Phuket vs Penang

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Phuket edges ahead as the better destination in January. Phuket offers 10 hours of daily sunshine with only 7 rain days, while Penang sees 10 sunshine hours and 15 rain days.

Phuket can feel quite hot at 29°C, so plan for heat. Penang runs hot at 29°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Phuket is the stronger choice in January.

Phuket reaches an average high of 29°C (84°F) and drops to 25°C (77°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 4°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Penang averages 29°C (84°F) for the high and 24°C (75°F) for the low, with a daily range of 5°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 January.

Phuket receives approximately 42 mm of rainfall across 7 rain days during January. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.

Penang sees 114 mm over 15 rain days. That makes Phuket the drier option by 8 rain days and 72 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.