What is The Best Month to Visit Phuket?
What will Phuket weather be like in the month I arrive? What is the best month to visit Phuket? These are questions I often get, and some tough ones to answer for several reasons. First, despite some expected high and low seasons, there are no guaranteed patterns. The weather in Phuket is unpredictable each year, and each month is more of an educated guess based on the previous year than on real knowledge.
Of course, most people know that the high season is from December to May and the rainy season from June to November, but with global warming, you get the picture.
I share the usual Phuket weather patterns together with my notes as best as possible. I hope these will help you choose the best month to travel to Phuket!
Phuket Weather Overview
| Month | Season | Daytime Temp | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Peak Season | 32.7°C | 30 |
| February | High Season | 33.6°C | 24 |
| March | High Season | 34.0°C | 74 |
| April | Hottest Month | 33.9°C | 143 |
| May | Start of Rainy Season | 32.8°C | 260 |
| June | Rainy Season | 32.4°C | 213 |
| July | Rainy Season | 32.0°C | 258 |
| August | Rainy Season | 32.0°C | 287 |
| September | Wettest Month | 31.5°C | 361 |
| October | Rainy Season | 31.5°C | 320 |
| November | End of Rainy Season | 31.7°C | 177 |
| December | Peak Season | 31.7°C | 72 |
Phuket Live Webcam
Phuket Average Rainfall
Weather in Phuket – Month by Month
Phuket Weather in January
| Peak Season |
January weather in Phuket is what I would call ‘perfect’; probably the best month of the year to visit. Rain showers go from rare to none, and the temperature is as cool as possible.
On the downside, hotel prices are higher, and the island is busy (In recent years, beaches are not as packed as they used to be). On the other hand, the sea is quiet and blue, perfect for your holiday Instagram photos. Cruising the sea to the nearby islands is usually a smooth ride.
| January Weather | |
|---|---|
| Daytime Temperature | 32.7°C |
| Night Temperature | 24.5°C |
| Sunny Days | 27 days |
| Rainy Days | 4 days |
| Rainfall | 30 mm |
| Humidity | 70% |
| Sea Temperature | 28°C |
| Sea Condition | Calm, clear, best swimming |
Phuket Weather in February
| High Season |
In February, the weather in Phuket is quite similar to January; the air is a bit drier and hotter. However, those are the best months to explore the islands around Phuket, as the sea is usually calm and clear.
Phuket beaches are usually all clean, the sea blue and pristine (which is not always true for remote beaches during the low season). On the other hand, the most popular beaches get very busy (Patong, Kata, Nai Harn), so going north to discover the quietest beaches of Phuket is a good idea.
| February Weather | |
|---|---|
| Daytime Temperature | 33.6°C |
| Night Temperature | 24.9°C |
| Sunny Days | 25 days |
| Rainy Days | 3 days |
| Rainfall | 24 mm |
| Humidity | 69% |
| Sea Temperature | 28°C |
| Sea Condition | Calm with excellent visibility |
Phuket Weather in March
| High Season |
Phuket weather gets hotter in March, and the sea and weather remain spotlessly blue. Here too, expect prices to stay high, roads and beaches to be busy. Rain may appear in short (and welcome) showers.
| March Weather | |
|---|---|
| Daytime Temperature | 34.0°C |
| Night Temperature | 25.4°C |
| Sunny Days | 26 days |
| Rainy Days | 5 days |
| Rainfall | 74 mm |
| Humidity | 71% |
| Sea Temperature | 29°C |
| Sea Condition | Calm, occasional swells |
Phuket Weather in April
| The Hottest Month of the High Season |
April sees temperatures reaching some of the highest peaks of the year. So if you travelled on a short budget and picked one of the few hostels without air conditioning and just a fan, you’d better be ready for some hot nights.
April is so hot each year, but it is also the occasion to celebrate the famous Songkran festival, where people shower each other copiously for several days (and nights). It’s fun for most, but if you don’t like getting wet and partying wild, consider avoiding the Songkran week (whose dates vary each year).
| April Weather | |
|---|---|
| Daytime Temperature | 33.9°C |
| Night Temperature | 25.8°C |
| Sunny Days | 19 days |
| Rainy Days | 11 days |
| Rainfall | 143 mm |
| Humidity | 75% |
| Sea Temperature | 30°C |
| Sea Condition | Mostly calm, warming up |
Phuket Weather in May
May is the last month of the high season, and the weather in Phuket stays in line with April, just hotter and drier. The vegetation turns brown, and people stay home during the day and have a frequent topic of conversation: Today is so humid and hot!
Note: The Similan Islands close in mid-May and do not reopen until mid-October. If island hopping is on your list, plan accordingly.
| May Weather | |
|---|---|
| Daytime Temperature | 32.8°C |
| Night Temperature | 25.6°C |
| Sunny Days | 10 days |
| Rainy Days | 21 days |
| Rainfall | 260 mm |
| Humidity | 79% |
| Sea Temperature | 30°C |
| Sea Condition | Moderate, waves on west coast |
Phuket Weather in June
| Start of the Rainy Season |
Phuket in June sees the return of the rains; however, it does not rain every day or all day in June, and you will certainly enjoy many sunny days. Unfortunately, the sea sometimes becomes rough or dangerous, and respecting the red flags is not a warning to take lightly. If you get caught in the rain, check out things to do in Phuket when it rains.
| June Weather | |
|---|---|
| Daytime Temperature | 32.4°C |
| Night Temperature | 25.5°C |
| Sunny Days | 11 days |
| Rainy Days | 19 days |
| Rainfall | 213 mm |
| Humidity | 79% |
| Sea Temperature | 30°C |
| Sea Condition | Rough on west coast, red flags common |
Phuket Weather in July
| Rainy Season |
In July, the weather in Phuket is a bit wetter than in June, but you will still get quite a few sunny days. It’s the rainy season, so expect some rainy days, but it doesn’t mean it will rain every day or all day. That’s unless you picked an unlucky week.
| July Weather | |
|---|---|
| Daytime Temperature | 32.0°C |
| Night Temperature | 25.1°C |
| Sunny Days | 12 days |
| Rainy Days | 19 days |
| Rainfall | 258 mm |
| Humidity | 79% |
| Sea Temperature | 29°C |
| Sea Condition | Rough on west coast, red flags common |
Phuket Weather in August
| Rainy Season |
The weather in Phuket in August is not very different from that in July. On the bright side, the island is more peaceful, has fewer traffic jams, and the beaches are all yours. However, the sea can be rough, so respect the flags and pick a hotel with a great pool and a spa, and you will have a fantastic holiday. Read my 10 tips for a great rainy season holiday.
| August Weather | |
|---|---|
| Daytime Temperature | 32.0°C |
| Night Temperature | 25.3°C |
| Sunny Days | 12 days |
| Rainy Days | 19 days |
| Rainfall | 287 mm |
| Humidity | 79% |
| Sea Temperature | 29°C |
| Sea Condition | Rough, strong currents possible |
Phuket Weather in September
| Wettest Month of the Year |
September is usually the wettest month of the year in Phuket. You can expect more rainy days than sunny ones, but you should usually get a mix of sun and rain. September is not the best month to travel to Phuket if you want that perfect blue sky and quiet blue ocean, so if you can avoid it, pick another month to be on the safe side. If you have no choice, there are still some bright sides: the roads are not hectic, and all the attractions and tours are usually open. Except for the Similan Islands, all the islands are accessible, including Phi Phi Island. When it rains, bookmark this page I created to keep you busy: Fun Things to Do in Phuket When it Rains.
| September Weather | |
|---|---|
| Daytime Temperature | 31.5°C |
| Night Temperature | 24.6°C |
| Sunny Days | 8 days |
| Rainy Days | 23 days |
| Rainfall | 361 mm |
| Humidity | 82% |
| Sea Temperature | 29°C |
| Sea Condition | Rough, strong currents, respect red flags |
Phuket Weather in October
| Another Wet Month |
October weather in Phuket is not much different from the weather in September, which is a mix of sun and rain. It is also not the best month to visit Phuket if you have a choice. However, to be on the positive side, and if you have no choice, this time of the year is the most challenging lucky draw. The rain WILL fall; there is no doubt about it, and it comes in a series of 3, 6 or 9 days, as they always say here. Just pray that it is not during your week!
On the bright side, the beautiful Similan Islands reopen in October, but the seas can still be rough.
| October Weather | |
|---|---|
| Daytime Temperature | 31.5°C |
| Night Temperature | 24.5°C |
| Sunny Days | 9 days |
| Rainy Days | 22 days |
| Rainfall | 320 mm |
| Humidity | 82% |
| Sea Temperature | 29°C |
| Sea Condition | Improving but still unpredictable |
Phuket Weather in November
| Last Month of the Low Season |
The weather in November usually starts to show signs of improvement. It still can be a mix of sun and rain, but the risk of rain is still quite high. The sea remains rough, and you should keep your eye on the red flags. Booking a hotel with a pool is a good idea. Thailand celebrates the beautiful Loy Krathong in November. Read more
| November Weather | |
|---|---|
| Daytime Temperature | 31.7°C |
| Night Temperature | 24.7°C |
| Sunny Days | 14 days |
| Rainy Days | 16 days |
| Rainfall | 177 mm |
| Humidity | 79% |
| Sea Temperature | 29°C |
| Sea Condition | Calming down, still some waves |
Phuket Weather in December
| Peak Season |
In December, the weather is usually great unless it’s an unlucky month, which tends to happen more often in recent years. Typically, the weather is beautiful: blue sky with tiny clouds and a cool temperature. 24 C is considered ‘cold’ by locals or those who lived here too long. So prices start to switch to the high season rate.
| December Weather | |
|---|---|
| Daytime Temperature | 31.7°C |
| Night Temperature | 24.4°C |
| Sunny Days | 23 days |
| Rainy Days | 8 days |
| Rainfall | 72 mm |
| Humidity | 75% |
| Sea Temperature | 28°C |
| Sea Condition | Calm, clear, good for swimming |
Weather Forecast for Phuket
More about Phuket Weather
What to Pack for Phuket
The temperature is warm all year round, so pack light. T-shirts, shorts, light pants or skirts, and sandals are all you need. A light raincoat or small umbrella is useful during the monsoon season. All of these items are easy to find locally at low prices, so save space in your suitcase for souvenirs. Read more in my full packing guide for Phuket.
Insider Tips
Weather apps and forecasts are almost useless here. I check them, but I’ve learned not to trust them beyond a day or two. A forecast showing rain all week often turns into scattered afternoon showers with sunny mornings. The opposite happens too.
If you’re coming during monsoon season, book a hotel with a good pool. The sea can be too rough for swimming, but you’ll still get sunshine between the rain. West coast beaches get the worst waves from May to October. East coast beaches like Ao Po or Cape Panwa stay calmer.
December and January can feel surprisingly cool at night. Anything below 25°C and locals start complaining about the cold. If you’re coming from a cold country, you’ll find it amusing. But pack a light layer anyway if you plan to ride a motorbike at night.
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 day actually looked like last year.
Phuket Weather Through the Years
I’ve lived in Phuket since 1994, and the weather has changed more than most people realise. When I first arrived, December and January could get genuinely cold for a tropical island. Anything below 20°C was considered freezing, and locals would pull out jackets and complain endlessly. It was the main topic of conversation for weeks.
That doesn’t happen as often anymore. The hot months feel hotter each year. April is now so intense that the popularity of the Songkran water festival keeps growing. People are genuinely grateful for a reason to drench each other in water for a few days.
Rain is the other endless conversation. Travellers ask me all the time how the weather will look during their trip, especially if they’re coming during monsoon season. The honest answer is: nobody really knows. It will rain during low season, but you will also get plenty of beautiful sunny days. That’s why I created so many weather pages, and also why I built a huge collection of daily weather timelapses. Each timelapse shows the weather of a full day compressed into one minute. Nothing helps more than seeing what a typical day actually looked like last year.
