Phuket vs Penang

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Phuket edges ahead as the better destination in December. Phuket offers 10 hours of daily sunshine with only 12 rain days, while Penang sees 9 sunshine hours and 21 rain days.

Phuket sits in the comfortable travel range at 28°C. Penang runs hot at 29°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Phuket is the stronger choice in December. Phuket receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Phuket reaches an average high of 28°C (82°F) and drops to 25°C (77°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 3°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Penang averages 29°C (84°F) for the high and 25°C (77°F) for the low, with a daily range of 4°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in December.

Phuket receives approximately 86 mm of rainfall across 12 rain days during December. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Penang sees 189 mm over 21 rain days. That makes Phuket the drier option by 9 rain days and 103 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.