Phuket Weather
The best time to visit Phuket is between December to March. Phuket Weather can and will impact your holiday, so deciding the best month to visit Phuket is key and also depends on what you like to do during your holiday. For some, suntanning and photos with blue sky over a blue sea of Phuket are the main motivation; for others, a peaceful island and a lower cost are more important.
In any case, Thailand has a warm tropical climate with two seasons, and the water is warm all year round, in the sea and swimming pools. The weather is always stressful, especially during the rainy season between June and November. We frequently receive questions such as, ‘Will it rain every day in the rainy season?’.
Phuket Weather Live Webcam
What is the best time to visit Phuket?
December to March
December to March are the coolest and supposedly the best months to visit Phuket. The weather is usually perfect, with clear blue skies, calm seas, and a pleasant breeze that keeps the temperature just right. This period is when you should come if you care about the blue sky and suntan and plan to spend a lot of time on the beach or take those amazing Instagram photos and selfies that will grow your fanbase.
However, with such beautiful weather, December and January are the peak months of the high season, so expect to pay more for your hotel, especially during New Year’s. Expect the south of the island to be very busy, so if you worry about the crowds, you should consider staying in the island’s northern part. Please look at our list of quiet and hidden beaches in Phuket.
When is the Rainy Season in Phuket?
May to November
May to August is a mix of rain and sun, usually delightful. Some months are considered wetter than others: September, October, and November are the months with the most rainfall, but in some years, it can drag on to December. No one can tell what the weather will be like.
Phuket’s weather during the rainy season is a tricky subject. It’s supposed to occur roughly at the same time each year but has become unpredictable. Despite some unlucky series of stormy days, there is still plenty of sun with occasional showers. On the bright side, everything is much cheaper! However, remember that even if the sky is blue, the sea is frequently rough, so we recommend booking a hotel with a swimming pool.
If you plan to visit Phuket during this time of the year, you might want to read: ‘Things to Do in Phuket when it Rains‘.
What is the hottest month in Phuket?
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.
Average Temperatures, Rain and Occupancy
| Av. Temp. | Temp Feel | Chances of Rain | Days with Rain | Crowd | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27°C | Warm | Low | 5 | Peak |
| February | 28°C | Hot | Low | 3 | High |
| March | 29°C | Hot | Low | 5 | High |
| April | 29°C | Very Hot | Low | 11 | Med |
| May | 29°C | Very Hot | Med | 21 | Med |
| June | 29°C | Hot | High | 19 | Low |
| July | 28°C | Warm | High | 20 | Low |
| August | 28°C | Warm | High | 19 | Low |
| September | 28°C | Warm | High | 23 | Low |
| October | 28°C | Warm | High | 22 | Low |
| November | 27°C | Warm | Med | 16 | Med |
| December | 27°C | Cool | Low | 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 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.
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. |
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.
More about Phuket Weather
