One of the most frequently asked questions by travellers’ considering Phuket as a holiday destination sounds something like this:
Q: “I’m thinking of booking a trip to Phuket in July. What’s the weather like at that time of year?”
A: “It might be wet, it might be dry, it might be calm, it might be stormy—but it’s always hot!”
For most travellers, good weather is essential for a successful holiday, especially when visiting a tropical destination. While Thailand technically has three seasons, Phuket’s climate is heavily influenced by the warm Andaman Sea. This means Phuket doesn’t experience a true ‘cool’ season like northern Thailand. For simplicity, we’ll break it down into two main seasons: the Dry/High Season and the Rainy/Low Season.
November – April: Dry season / High season (winds from the east)
May – October: Rainy season / Low season (winds from the west)
(High/Low refers to the number of visitors during each season)
It’s 1 p.m. on a dark, wet, and stormy September afternoon in Phuket. Without the office lights on, the room would be as dim as dusk. The weather is anything but ideal, and the forecast for the coming days isn’t looking much brighter—but that’s expected. After all, it’s monsoon season.
In stark contrast, August was just as pleasant as any month in the dry season, with plenty of sunshine, calm seas, and only the occasional evening shower to cool things down. After a monsoon passes, Phuket often experiences a period of hot, dry, and calm conditions. You’d never guess it’s still the rainy season!
What Can I Expect When Visiting Phuket in the Dry/High Season?
November to February are Phuket’s coolest months—and also the busiest. You can expect lots of sunshine, daytime temperatures around 32°C, low humidity, clear skies, light easterly winds, calm seas, and clean beaches (thanks to the offshore winds). Evening temperatures cool down to around 24°C, making outdoor nights quite enjoyable.
From mid-December to mid-January, visitor numbers peak, as do accommodation prices.
From March to May, the temperature rises, with daytime highs reaching up to 38°C, increased humidity, and warm sea temperatures (around 31°C). The beaches remain clean, and while nights are warmer, there’s a chance of evening showers as May approaches.
April brings Songkran, Thailand’s New Year celebration, marking the beginning of the rainy season. It’s a fantastic celebration that will bring out the inner child in even the most serious adults!
What Can I Expect When Visiting Phuket in the Rainy Season?
The rainy season in Phuket runs from May to October. From May to August, rains are usually short and inconsistent, lasting just an hour or two. If you can handle some heat, these months can be a great time to visit, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 36°C. Expect hot, sunny days, evening rain, epic sunsets, lower accommodation rates, fewer travelers, and uncrowded beaches. As the season progresses, the rains become more consistent, with September and early October historically being the wettest months due to the monsoons. These weeks can bring stronger winds and heavier rain, sometimes lasting several days. If you’re planning a short beach holiday of fewer than seven days, this might not be the best time to visit if you’re hoping to soak up the sun.
A typical monsoon system can linger for up to a week, followed by a few days of hot, clear weather. This cycle is common in August and September. By late October, the winds shift from west to east, preparing Phuket’s world-class beaches for the postcard-perfect tropical paradise. November ushers in the start of the dry season.
So, When Should I Visit Phuket?
The best time to visit Phuket depends on your preferences and the pros and cons of each season.
- If you’re solely focused on the weather, December to February is the ideal time.
- If budget is more important, May to August offers great value with lower rates.
- September and October come with the risk of wet weather, but visitor numbers are at their lowest, and you can find 5-star resorts at a fraction of the high-season rates—ideal for long-term travelers on a budget.
Interested in Understanding the Weather Forecast?
Get familiar with apps like Windy or Windguru. These detailed forecasts will be incredibly helpful when planning your outdoor activities in Phuket. And if that doesn’t work for you, feel free to drop us a message—we’ll gladly be your personal weatherman!
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