Phuket during low season.

Should I Visit Phuket During Low Season?

Pros, Cons & Local Tips from your team at PhuketExplore.com

Thinking about visiting Phuket between May and October? This time of year—often referred to as the green season—is sometimes skipped by first-time visitors, but it offers a peaceful, authentic side of the island that many seasoned travellers and expats actually prefer.

At PhuketExplore.com, we welcome guests year-round and offer exclusive low-season promotions on private yacht charters, group tours, and hand-picked activities. Here is why the low season might just be the best-kept secret in Phuket travel.

Racha Yai and Racha Noi island during low season.
1. Fewer Crowds, More Space

The atmosphere during low season is blissfully relaxed. With fewer tourists, you can enjoy empty beaches, quick service at restaurants, and an unhurried local pace. You might even have entire stretches of sand to yourself—perfect for families, couples, or solo travellers seeking tranquillity.

2. Better Prices Across the Board

From hotels to flights and tours, prices can drop by 30–50%. At Phuket Explore, we offer special low-season rates on everything from private yacht charters to small-group excursions and family-friendly activities—helping you enjoy more while spending less.

3. Green and Gorgeous Scenery

Tropical showers bring the island to life. Waterfalls are flowing, forests are lush, and the air is crisp and fresh. Post-rain sunsets often light up the sky in spectacular fashion.

4. Surf Season on the West Coast

If you’ve ever wanted to try surfing, now’s your chance. Beaches like Kata, Kalim, and Surin come alive with surfable waves. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced surfer, it’s the ideal time to hit the water or book a lesson.

5. Phuket Stays Open—Unlike Other Islands

Unlike smaller Thai islands (e.g., Koh Lanta, Koh Pu, Koh Chang, or Koh Payam) where much shuts down during the low season, Phuket remains vibrant and active. Most restaurants, resorts, and tour providers operate as normal, and there’s plenty to see and do—even on the rainiest days.

Greenery and less crowds at Kata Beach, Phuket during low season.
1. Unpredictable Weather

Short tropical downpours are common, typically in the afternoons or evenings. But many days are still sunny or partly cloudy, and the rain often cools things down beautifully.

Pro Tip: Pack a light rain jacket, plan some indoor backup options (like spas or cooking classes), and remember—it’s always warm and tropical, rarely below 26°C.

2. Rougher Seas on the West

Trips to Phi Phi Islands or Koh Lanta can be impacted by choppy seas, especially from July to September. Some days may see cancellations due to weather or reduced comfort during long boat rides.

Better Option: Head east. Phang Nga Bay is protected from strong southwest winds and remains calm year-round—ideal for boating and sightseeing.

3. Dangerous Swimming Conditions

West coast beaches like Patong, Karon, and Kata can experience strong waves and rip currents, making swimming unsafe—especially for children.

💡 Local Tip: Visit Ao Yon Beach near Cape Panwa. It’s tucked away on the east coast, offering calm, swimmable waters even during the height of the monsoon season.

Strong winds and waves at Kata Beach, Phuket during low season.

🛥 Low Season Boat Trips: Peaceful, Cooler & Better Value

Boating is one of the best ways to enjoy Phuket in the low season. Here’s why:

  • Cooler air and sea breezes provide relief from land heat (often 34°C+)
  • Fewer boats on the water, giving you more privacy and serenity
  • Special pricing on private charters and group tours
  • Calm conditions in protected areas on the island’s east side

🌴 Phang Nga Bay

This iconic bay is a low-season favourite. Sheltered and serene, it’s home to towering limestone cliffs, sea caves, and hidden lagoons. Explore James Bond Island, kayak through mangroves, or relax on a luxury yacht—whatever your style, this is a must.

🐠 Racha Yai & Racha Noi

These islands lie south of Phuket and are perfect for snorkeling and diving in the green season. The east sides of both islands are flat and protected, with 20–30m visibility, abundant coral life, and vibrant reef fish.

  • Racha Noi is especially impressive, offering three scenic snorkeling stops
  • Great for speedboat day trips or scuba diving tours departing from Chalong Pier

Absolutely—if you prefer a slower pace, fewer crowds, and great deals. While it’s not ideal for every beach or island, Phuket still delivers:

  • Gorgeous green scenery
  • Affordable experiences
  • Calm boating conditions in the right places
  • Warm temperatures year-round

With the right planning and flexibility, low season can deliver some of the most authentic, peaceful, and memorable Phuket experiences.

At PhuketExplore.com, we’re passionate about this time of year. Whether you’re after a romantic private yacht, a group tour with friends, or low-season-friendly activities, our team can design a trip that fits your preferences and your budget.

👉 Get in touch today for insider tips, boat deals, and personalised advice.
Phuket is waiting—rain or shine.

when-is-the-best-time-to-visit-phuket

When is the best time to visit Phuket?

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.

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.