Best & Worst Time to Visit Phuket, Thailand

Are you planning a trip to Phuket and wondering when the best time to go is? You’re in the right place. This month-by-month weather breakdown will help you figure out exactly when to visit Phuket, Thailand.

The best time to visit Phuket is from mid-November through April. This is the dry season, sunny skies, lower humidity, and ideal beach weather define these months.

Phuket’s weather begins shifting into dry season in November, and it stays mostly dry until the start of May.

The worst time to visit Phuket is between May and October, when the island experiences its monsoon season. Expect heavy rains, occasional storms, and even mild street flooding during this period.

Still figuring out the best time to visit and how to structure your trip? My Thailand Travel Webinar walks you through it step by step, covering destinations, timing, and common mistakes to avoid.

Best Time to Visit Phuket by Month

November — Sunny & Little Rain

November is a transitional month for the weather in Phuket. In November, the cooler weather becomes less likely, and sunny days slowly become more consistent, especially in the second half of the month. You may experience some rainfall, but it’s minimal.

The average high temperature during this month is approximately 32°C (90°F), while the average low temperature is around 25°C (77°F).

If you’re considering visiting Phuket in November, it’s best to plan your trip for the second half of the month to increase the likelihood of ideal weather conditions.

December — Dry & Cool

In December, Phuket enjoys ideal weather conditions for a tropical getaway, making it an ideal time for those seeking a Christmas holiday destination.

During December, Phuket’s weather has completely transitioned into the dry season. The weather is dry with relatively low humidity, making it perfect beach weather.

The average high temperature during December is around 32°C (90°F), while the average low temperature hovers around 23°C (73°F).

Rainfall and thunderstorm days are not a concern in December, as the likelihood is very low during the dry season.

January — Dry & Sunny

January is an excellent time to visit Phuket, as the island enjoys beautiful weather during the dry season. Still, humidity levels remain relatively low, creating a comfortable climate for beach activities and exploring the island of Phuket.

The average high temperature reaches around 33°C (91°F), while the average low temperature drops to about 24°C (75°F).

The sea is calm and inviting in January, making it ideal for water sports and swimming. Naturally, beaches become busier in January compared to December and November.

January is considered one of the best months to visit Phuket, as it offers plenty of sunshine and clear skies. Both January and February are when Phuket has its driest period; these two months share the lowest chance of rainfall.

February — Still Dry & Sunny

As the dry season continues, February is another excellent month to visit Phuket, offering pleasant weather with warm, dry temperatures and relatively low humidity levels.

The average high temperature reaches around 34°C (93°F), while the average low temperature hovers around 25°C (77°F).

February offers very calm seas in Phuket, making it perfect to enjoy the many beaches in Phuket!

February is considered one of the best two months to visit Phuket, as it’s the driest month of the year, with a very low probability of rain. Beach lovers, this is your month to visit Phuket!

March — Hot & Slightly Humid

In March, Phuket experiences warm and pleasant weather with increasing temperatures as the dry season continues. Humidity levels start to rise in March compared to the previous months, but are still relatively comfortable.

The average high temperature rises to around 33°C (91°F), while the average low temperature remains around 24°C (75°F).

March is a great time to visit Phuket, as the days are filled with sunshine and minimal rainfall, creating an ideal atmosphere for the beach and exploring Phuket’s many attractions.

April — Hot & Humid

In April, Phuket experiences hot and humid weather as it transitions into the hottest/humid month of the dry season. Humidity levels significantly increase, making beach days a necessity.

The average high temperature rises to around 34°C (93°F), while the average low temperature remains at approximately 25°C (77°F).

April marks the end of the dry season in Phuket, but rainfall remains low, so frequent beach days and the chance to explore Phuket are still suitable. However, occasional showers and thunderstorms can occur, more likely near the end of the month.

One of the best ways to cool off in April’s hot weather in Phuket is by visiting Phuket during Songkran festival, the Thai New Year celebration, where locals/tourists drench one another in water!

For those who don’t enjoy higher heat levels, you may want to consider visiting Phuket another month. April is the standout month of the year for higher temperatures, with humidity levels that can be uncomfortable for some.

Worst Time to Visit Phuket by Month

May — Cloudy/Rainy & Humid

In May, Phuket enters the beginning stages of the rainy season, experiencing warm and typical tropical weather. The average high temperature in May is around 32°C (90°F), with humidity. During the evenings, the average low temperature is around 26°C (79°F).

May is a transitional weather month in Phuket, as the dry season comes to a close and the rainy season is set to begin. During the rainy season in Phuket, you can expect occasional showers and thunderstorms, which are unsuitable for the beach.

Most showers during the rainy season are typically brief, offering a refreshing respite from the heat. However, there are days when the rain won’t stop for an entire afternoon.

Despite the increase in rainfall, May can still offer enjoyable, sunny days for beach activities and outdoor exploration in Phuket.

June — Hot & Some Rainfall

As Phuket enters its first complete month of the rainy season, the island experiences warm and wet weather.

Humidity levels rise significantly compared to May, adding to the tropical feel of the climate.

The average high temperature during this month is around 31°C (88°F), while the average low temperature hovers around 25°C (77°F).

June is known for its frequent rain showers and thunderstorms, which can interrupt your daily plans to adventure around the island. If you visit in June, don’t worry; you can expect a few sunny days, but be prepared for humid temperatures.

July — Moderate Rainfall

July marks the onset of more consistent rainfall in Phuket as the rainy season enters its second stage.

The average high temperature during this month is approximately 31°C (88°F), while the average low temperature remains around 25°C (77°F).

The humidity levels rise slightly, adding a bit of discomfort during the day. Visiting Phuket in July is not recommended due to the frequent rainfall and thunderstorms that occur during this time. You may experience a sunny day or two, but the odds aren’t on your side!

August — Rain Increases

August doesn’t get any better compared to July in Phuket. The island experiences warm and rainy weather as it progresses through the rainy season.

The average high temperature during this month is around 30°C (86°F), while the average low temperature remains steady at about 25°C (77°F).

In August, humidity levels remain high in Phuket, and rain increases, with some days experiencing continuous rainfall. Thunderstorms are common throughout the day, and minor floods in some island streets also occur!

September — Rainiest Month

In September, Phuket experiences the most rain of the year, accompanied by cooler temperatures than in previous months.

The average high temperature on the island during this month is approximately 30°C (86°F), while the average low temperature decreases slightly to around 23°C (73°F). The only positive aspect of September is that humidity levels decrease, providing a more comfortable climate for visitors.

If there’s one month you shouldn’t visit Phuket, it’s September because it’s the rainiest month of the year in Phuket. It’s not advised to visit Phuket in September. The odds you’ll experience beach days are quite slim!

October — End of Rainy Season

October marks the beginning of the weather change in Phuket as the rainy season approaches, although rainfall and thunderstorms remain fairly consistent throughout the month.

The average high temperature during October is around 30°C (86°F), while the average low temperature drops further to about 23°C (73°F). Along with the change in weather, humidity levels continue to decrease in October in Phuket.

Visiting Phuket in October isn’t the best idea because you aren’t guaranteed to experience a constant flow of sunny and warm days just yet; it’s better to wait until November.

High Season in Phuket

The period from November to March is Phuket’s peak travel season. The island experiences its peak season during this period, thanks to its favorable weather.

Warm and sunny days, along with low humidity levels and minimal rainfall, prevail during these four months. This period also marks the peak dry season, from December to March.

Around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, Phuket experiences an influx of tourists seeking to celebrate the holidays by the beach.

If you want to visit Phuket during the dry season but prefer less-crowded beaches, then you should visit Phuket in November. Additionally, flights and hotels are often cheaper during this time, before prices rise in December due to the holidays and the start of the high season.

Shoulder Season in Phuket

Suppose you’d like to visit Phuket when the weather is fairly favorable, with fewer tourists, and prices for flights and hotels are slightly lower than in the high season. Choosing to visit Phuket during the shoulder season is perfect for you then!

Phuket’s shoulder season months are November and May. Both these months are transitional weather months on the island.

In November, the weather is slowly entering the beginning stages of the dry season, and the island is yet to receive its influx of visitors.

While you may experience some rain, you will also experience many sunny days! To increase your chances of sunshine, visit during the second half of the month.

In May, Phuket’s weather is transitioning from the dry season to the rainy season. Most tourists tend not to visit Phuket after April, the last sure month of the dry season.

As a result, prices for hotels and flights steadily drop in May, enticing tourists to visit. Weather-wise, it can be a hit or miss, but overall, you will experience a rainy day here and there.

Off Season in Phuket

Choosing to visit Phuket during the off-season can be either a good idea or a bad one, depending on which month you choose to visit.

Weather trends vary significantly from month to month during the off-season in Phuket. For example, visiting in June versus visiting in September is a big difference; despite both months being part of the off-season, June still offers some sunny days, while September is the rainiest month!

Tourism on the island is at its yearly low during the off-season months; beaches are empty, shops aren’t nearly as busy, and businesses take a hit during this time. Hotels offer many various deals to entice tourists to visit during the off-season.

The aggressive sea is a significant blow to visiting during some off-season months; most come to Phuket to enjoy its beaches and water activities. During the off-season, it’s common to see red flags on the beaches advising visitors not to enter the water.

August and September are two standout months in Phuket, when the island experiences its heaviest rainfall and most thunderstorms.

During these two months, it is advisable to avoid visiting Phuket. Some areas on the island experience mild flooding on particular streets, with water reaching ankle-deep levels.

Where to Stay in Phuket

Kata or Karon Beach: These two popular neighbouring beach areas in Phuket are next to one another, sharing very similar atmospheres. Both have stunning beach shorelines and a relaxing beach area full of restaurants, shops, and bars.

Katathani Phuket Resort — Beautiful 5-star beachfront resort, full of many activities and amenities

Blu Pine Villas — Modern boutique-style hotel offering villa rooms close to many excellent restaurants

Le Meridien Phuket — A stunning modern 5-star beachfront resort with many amenities and a private beach area

JonoX Karon — Ultra modern hotel minutes away from the beach, beautiful rooftop pool, and very well-priced

Patong Beach: Widely known as Phuket’s most popular area due to its nightlife and wide variety of shopping. Patong Beach offers a lively area for those seeking a more lively experience rather than a relaxing stay.

Rosewood Phuket — A luxurious boutique hotel located in the hills of Patong in a private area, offering villas equipped with all you need and stunning panoramic ocean views

Amari Phuket – The Amari Phuket offers exceptional views of Patong Beach and the area; the hotel is well-rated and conveniently close to the main Patong area

Kamala Beach: Similar to Kata and Karon, Kamala Beach also offers visitors a relaxing island experience. Kamala Beach is beautiful, but not as nice as Kata or Karon’s beaches. However, Kamala Beach offers more activities to do during the day and night compared to Kata and Karon.

Kamala is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing spot that’s slightly more lively than Karon or Kata, but not as lively as Patong.

InterContinental Phuket Resort — offers guests a tranquil, relaxing, luxurious stay. InterContinental is a beachfront hotel located along Kamala Beach, offering a range of world-class amenities.

Novotel Kamala Beach — Situated at the end of Kamala Beach, this hotel offers direct beach access, spacious rooms, and excellent amenities.

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