Phuket Weather
Phuket weather follows a tropical monsoon pattern with two distinct seasons. The dry high season runs from November to April, bringing clear skies, calm seas, and comfortable temperatures. The wet low season stretches from May to October, with afternoon showers, occasional storms, and rougher seas.
I’ve lived here since 1994, and the question I get asked most is “when should I visit?” The short answer: December to March for guaranteed sunshine. But each season has trade-offs. High season means perfect beach days, but also higher prices and bigger crowds. Low season means cheaper hotels and empty beaches, but you’ll need a backup plan for rainy days. The sea stays warm year-round, around 28-29°C, so swimming is never an issue.
December 2025 – Sunny skies, 27°C, calm seas, low humidity.
Hotels fill up fast; book 2-3 weeks ahead for beach areas.
See what Phuket looks like right now →
Patong Beach Live Webcam
The Patong Webcam is located at Patong Tower Apartment
What is the Best Time to Visit Phuket?
– High Season: December to March –
The high season runs from November to April, when the weather is at its best with sunny days and little rain. This is the most popular time to visit Phuket, and it can be divided into three distinct periods.
November to early December marks the start of the high season. The rain is mostly gone, but you may still catch occasional showers, and the sea can be a bit rough. Prices start climbing, but it’s not yet at its peak.
Mid-December to February is peak season. The weather is usually perfect, with clear blue skies, calm seas, and a pleasant breeze that keeps temperatures comfortable. This is when you come if you want guaranteed sunshine, blue water for swimming, and those Instagram photos with perfect skies. The trade-off? December and January see the highest hotel prices, especially around New Year’s. The south of the island gets very busy, so consider staying in the north if you want to avoid crowds. We have a list of quiet and hidden beaches in Phuket if that’s more your style.
March to May brings the hottest weather of the year. Temperatures can hit 35-40°C, and humidity rises. The sky stays blue, and the sea remains calm, but you’ll feel the heat. April is when Thailand celebrates Songkran, the water festival, which is a fun time to visit if you don’t mind getting soaked.
When is the Rainy Season in Phuket?
– Low Season: May to November –
The rainy season, or low season, runs from May to October. But don’t let the name scare you off. It doesn’t rain every day, and when it does, showers are often short and come in the afternoon or evening. You can still have plenty of sunny mornings and blue sky days.
May to August is actually a mix of rain and sun, often quite pleasant. The monsoon is building but hasn’t fully arrived. You might get lucky with a week of perfect weather, or catch a few stormy days. No one can predict it.
September and October are the wettest months. Expect more grey skies, occasional heavy downpours, and rough seas. If blue skies and calm water are essential for your trip, these aren’t the best months to come.
The trade-offs work in your favour, though. Hotel prices drop significantly, roads have less traffic, and beaches feel more relaxed. Popular spots like Patong and Kata are quieter, which some people prefer. The flip side? Those peaceful northern beaches can feel a bit empty and neglected without the crowds.
One important note: even on sunny days, the sea can be rough with strong currents. Red flags go up frequently. We recommend booking a hotel with a swimming pool as backup.
Planning to visit during the low season? Read our guide to Things to Do in Phuket When it Rains and 10 Tips for a Great Rainy Season Holiday.
What is the Hottest Month in Phuket?
– Peak Season: April and May –
April and May are the hottest months in Phuket. At least we are sure of that, and it never fails. The sky is usually blue, and the sea is very calm.
Temperature can reach 40˙C, and everyone in Thailand is celebrating the end of the warm season by throwing water at each other. The famous Songkran Festival can last three days or more, depending on the weather and which part of Thailand you are in. Remember to protect your skin and not spend too much time directly in the sun on the first day; a classic beginner’s mistake.
Phuket Weather Forecast
Note that online weather forecasts are always pessimistic! If it rains for 1 hour in a day, they will display the big scary ‘thunderstorm’ icon, to be on the safe side.
Average Temperatures, Rain and Occupancy
| Month | Avg Temp | Sea Temp | Rain Days | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27°C | 28°C | 5 | ☀️ Peak |
| February | 28°C | 28°C | 3 | ☀️ High |
| March | 29°C | 29°C | 5 | ☀️ High |
| April | 30°C | 30°C | 11 | 🔥 Hot |
| May | 29°C | 30°C | 21 | 🌧️ Low |
| June | 29°C | 29°C | 19 | 🌧️ Low |
| July | 28°C | 28°C | 20 | 🌧️ Low |
| August | 28°C | 28°C | 19 | 🌧️ Low |
| September | 28°C | 28°C | 23 | 🌧️ Wettest |
| October | 28°C | 28°C | 22 | 🌧️ Low |
| November | 27°C | 28°C | 16 | ⛅ Transition |
| December | 27°C | 28°C | 8 | ☀️ Peak |
Phuket Weather Month by Month
Every day, someone will write and ask, ‘How is the Weather in Phuket in June?’ or in August? or in October? Of course, Phuket is a resort destination, so people have the right to be worried. When you travel that far, wait that long and invest that much. You want to have some sun to get that suntan and blue sea to swim in, and bring some fantastic photos!
Phuket weather is not that simple. Yes, there are two seasons, and you can expect more sun during the high season and some rain during the rainy season, but each year, the weather is very different. There is no way to predict if it will not rain in January, and you could have an amazingly sunny October (which used to be known for being one of the wettest months of the year).
Phuket Yearly Rain Chart
All these are common indications. We all know each year is different; even my grandmother knew that!
What Should I Pack for Phuket?
December to March is the best time to visit Phuket, when the sky is clear, and the sea is quiet and blue. The high season starts in November and ends in April. The sky is clear with a tropical island climate, and the sea is calm and turquoise blue. During those months, the island is rather busy, and hotel prices are higher.
The temperature is warm all year round, so you should always pack light.
You won’t need more than t-shirts, shorts, light pants or light skirts, and a light jacket (that you may never use). Adding a light raincoat and an umbrella may be a good idea. Anyway, all these items are straightforward to find everywhere at low prices, so pack light and save some space in your suitcase to buy some souvenirs. Ironically, locals will consider the weather to be ‘cold’ if the temperature gets close to 20˙C! Anyway, no matter which month you visit Phuket, it is always warm, and the sea feels like entering a warm bath.
🌧️ Phuket Rainy Season Information
The rainy season in Phuket brings occasional showers, but it doesn’t rain every day. This time of the year, hotel prices tend to be lower, making it a more budget-friendly option for travellers. Additionally, the roads experience lighter traffic, allowing for smoother and quicker journeys. The atmosphere is more relaxed as fewer tourists visit during this period. However, it’s important to note that in the high season, it’s advisable to avoid crowded tourist hotspots like Patong Beach and Kata Beach. Instead, during the rainy season, these remote and peaceful northern beaches may feel lonely and neglected. It’s a trade-off to consider when planning your visit to Phuket.
4 Steps to finding the right hotel in Phuket:
1. WHEN?  When is the best time to visit Phuket? When is the low season, the high season and the peak season? | 2. WHERE?  Which beach is best for you? Busy or quiet? Close to party and shopping or long quiet stretches of sand? | 3. WHO?  Are you here to party? to explore? on honeymoon or with your kids and family? | 4. HOW MUCH?  If you travel with a small budget, this section has budget hotels, hostels and apartments. |
More about Phuket Weather
