best time to visit phuket

Best Time To Visit Phuket: Weather By Month & Season

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Not sure what is the best time to visit Phuket? Generally, the best time to visit Phuket is the between January and March , as these months have the driest, warmest weather.

However, these months are also within peak tourist season, which may not be the right time to visit for those who want a quieter vacation.

After spending time in Phuket during different seasons, have figured out when is the best time to visit Phuket for different types of travelers.

In this guide, we explain what each month brings, so you can make an informed decision about when to visit Thailand’s largest island.

Climate and Weather in Phuket

Phuket has a tropical climate and doesn’t vary in temperature much throughout the year. It’s also consistently humid, with an average humidity rating of 77%.

August is the most humid month at 82% humidity, whereas January is the least humid at 70% humidity.

During the monsoon season from June to September, you can also expect wind speed to increase to highs of 3 meters per second, whereas November is the least windy month with averages at 1 meter per second.

While most of Thailand has a rainy season from June until September, Phuket experiences a longer rainy season because of its coastal position. The rain is likely to begin in May and continue into October and November. In fact, September and October are the wettest months of the year in Phuket.

During the rainy season in Phuket, you can experience dark and gloomy days with lots of cloud cover.

The driest months in Phuket are January and February which receives very little rainfall throughout the months.

Phuket in Summer (June to August)

The summer months in Phuket are from June until August, which is the wettest time of the year and is well into the rainy Monsoon Season. You can expect a lot of wet weather, strong winds, and even flooding on an almost daily basis.

Those visiting Phuket this time of year should prepare for wet weather and flooding at all times. In fact, flash flooding occurs almost every September, causing widespread devastation throughout the region.

It can also impact flights landing and leaving from Phuket International Airport.

The flooding not only disrupts tourism but also causes problems for the locals, since the rain can bring down power lines, cut off roads and make them impossible to use, and cause power outages.

It’s unsurprising then that this is the quiet season in terms of tourism, and you’ll also find that tours and hotels will close during this time of year, especially when the weather is bad.

Phuket in Fall (September to November)

While September and October continue to see wet weather, it will start to ease off into November. It’s possible to have sunny days come late October and into November, but rain showers may happen sporadically.

From our experience, the rain showers in the Autumn season are far less intense than the summer, and usually only occur in short bursts, allowing you time to get out and enjoy the periods of dry weather. We also noticed rain storms happen more at night.

November is a popular time to visit Thailand, so you will find that from late October and early November, more hotels and tours who closed during the rainy season will open again – often at reduced rates.

That makes November a good time to visit Phuket, since it’s the shoulder season and when you can find cheaper deals after the Monsoon Season. That being said, you do still have to put up with some rainy days.

Autumn is also a good time of year to visit Phuket for the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, which happens on the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.

During this time of year, you’ll find many parades, festivities, and of course, street food markets pop up in Phuket Old Town.

Phuket in Winter (December to March)

Winter is peak tourist season in Thailand, and is so it’s one of the most popular times of year to visit Phuket. You can expect Phuket to be busy with tourists during the months of December until February.

While the weather is hot, it’s not unbearably hot, and these months have very little chance of rain.

It’s also when Chinese New Year happens, which is quite a big deal in Phuket. While Thai people don’t celebrate Chinese New Year , Phuket has a large population of Chinese immigrants and they love to celebrate this annual event.

Phuket in Spring (March to May)

Spring is not a great time to visit Phuket because it starts to get rainy again, and it’s also incredibly busy.

This is because March until May is when the Burning Season in Chiang Mai happens, causing the locals and expats to flock to Southern Thailand to escape the pollution – and you can guess where they go!

Phuket is packed with people this time of year and hotels get booked up in advance, not to mention at higher rates.

While March and April are drier months compared to the rest of the year, May brings with it the Monsoon Season.

Read More: Bangkok vs Phuket: Which Is Better?

Best Time to Visit Phuket For Festivals

If you are visiting Phuket to join in with the local festivities, then you’re going to want to visit in September or October when the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival takes place.

It’s the most famous thing Phuket is known for besides its beaches, and is the most vibrant event of the year.

Some other popular festivals that take place in Phuket are Songkran, otherwise known as Thai New Year, which happens all over the country, but the water fights on Bangla Road in Patong Beach are somewhat of a legend.

Another iconic festival is the Lantern Festival, which is usually more famous in Chiang Mai, but is also celebrated all over the country. Sapan Hin Lake in Phuket Old Town, as well as any of the beaches, are a good place to see the releasing of Loy Krathongs.

There are also lantern releases on the main beaches, such as Patong Beach and Karon Beach .

Best Time To Visit Phuket TO Escape The Crowds, Thailand

If you want to avoid the crowds, then you may want to visit Phuket in late October or November. This is when the rainy season has come to an end but it hasn’t fully opened up for the busy tourist season.

Though these are the quieter months in terms of tourism, it’s worth noting that Phuket is one of the most popular places to visit in Thailand for first timers , which is estimated to receive 14 million visitors by the end of 2023.

Needless to say, there isn’t really a quiet period in Phuket, but you will find it considerably less packed in October and November than in January and February.

Best Month to Visit Phuket, Thailand

Now you know what to expect from visiting Phuket in each season, below is a month-by-month analysis of what you can expect from the weather in Phuket!

Phuket in January

• Average Temperature: 26°C (79°F) Lows, 30°C (85°F) Highs
• Rainfall: 56 mm in 6 Days
• Sunlight hours: 235 hours

January is in the peak tourist season in Phuket because it receives the best weather of the year. It remains hot throughout the days and nights, and has little chance of rain, with an average of just 6 days of rain throughout the month.

It also has cloudless skies, gracing the island with 235 hours of sunshine throughout the month. This is perfect weather for island hopping, snorkeling, swimming, or just exploring the island’s numerous outdoor attractions.

However, do be sure to wear sun protection and drink plenty of water to remain

Phuket in February

• Rainfall: 34 mm in 4 Days
• Sunlight hours: 220 hours

The weather in Phuket in February is much like the weather in January, and receives very little chance of rain, cloudless skies and warm temperatures.

February is still peak tourist season, which sees thousands of visitors across the island throughout the month.

If you plan to visit Phuket in February, although it’s a great time of year in terms of weather, note that hotels often get booked up in advance, and prices for tours and accommodation may also be higher than during the winter months.

February is also when you may start to see locals and expats from Chiang Mai flock to the island to escape the burning season, and is when Chinese New Year takes place.

Phuket in March

• Average Temperature: 27°C (80°F) Lows, 31°C (87°F) Highs
• Rainfall: 94 mm in 5 Days
• Sunlight hours: 210 hours

March continues to see warm, sunny days with cloudless skies and little rain. However, it’s also one of the busiest months in terms of visitors.

Those visiting this time of year may want to book well in advance as it’s likely a lot of places will already be booked by those escaping the burning season in Chiang Mai.

Phuket in April

• Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F) Lows, 31°C (87°F) Highs
• Rainfall: 143 mm in 12 Days
• Sunlight hours: 183 hours

As the Chiang Mai residents start to make their way home, April gets a little quieter, but still maintaining decent weather throughout the month.

It’s possible to see more rainy days towards the end of the month, but these showers tend to be in bursts throughout the day, rather than torrential down pour.

During April, you get to witness the festive Songkran celebrations, with water splashing and events taking place across the island.

Phuket in May

• Rainfall: 263 mm in 22 Days
• Sunlight hours: 151 hours

Phuket in May sees the start of the rainy season and it comes in with full force. Witness the clouds roll in, plunging the island into darkness, as it experiences only 151 hours of daylight throughout the month.

With 22 days of rain, you can be sure that it will rain at least a couple of times during your visit.

May is also considered the off season, which means many hotels and tour companies (particularly island tours) will close during this time of year.

If you are visiting Phuket in May, it’s a good idea to check if these tours are still operating before booking.

Phuket in June

• Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F) Lows, 30°C (85°F) Highs
• Rainfall: 255 mm in 20 Days
• Sunlight hours: 150 hours

June is another wet month in the monsoon season and is when you will see temperatures start to drop (although only slightly), and rainy days continue.

In terms of weather, it’s pretty much the same as May, with dark, cloudy days and lots of precipitation on the forecast.

Like May, it’s likely that some hotels will remain closed for the duration of the monsoon season, so do check in advance before visiting.

Phuket in July

• Rainfall: 243 mm in 20 Days
• Sunlight hours: 152 hours

July is another wet and miserable month in Phuket, with dark clouds, lots of rain, and is also when the wind speed increases.

Since it’s peak monsoon season with some of the wettest weather, you can expect the island to be quiet in terms of tourism, with many hotels and tour companies closing.

Phuket in August

• Average Temperature: 26°C (80°F) Lows, 30°C (85°F) Highs
• Rainfall: 265 mm in 20 Days

August and July are very similar in terms weather. It’s a dark month with only 150 hours of sunlight.

August is the most humid month, with humidity reaching 82% on average. It’s also one of the windiest months, which can make the weather feel cooler than it is.

Those visiting in August may find the weather to be miserable, and the chances of getting out to do some island exploration very slim.

Phuket in September

• Average Temperature: 26°C (79°F) Lows, 29°C (85°F) Highs
• Rainfall: 318 mm in 23 Days
• Sunlight hours: 100 hours

September is the wettest month of the year and flooding is to be expected, since it’s the fifth month of the monsoon season.

September is also the darkest month with only 100 hours of sunlight throughout the month. Temperatures will remain cool, although the strong winds can make it feel cooler still.

Like August, September is also a relatively humid month.

Phuket in October

• Average Temperature: 26°C (78°F) Lows, 29°C (85°F) Highs
• Rainfall: 316 mm in 23 Days
• Sunlight hours: 140 hours

October is also very rainy and can also see flooding continue, especially at the start of the month.

However, from mid-October, you will start to see more hotels and tour companies operating again, as they prepare for the busy tourist season ahead.

From mid-October, it’s possible to have some dry days with sunshine, though squally showers may still happen throughout the days and nights.

The temperatures are warm but not too hot, and is also when the Phuket Vegetarian Festival often takes place.

Compared to September, there will be more tourists in Phuket in October.

Phuket in November

• Rainfall: 202 mm in 16 Days
• Sunlight hours: 175 hours

As November rolls in, you can start to kiss goodbye to the rain and the dark days are officially over, with 175 hours of sunlight throughout the month.

While there is still plenty of rain expected, you will find that the showers will be more in bursts than continuous downpours which happen in June to September.

November is when more tourists come to Thailand to escape the cold weather in Europe. It’s the time when all hotels and tours are fully running again and the island gets busy.

Phuket in December

• Average Temperature: 26°C (79°F) Lows, 30°C (86°F) Highs
• Rainfall: 92 mm in 9 Days
• Sunlight hours: 200 hours

December is one of the busiest months in Phuket for tourism as people flock to Thailand to experience a tropical Christmas.

The weather is often warm with very little chance of rain, and there is also minimal cloud cover which means 200 hours of bright and sunny days.

December is one of the best months to visit Phuket, though you will need to plan your visit early as hotels often get booked up, especially if your planning to spend Christmas in Thailand !

Best Time to Visit Phuket FAQs

What is the best month to visit phuket.

We would recommend January as the best month to visit Phuket as the weather is warm, dry, and less humid.

What is the rainy season in Phuket?

The official rainy season in Phuket starts in June and ends in September, though you can expect the rain to begin in May and continue well into October.

What month is the hottest in Phuket?

The temperatures remain consistently warm throughout the year, but March – May is slightly warmer than other months by 1°C.

Final Verdict

Without a doubt, January and February is the best time to visit Phuket if you’re looking for good weather.

However, if you want to escape the crowds and find better deals on hotels and tours, October and November are good times to visit, as long as you are ok with some rainy days.

March until May is a bad time to visit Phuket since it’s busy with all the Chiang Mai locals and expats escaping the burning season.

May until October is the rainy season, which sees hotel and tour closures, flooding, and power outages, and so are not the best times to visit Phuket.

We hope this guide has helped plan when to visit Phuket and given you a good idea of what to expect in each season.

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Phuket   Travel Guide

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Best Times To Visit Phuket

The best time to visit Phuket is between November and April when weather conditions are ideal for beach activities, such as swimming and boating . The six months between May and October are monsoon season, and although accommodation prices are much lower this time of year, the water conditions can be dangerous. 

Weather in Phuket

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Your Trip to Phuket: the Complete Guide

If you can only visit one place in Thailand, zero in on the island of Phuket. Set some 400 miles south of Bangkok, Phuket crams a near-excess of sights and activities within its coastline: gorgeous beaches, delicious food, amazing natural parks, and access to some of the Andaman Sea’s most breathtakingly beautiful islands.

Backpackers introduced Phuket to the tourism world. The first backpacker-friendly accommodations sprung up in Patong in the 1970s, presaging a steady rise in visitors that peaked at 14 million in 2018. Phuket’s present-day attractions have evolved with tourist tastes; beyond the beaches, visitors can now check out Phuket’s Michelin-starred restaurants, world-class theme parks, and luxury hotels fringing the sands.

For the first-time visitor to Phuket, the island can be a lot to unpack at first glance. Read on to make sense of Thailand’s most popular tourist destination, and how you can have the time of your life when you visit.

Planning Your Trip

• Best time to visit : Plan your trip between mid-October to mid-February; the “winter” months coincide with a cool, dry climate caused by northeast monsoon winds blowing in from Siberia.
• Language: Central (standard) Thai is widely spoken throughout Phuket, though southern Thai is the local mother tongue. A fair number of Phuket locals can manage basic English, but don’t expect them to manage sustained conversation. These are a few useful phrases to learn when traveling in Phuket.
• Currency : The Thai Baht (THB) is standard currency across the island.
• Getting Around: You can ride buses (songthaew), tuk-tuks, or motorbike taxis to get around Phuket. Songthaew commute between Phuket Town and resort areas like Surin, Karon, and Patong. Tuk-tuks and motorbikes can take you on a point-to-point basis for short distances.
• Travel tip: Phuket’s beaches are lovely to visit and swim in—but during the monsoon months between May and October, riptides and unpredictable swells make them positively dangerous for casual swimmers. Watch for red flags on the beaches, which warn against swimming when the conditions are too risky.

Things to Do

For an island just over 200 square miles in area, Phuket offers a surprising number of things to see and do. To be sure, its beaches are Phuket’s spotlight attraction, but there’s more to discover once you move beyond the coastline.

• Enjoy Phuket’s beaches . Each beach in Phuket offers a distinct appeal that caters to different folks—partygoers go to Patong Beach, couples to Karon, and nature lovers and plane-spotters prefer Mai Khao.
• Visit Phuket Town. In its heyday, Phuket Town was a key trading post for Thai, Chinese, and British colonial entrepreneurs. While the tin trade that drove local business has long since faded, the old town has retained its old-timey charm, its townhouses having been converted into museums, restaurants, and shops.
• Take in the nightlife. All nightlife adventures in Phuket begin at Bangla Road in Patong—a neon-lit thoroughfare with attached soi (alleyways) brimming with bars, live music venues, and street performers.
• Go island-hopping: The seas of southern Thailand offer some of the most breathtaking views, both above and underwater. Tours to Koh Phi Phi, Phang Nga, and Koh Similan can be easily booked from your Phuket hotel.

Explore more attractions with our full-length articles on the best things to do in Phuket , the best day trips from Phuket , and scuba diving excursions from Phuket .

What to Eat and Drink

Thanks to Phuket’s long history as a trade entrepot, the local culinary scene bears influences from all over—European fine dining, Southern Chinese home cooking, and Thai royal cuisine, among others. Foodies in particular swear by Phuket’s fusion of Thai and Chinese cuisines, the natural result of the island’s Chinese/Peranakan community centered around Phuket Town.

The local food scene has earned Phuket recognition as a "Creative City of Gastronomy" by UNESCO, owing to the variety of dishes and dining styles. High-end diners can take in a meal at one of the island’s Michelin-starred restaurants, while budget eaters can count on Phuket Town's hawker-style premises that resemble similar setups in Singapore and Malaysia . The street food scene in Patong helps balance out the town’s raucous nightlife, and many resorts offer in-house dining experiences overlooking the sea.

Learn more with our guides to foods to try in Phuket , Phuket's best restaurants , and Phuket's nightlife scene .

Where to Stay

The vast majority of hotels and resorts in Phuket are located around the west coast, as Phuket’s top beaches can be found there. One exception is Phuket Town, whose affordable hotels are offset by its considerable distance from the beaches.

The graceful Sino-Portuguese buildings, cheap food, and activities around Phuket Town make it an excellent choice for history nerds and foodies. Meanwhile, budget travelers and partygoers should look for accommodations around Patong, home to the island’s hottest nightlife scene and most affordable budget hotels. Hotels around Karon Beach offer a happy medium for tourists who like staying close to the beach, but abhor Patong’s congestion and party-happy atmosphere. The relaxed energy around Karon appeals to families, couples, and seniors.

For a selection of Phuket accommodation options, check out this list of Phuket’s top hotels.

Getting There

Some 16 million people fly into Phuket International Airport from all over Asia and Europe. Located at the northern end of Phuket, the airport sits over 20 miles from the island’s main tourist stretches. If you’re flying in during Phuket’s peak season, be aware that it will take over an hour to get to or from your Phuket resort, so plan accordingly.

Phuket is connected by bridge to the Thai mainland, allowing domestic travelers to take the bus from cities around Thailand to the island. Most cross-country buses arrive and depart to/from Phuket Bus Terminal 2 on Thepkasattri Road in Ratsada.

Despite Phuket’s relatively low crime rate, some risks remain for visitors to the island. The beaches hide dangerous riptides and jellyfish, whereas locals might also take offense to fighting words or undue talk about politics or religion.

When hanging around the beaches, keep the following threats in view.

• Beware of riptides. During monsoon season, Phuket’s beaches hide a nasty secret: deadly riptides that can pull you out to the open sea, or pull you under to drown. Patong, Karon, and Kamala beaches are notorious for these. If you see red flags flying on any Phuket beach, do not go into the water.
• Listen for tsunami warnings. The 2004 Boxing Day tsunami hit Phuket hard, killing over 5,000 people. Today, an advanced tsunami warning system watches over Phuket; warnings will be sent via broadcast media and SMS on local cellphones, giving you plenty of time to head to higher ground.

Thai locals are some of the most easygoing people on earth, but remember that their patience can be severely tested, too. Here’s how to stay on locals’ good side—and how to stay out of trouble otherwise:

• Never get angry or aggressive . Avoid conflict wherever possible. Thais do not go for pranks or humiliating jokes at their expense, and they also look down on Westerners picking fights. You should also avoid political talk—Thailand has a lese majeste law that penalizes insulting talk about their royal family, so steer clear of that topic in polite conversation.
• Don’t do drugs. Thailand has extremely punitive laws against drug trafficking and use. You can spend years in prison if caught with even a small amount of prohibited drugs, or get the death penalty at worst.
• Keep your eyes open for scams . Tourist locations tend to attract a fair number of scammers, and Phuket is no exception.

Money Saving Tips

Even as luxe hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants have taken over, they haven’t crowded the backpackers out yet—budget travelers can still find plenty of ways to stretch their dollar. Follow these simple rules to get the most value out of your Phuket trip:

• Eat the way locals do. Get a meal at a Patong food hall, or hunker down to street food in Phuket Town. The cheapest meals can be found at wet markets in your vicinity, where you can get rice, meat, and a drink for no more than 100 baht ($3.30).
• Use local transportation. Look up the songthaew routes around your hotel and your preferred destinations, and ride them whenever possible. Tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis will also let you haggle the price down to a certain extent.
• Visit Phuket in the low season. Between May and October, Phuket gets the brunt of the monsoon season. Prices are at their lowest for both accommodations and transportation, though, which can save you money in what is arguably Thailand’s priciest town.
• Get a local SIM card for your phone. Assuming your phone is compatible with the local networks, buying a prepaid SIM card will let you surf the web and call home without breaking the bank. You have your choice of three brands: AIS , DTAC , and TrueMove . All are available at the airport, or at any convenience store on the island.
• Drink Thai-made beers. Chang, Leo, and Singha beers are much cheaper than Australian or European beers around Phuket—and they’re arguably just as good.

Phuket.net. "History of Phuket." 2021.

Channel News Asia. "Phuket already bursting at the seams but more tourists on the way." December 8, 2019.

The Phuket News. "History: Cultural History of Phuket Town." May 6, 2016.

UNESCO. "Creative Cities Network: Phuket." 2015. 

Michelin Guide Global. "Phuket Restaurants." 2020.

The Nation Thailand. "Tsunami warning system finally ready, after 8 years." December 25, 2012.

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What is the best month to visit Phuket? ☀️☁️🌧️

• Information , Things to Know , Weather
• Last updated 6 November 2022 7 December 2023

Phuket Weather

The best time to visit Phuket is between December to March. Phuket Weather can and will impact your holiday, so deciding the best month to visit Phuket is key and also depends on what you like to do during your holiday. For some, suntanning and photos with blue sky over a blue sea of Phuket are the main motivation; for others, a peaceful island and a lower cost are more important.

In any case, Thailand has a warm tropical climate with two seasons , and the water is warm all year round , in the sea and swimming pools. The weather is always stressful, especially during the rainy season between June and November. We frequently receive questions such as, ‘Will it rain every day in the rainy season?’.

Phuket Weather Live Webcam

4 steps to finding the right hotel in phuket:, what is the best time to visit phuket december to march.

December to March are the coolest and supposedly the best months to visit Phuket. The weather is usually perfect, with clear blue skies, calm seas, and a pleasant breeze that keeps the temperature just right. This period is when you should come if you care about the blue sky and suntan and plan to spend a lot of time on the beach or take those amazing Instagram photos and selfies that will grow your fanbase.

However, with such beautiful weather, December and January are the peak months of the high season, so expect to pay more for your hotel, especially during New Year’s . Expect the south of the island to be very busy, so if you worry about the crowds, you should consider staying in the island’s northern part. Please look at our list of quiet and hidden beaches in Phuket .

When is the Rainy Season in Phuket? May to November

May to August is a mix of rain and sun, usually delightful. Some months are considered wetter than others: September, October, and November are the months with the most rainfalls, but some years, it can drag on to December. No one can tell what the weather will be like.

Phuket’s weather during the rainy season is a tricky subject. It’s supposed to occur roughly at the same time each year but has become unpredictable. Despite some unlucky series of stormy days, there is still plenty of sun with occasional showers. On the bright side, everything is much cheaper! However, remember that even if the sky is blue, the sea is frequently rough, so we recommend booking a hotel with a swimming pool .

If you plan to Phuket during this time of the year, you might want to read: ‘ Things to Do in Phuket when it Rains ‘.

What is the hottest month in Phuket? April and May

April and May are the hottest months in Phuket . At least we are sure of that, and it never fails. The sky is usually blue, and the sea is very calm.

Temperature can reach 40˙C, and everyone in Thailand is celebrating the end of the warm season by throwing water at each other. The famous Songkran Festival can last three days or more, depending on the weather and which part of Thailand you are in. Remember to protect your skin and not spend too much time directly in the sun on the first day; a classic beginner’s mistake.

Phuket Weather Forecast

Note that online weather forecasts are always pessimistic! If it rains for 1 hour in a day, they will display the big scary ‘thunderstorm’ icon, to be on the safe side.

Phuket Weather Month by Month

Every day someone will write and ask, ‘How is the Weather in Phuket in June?’ or in August? or October? Of course, Phuket being a resort destination, people have the right to be worried. When you travel that far, wait that long and invest that much, you want to have some sun to get that suntan and blue sea to swim and bring some fantastic photos!

Phuket weather is not that simple. Yes, there are two seasons, and you can expect more sun during the high season and some rain during the rainy season, but each year, the weather is very different. There is no way to predict if it will not rain in January, and you could have an amazingly sunny October (which used to be known for being one of the wettest months of the year).

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Phuket Yearly Rain Chart

All these are common indications. We all know each year is different; even my grandmother knew that!

Average Temperatures and Occupancy

What should i pack for phuket.

December to March is the best time to visit Phuket when the sky is clear and the sea quiet and blue. The high season starts in November and ends in April. The sky is clear with a tropical island climate, and the sea is calm and turquoise blue. During those months, the island is rather busy, and hotel prices are higher.

The temperature is warm all year round, so you should always pack light . You won’t need more than t-shirts, shorts, light pants or light skirts, and a light jacket (that you may never use). Adding a light raincoat and an umbrella may be a good idea. Anyway, all these items are straightforward to find everywhere at low prices, so pack light and save some space in your suitcase to buy some souvenirs. Ironically, locals will consider the weather to be ‘cold’ if the temperature gets close to 20˙C! Anyway, no matter which month you visit Phuket, it is always warm , and the sea feels like entering a warm bath.

More about Phuket Weather

FAQs about Phuket Weather

a. There are mostly two seasons in Phuket The high season is from November to May The low season is from June to October In addition, the peak season is December and January

a. No, online weather forecasts tend always to be pessimistic. They will display a dramatic thunderstorm icon even for short tropical rain.

a. The rainy season has a lot of sunny days. Yes, there are some bad days, but it is often a mix of sunny days with short rains.

a. There are dozens of great things to do in Phuket if it rains. Spa treatments Jungceylon Shopping Center Central Shopping Mall Cooking Classes Museums Phang Nga Bay

a. Phuket’s climate is always warm, the temperature rarely goes below 25C, and the sea is still as warm as a bath!

Thailand Nomads

When is the Best Time to Visit Phuket? – 2024 Guide

Joy intisuk.

• March 30, 2023

Coming straight to the point, the best time to visit Phuket is between November and April. During this time, the beach is calm, and weather conditions are ideal for all kinds of beach activities.

The worst time to visit Phuket is during the monsoon season, from May to October. The sea rages during this season and can be unsafe for water sports.

However, accommodation prices are much lower during this season.

Although we have given you the exact best time to visit Phuket, the term ‘best time’ is subjective and may differ for people.

Therefore, we are discussing the weather of Phuket and other important details in this blog so that you can better plan your visit and not rely on the majority votes.

Find out the best time to visit Phuket , when the island’s idyllic weather and pristine beaches come together to create a truly unforgettable tropical paradise experience.

Phuket Climate

Phuket, as its location close to the sea suggests, has a tropical climate pattern as it is close to the sea. It varies between warm, cool, and rainy and never gets too cold.

Cool Season

People usually prefer visiting here during the cool season that lasts from November through February. The temperature during these months ranges between 23°C to 30°C and is drier.

Since monsoons precede this season, the overall atmosphere is very cool, fresh, and breezy. This season is ideal for relaxing by the beach and trying adventure water sports.

Warm Season

On the other hand, summers are scorching and extend from March to mid-May.

During this time, the whole of Thailand experiences the ‘burning season,’ characterized by poor air quality and scorching heat.

Monsoon Season

The monsoon season in Phuket extends from May to October. It is an excellent time to visit if you like rainfall.

The best part about visiting Phuket this season is that the crowd is comparatively scared here, and you can have the space to yourself.

To give you an even better understanding of the best time to visit Phuket, we are listing down the month-wise weather conditions.  

Phuket During March – June

Phuket island is the hottest between March and May. The temperatures go as high as 40 degrees during the day.

This period is deemed to be the ‘Hot season.’ Tourists usually avoid visiting Phuket during the Hot Season.

It is not the best time for a pleasant holiday. The average temperature during the Hot season is around 30 degrees.

Towards the end of May and starting of June, the island gets a few refreshing showers that offer some respite from the scorching heat.

The first half of May gets quite pleasant because of the rain. This is also the time during which the Thai locals celebrate their New Year. Songkran, or Thai New Year, is celebrated through water fights and lasts three days.

If you visit Phuket during this time, you can also witness Phuket Bike Week, the biggest motorcycle event in Asia. It happens around mid-April.

It includes an extensive bike exhibition, a “Ride for Peace” bike parade, custom bike and tattoo contests, live music, and Miss Phuket Bike Week pageant.

The Phuket Gay Pride & Festival is also held during this time for seven days. Hence, we see it is quite an eventful time in Phuket.

The famous “Amazing Grand Sale” also begins in June and witnesses great footfall. If you love shopping, you can consider visiting Phuket during this time.

Pro Tips For Visiting Phuket During This Time

• It would be best to consider staying indoors to avoid getting sick in such extreme heat.
• For sightseeing, you can consider visiting temples, entertainment complexes, and cinemas or trying the unique Thai wellness retreats.
• If you plan to move out, try stepping out in the early mornings or late evenings. During this time, the weather is much more bearable.
• For long distances, consider taking a car on rent. There are some really good car rentals in Phuket that you can consider.
• Always carry ample water and sunscreen whenever you move out.
• Pack lightweight clothing with natural fabrics like cotton. They will keep you cool.
• Take enough fluids to stay hydrated.

Phuket During July – October

This is the monsoon season in Phuket, also known as the low season.

During this period, Phuket receives torrential rains along with cool breezes. September is the wettest month, and it tends to rain the most.

In July, the Phuket Race Week, an international-standard yacht race, is held over four days in the middle of July. It is situated on the east coast of Phuket. It includes a variety of activities and four regatta parties.

You can also witness the Hungry Ghost Festival, which takes place in August.

During this time, food offering ceremonies are organized at home to make merit and distribute food and other necessities to those in need. These events can be experienced at any of the Chinese Shrines.

During September and October, due to heavy rains. So it could be a great time to get some good discounts and space. However, you should avoid visiting waterfalls during this time.

During this time, you might be restricted in terms of movement. Many beaches do not allow visitors during the monsoons. You might also not be able to partake in various water sports.

• Avoid going to waterfalls, violent beaches, and swimming pools during this time.
• Try staying indoors when it rains heavily.
• Carry sturdy footwear to avoid slipping and skidding.
• Always carry an umbrella or raincoat whenever stepping out.

Phuket During December – March

Phuket between December and March when the weather is pleasant, with little or no rain and plenty of sunlight.. It the best season, perfect for a beach holiday.

This is also the coolest time of the year. There is a lot of festivity during this season, with Christmas and New Year celebrated with a great deal of pomp and gusto.

Besides the festivals, there is a very happening nightlife where you can have a great time. The International Boat Show is also held in January from the 5th to the 8th. It is a well-attended annual affair.

During this event, there is a display of fantastic collections that include internationally renowned yachts from prestigious shipyards, watercraft, marine equipment, and a wide range of nautical gadgets.

During this time, the beaches are welcoming, and there is revelry in the air. Also, this is the best time to visit Bangla Road and Phang Nga Phuket’s top attractions.

There are also several other exciting activities you could partake in.

If you are visiting between December to March, don’t forget to experience the crazy nightlife at Bangla Road. It might appear very basic during the day, but as the sun sets, the street transforms into a party zone.

Few tourists visit here, and it is usually closed to traffic after sunset. The side roads turn into entertainment complexes.

Phang Nga Bay, with its sheer limestone karsts that jut vertically out of the emerald-green water, is also definitely worth visiting.

The best way to enjoy this spectacular scenery would be to take a long boat trip which passes by all the sites and stops at some of the beaches.

The Thao Thepkasattri-Thao Sri Suntorn Festival is also held in March. It is one of the most important festivals in Phuket and is held for over two weeks.

The festival features many cultural and sports events, including bicycle racing, tug of war, a mini-marathon, and takraw, besides a Buddhist ordination ceremony.

Phuket also celebrates National Thai Elephant day in March. During this time, the zoos in Phuket treat their elephants to huge bouquets of fruit and sugar cane.

This season, particularly from the second half of December onwards, gets extremely crowded in Phuket. You’d do well to get a seat at a restaurant or pub in time.

• This is perhaps the busiest season in Phuket, so you will most likely see crowds everywhere.
• The hotels get mad expensive during this season, so book in advance.
• If possible, try to get a good Airbnb since they are cheaper and offer good quality service. – Here is a list of the best Airbnbs in Phuket that you can consider.

Final Words

Now that you have all the essential information about the Phuket weather condition, you are in a better position to take care of things on your Thailand vacation.

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