Month guide · Phuket · Thailand
Phuket in January
What January is really like in Phuket: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
January is one of the best months to visit Phuket. Expect average highs of 32°C (90°F), lows of 24°C (75°F), about 4 rainy days and roughly 11.7 hours of daylight. Dry, sunny and calm with clear water for boat trips — peak season with peak prices.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 32°C (90°F) / 24°C (75°F)
- Rainy days
- About 4
- Daylight
- About 11.7 hours
- Sea temperature
- 28°C (82°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in January
January is the 5th-warmest month in Phuket: days average 32°C (90°F) against a yearly average high of 32°C (90°F), and nights fall to about 24°C (75°F). Rain falls on roughly 4 of its 31 days. Compared with December (31°C (88°F)), January is about as warm; by February highs stay near 33°C (91°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 06:44
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 18:27
- Daylight
- About 11.7 hours
- Sea
- 28°C (82°F)
Late monsoon (August–October). The wettest period, with long rainy spells and boat cancellations, but very quiet beaches and the Vegetarian Festival.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 5 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: January is one of the pricier months.
Events in January
- Chinese New Year celebrations and the Old Phuket Town Festival (January or February)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Religious site · Nakkerd Hill
Big Buddha
Cover shoulders and knees (sarongs are lent at the entrance) and visit late afternoon for softer light over the bays.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Views
- Kids
- Photo spot
Viewpoint · Rawai
Promthep Cape
The southernmost point of Phuket is a grassy headland jutting into the Andaman Sea, crowned by a lighthouse and an elephant shrine.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Couples
- Photo spot
- Iconic
Viewpoint · Kata and Karon
Karon Viewpoint
Stop here on the way to Promthep Cape; mornings usually have the clearest light.
- Time needed
- 20 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Photo spot
Nature · Mai Khao and Nai Yang
Sirinat National Park
This coastal park protects Phuket's north-west shore, including Nai Yang beach, Mai Khao beach and an offshore coral reef.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Off the beaten path
The sea averages 28°C (82°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Phuket.
What to pack
For highs near 32°C, lows near 24°C and 4 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit Phuket?
One of the best months to visit Phuket, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are February–March and December. Compare every month.
Phuket in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Phuket?
It is one of the best months to visit Phuket. Dry, sunny and calm with clear water for boat trips — peak season with peak prices.
+How warm is Phuket in January?
Average highs are around 32°C (90°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Phuket in January?
Expect rain on about 4 days of the month, so it is usually dry.