Bali vs Phuket in December — Which to Pick?
The numbers, side by side
Every figure below is an average across 11 complete years (2015–2025) of daily Open-Meteo records. Not a forecast — a historical baseline you can plan against.
Bali vs Phuket in December
| Metric | Bali | Phuket | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average high | 20 °C (68°F) | 29 °C (84°F)Winner | Phuket is 9.2 °C warmer. |
| Average low | 15 °C (58°F) | 25 °C (76°F)Winner | Nights differ by ~10°C. |
| Rainfall | 338 mm | 133 mmWinner | Phuket is 205 mm drier. |
| Rainy days | 30 | 16Winner | Phuket is 13 days with fewer rainy days. |
| Sunshine | 8.9 h/day | 9.5 h/day | Effectively even in sunshine. |
Our honest take
In December, Phuket runs about 9°C warmer on average — a meaningful gap when you're deciding what to pack.
Phuket sees roughly 205mm less rainfall this month, so your afternoons are more likely to survive intact.
Neither is objectively better: pick Bali for what Bali is famous for; pick Phuket for what Phuket does uniquely. The persona cards below break the choice down by traveller type.
Traveller verdict for December
Data-driven picks based on 11-year climate averages (2015–2025). Neither destination is objectively “better” — it depends on what you're after.
Phuket takes the beach-day advantage — warmer sea air, drier skies, and more useful sun.
Phuket leans into the after-dark scene — warm evenings and the higher-energy crowd.
Bali suits families better this month — gentler temperatures and fewer washouts.
Similar shooting conditions — atmosphere becomes the deciding factor.
Prices track closely — book early either way.
Bali has the edge for wandering food streets — walkable weather and a livelier scene.
Compare hotels in both
Booking.com deep links with December check-in dates pre-filled.
Bali vs Phuket in December — FAQ
Q01Is Bali warmer than Phuket in December?
Is Bali warmer than Phuket in December?
Yes — Phuket runs about 9°C warmer than Bali in December. Bali averages 20°C highs; Phuket averages 29°C. Based on 11-year climate averages (2015–2025).
Q02Which is drier — Bali or Phuket in December?
Which is drier — Bali or Phuket in December?
Phuket is drier in December. It averages 133mm of rainfall vs 338mm at Bali. That is a meaningful difference for outdoor plans.
Q03Which is better for outdoor activities in December?
Which is better for outdoor activities in December?
Neither destination pulls ahead on sunshine or dry days in December — both offer similar outdoor windows. Choose by terrain and interest rather than weather.
Q04Which is cheaper to visit in December — Bali or Phuket?
Which is cheaper to visit in December — Bali or Phuket?
Both destinations command similar peak pricing when the weather is at its best; visiting either in shoulder or off-season lowers hotel rates by 30–50%.
Q05Which is better for a beach trip in December?
Which is better for a beach trip in December?
Phuket is the stronger pick for beach days in December — warmer daytime highs, drier weather, and more useful sun per day.