How is the Weather in Phuket in May?
May marks the transition from high season to low season in Phuket. The monsoon is approaching, and the first tropical rains start to arrive. Temperatures and humidity remain very high, making it uncomfortable if you’re not used to the heat. The good news is that those sudden evening showers bring welcome relief from the sticky air.
The vegetation looks brown and dry after months without rain. Even the few Phuket waterfalls run dry and may not be worth visiting until the rains pick up in June. Water storage can be a concern for some hotels during this time.
The sea is usually still calm in early May, but the monsoon will bring the first swells and potentially dangerous currents to west coast beaches. Red flags start appearing more frequently. Consider booking a hotel with a great swimming pool as a backup. Protect your skin from the sun and drink plenty of water.
Phuket Weather in May
| 🌡️ Average day temperature | 32.8°C |
| 🌡️ Average night temperature | 25.6°C |
| ☀️ Average sunny days | 10 days |
| 🌧️ Average rainy days | 21 days |
| 🌧️ Average rainfall | 260 mm |
| 💧 Average humidity | 79% |
| 🏖️ Water temperature | 30°C |
| 🌊 Sea condition | Moderate, waves on west coast |
| ☀️ Sunshine hours | 6 hours/day |
| 🔆 UV Index | 12 (Extreme) |
Phuket Averages in May
Rain Chart for Phuket in May
Phuket Prices in May
May marks the start of the low season, and hotel prices drop significantly. You can find rooms at 30-50% less than high season rates. Beaches are less crowded, restaurants are easier to book, and the island feels more relaxed. If you don’t mind occasional rain, May offers excellent value for money.
Things to Do in Phuket in May
Last Chance for Island Hopping
The Similan Islands and Surin Islands close in mid-May (usually around 15 May) and won’t reopen until mid-October. If these pristine islands are on your list, book a trip in the first two weeks of May. After that, you’ll have to wait until the next high season.
Phi Phi Islands and Phang Nga Bay remain accessible year-round, though seas can be rougher. Check conditions before booking.
Beat the Heat
Shopping malls become unusually attractive with their intense air conditioning. Water parks like Andamanda and Blue Tree Phuket are perfect for cooling off. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Plane Spotting
If you plan to take photos of planes landing in Phuket, there is a high chance that aircraft will start approaching Phuket International Airport from the east coast as the winds shift with the monsoon.
May is Mango Season!
May is the peak of mango season, and this is your chance to enjoy Khao Niaw Ma Muang (Mango Sticky Rice), one of the most loved desserts in Thailand. This cheap but delicious treat is available all year round and easy to find in many restaurants, but April to June is when the fruit is the sweetest and tastiest. Read about Thai desserts here.
Events and Festivals in May
Visakha Bucha Day
Visakha Bucha (Vesak) is one of the most important Buddhist holidays, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. It falls on the full moon of the sixth lunar month, usually in mid-May. Temples hold candlelit processions in the evening, and alcohol sales are prohibited for 24 hours. Many locals visit temples to make merit. It’s a quieter, more reflective time on the island.
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Time-lapse of Each Day of May 2025
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What to Pack for May
Pack light, breathable clothing. The heat and humidity are intense, so cotton and linen work best. Bring a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for afternoon showers. Waterproof sandals are useful when the streets get wet. High-SPF sunscreen is essential as the UV index remains extreme. A waterproof bag for your phone and camera is a good idea if you’re heading to the beach or on boat trips. Read more in my full packing guide for Phuket.
Insider Tips
May is a transition month, and the weather can be unpredictable. Some years, the monsoon arrives early and brings rain from the first week. Other years, May stays dry until the very end. Check the forecast, but don’t trust it completely. The best approach is to be flexible.
If the Similan Islands are important to you, visit in the first week of May. Tour operators sometimes cancel trips in the second week if conditions look rough. Don’t leave it until the last minute.
Hotel prices drop dramatically in May. This is one of the best months for budget travellers. You can get rooms at top resorts for a fraction of high season rates. Many hotels throw in extras like free breakfast or spa credits to attract guests.
The first rains bring relief from the heat, but they also bring mosquitoes. Pack insect repellent, especially if you’re staying near jungle or mangroves.
May is when surfers start arriving on the west coast. The monsoon swells create waves at beaches like Kata, Kalim, and Surin. If you’ve never tried surfing, this is actually a good time to learn. The waves are smaller than later in the season, and surf schools are less busy.
The best way to check real conditions is my daily weather timelapses. Each video shows a full day compressed into one minute. Nothing helps more than seeing what a typical May day actually looked like last year.
May Weather Through the Years
I’ve experienced every May in Phuket since 1994, and no two are the same. Some Mays feel like an extension of high season with barely any rain. Others feel like the monsoon arrived a month early. The unpredictability is part of living here.
What I’ve noticed over the decades is that the transition period has become less predictable. The monsoon used to arrive like clockwork in the second half of May. Now it’s more erratic. Climate change is real, and you can see it in the weather patterns.
The one constant is the heat. May has always been brutally hot. Even locals complain. The difference now is that air conditioning is everywhere. When I first arrived, many guesthouses only had fans. Today, even budget hotels have AC. That makes May much more bearable than it used to be.
The Similan Islands closure has been consistent since they implemented the conservation policy. The exact date varies slightly (usually around 15 May), but the pattern is reliable. If you want to visit, early May is your window.
Phuket Weather Each Month of the Year
More About the Weather in Phuket
