy footwear. Use sandals or flip-flops for the beach, and sneakers or walking shoes for exploring towns or hiking.
A small rain shower might surprise you, so toss in a packable rain jacket. It won’t take up much space and could be handy if the weather turns.
| Item Type | Recommended Options |
|---|---|
| Tops | Cotton t-shirts, light blouses |
| Bottoms | Shorts, linen pants, skirts |
| Outerwear | Light jacket, cardigan, shawl |
| Footwear | Sandals, flip-flops, sneakers |
| Accessories | Sunglasses, sun hat, scarf |
| Extras | Rain jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent |
Travel Tips for Visiting Phuket in Winter
Pack light, breathable clothing—daytime highs usually sit between 24°C and 31°C (75°F to 88°F). Maybe toss in a light jacket or shawl for evenings, since it can get a bit cooler after sunset.
Don’t skip sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. The sun still feels intense, even during winter months.
Book your accommodation and flights early. December through February always brings crowds, and hotels or tours fill up fast.
If you want better rates and a spot close to the beach, booking ahead really helps.
Take advantage of the calm seas by planning island-hopping tours, snorkeling, and diving. Winter usually brings the most reliable conditions for water activities, so boat trips feel safer and a lot more comfortable.
Carry a reusable water bottle and try to stay hydrated. Even though the humidity drops in winter, the heat can still sneak up on you if you’re outside all day.
Popular beaches like Patong can get packed. If you’re after a quieter vibe, check out Kata Noi, Surin, or Nai Harn.
These spots feel more relaxed but still have good facilities.
Here’s a quick reference for planning:
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Book early | High demand in winter |
| Pack light clothes | Warm, sunny days |
| Protect from sun | Strong UV levels |
| Choose quieter beaches | Avoid heavy crowds |
| Stay hydrated | Prevent heat stress |