Weather in Phuket and tourist seasons
Phuket has a balmy tropical climate, with two distinct seasons that shift with the direction of the monsoons. The northeast monsoon season, from November through March, brings cooler breezes and sunny, dry days. The wet southwest monsoon runs from May through October.
Unlike other parts of Thailand, Phuket sees fairly consistent temperatures year-round, with lows in the mid-20s (Celsius) and peak temperatures into the mid-30s. March and April are the hottest months, while November through January is the coolest time of year as far as weather in Phuket is concerned.This is obviously also the most popular time to visit, co-inciding with the Northern Hemisphere winter, so it gets crowded.
Although the weather in Phuket is reliably sunny most the year round, there is more chance of rain from June to October, and this could mean cloudy but warm days often, or hot sunny weather with late afternoon tropical storms. It does, however, get very humid which can be unpleasant. Sea breezes cool the temperatures even in the hot season but expect even the sea and pool water to be warm. See a month by month weather breakdown.
Dry season
When November begins, the rains end, and this is the time of year when those from cold climates begin fleeing to Phuket to enjoy the sun-drenched beaches. Weather in Phuket is at its best and humidity levels drop, making it more comfortable for sipping cocktails in the shade of beach umbrellas. There may be an occasional shower, but these rarely last more than an hour.
From December through February, precipitation levels drop to about 40mm/month on average. March remains dry, but it begins to feel hotter and more humid.
Green season
From April to November the weather in Phuket can be wet. April is the steamiest month, with daytime temperatures creeping towards the 40-degree level and heavy thunder clouds bringing humidity levels up. Rain showers are frequent but brief.
Rainfall is heavier from May through August, but the storms are often quick to pass and there are still many sunny days during these months. It's a nice time of year to visit, as the beaches are less crowded and hotel rates lower. Surfers love the ‘low season’ as there are some decent swells to ride at many of the west coast beaches.
Rain gear and umbrellas are a must during September and October, as these months see an average rainfall of more than 300mm. During this time the weather in Phuket can be miserable. While there's often still a fair amount of sunshine, don't be surprised to find it bucketing down for days on end. It's a good time to hit the shopping centres and spas.
Phuket monthly weather
Weather in Phuket in January
January weather is ideal for visiting Phuket, as it’s dry and cooler, with little chance of rain and low humidity. However this is also high season and you’ll find Phuket somewhat crowded and rates higher.
Weather in Phuket in February
The weather in February in Phuket is still very pleasant, with very little chance of rain, cool evenings and very little humidity, though it can still be quite hot in the middle of the day. Being the dead of winter, this is a popular time for European and North American tourists to visit, so the island remains busy.
Weather in Phuket in March
By March the cooler, pleasant, weather in Phuket has almost gone, it can be quite hot in the day time, but cool in the evenings and early mornings. There’s still little rain and it’s not yet heavy with humidity but the tourist spots are still busy.
Weather in Phuket in April
April is the hottest month in Phuket weather –wise, and indeed Thailand, as the rains are eagerly awaited under day time temperatures of 40 Celsius. Being Thai holidays the island can be busy, and there are still quite a few tourists coming for the annual Songkran water fight festival.
Weather in Phuket in May
By May the rainy season begins, though some times later. This means hot day time temperatures, the chance of an afternoon downpour to cool things down but high humidity. Most tourists have gone home, hotel rates come down and sometimes its sunny for weeks.
Weather in Phuket in June
June is a quiet month in Phuket, and visitors at this time enjoy off-season rates and often plenty of sunshine, but there is the chance of showers or rainy, cloudy days, though the weather stays warm and humid.
Weather in Phuket in July
By July the rainy season is in full swing in Phuket, weather is humid, balmy and sometimes quite sunny. Everything is lushly green but you’ll yearn for the slightest sea breeze to beat the humidity, even if there’s plenty of room on the sun loungers.
Weather in Phuket in August
August is often one of the wetter months as the monsoon weather reaches its peak, and you are most likely to have lots of cloudy days and downpours. It can be unbearably humid, but there is still quite a bit of sunshine. Apart from backpackers on uni break, there are not too many tourists on the island.
Weather in Phuket in September
The wettest month in Phuket is often September when the monsoon reaches its zenith, there can also be the occasional remnants of a Pacific typhoon blowing through, meaning lots of rain and humidity, but the cloud cover keeps the weather cool, and it’s the bottom of the tourist season so everyone is very negotiable.
Weather in Phuket in October
October is one of the best times to visit, the weather is pleasant and tourist crowds have yet to arrive. The rains have largely subsided, the humidity eases off and there are plenty of sunny days. What’s more, high season hotel prices only kick in from November 1st.
Weather in Phuket in November
November weather in Phuket is very pleasant, as temperatures cool and the rain disappears almost entirely. You get the advantage of this without the tourist crush, no humidity, but high season hotel prices from November 1st.
Weather in Phuket in December
The tourist season reaches its busiest in December when the weather is best and many Europeans and North Americans travel over Christmas to escape the cold. Temperatures are an ideal low 20s (Celsius) by day, even slightly nippy in the evening, humidity is low and the chance of rain slight. You need to book hotels well in advance though.
