The best time to visit Phuket is from December to March: this is the dry season on the Andaman coast, with less than 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain a month, a generally calm sea and around 33–34 °C (91–93 °F) in the afternoon. November and April are transition months. From May to October, the southwest monsoon brings heavy rain and an often rough sea, peaking in September and October.
Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, lies off the country’s west coast, facing the Andaman Sea. It is hot all year: average highs stay between 31.8 °C (89 °F) and 34.4 °C (94 °F), and average nights do not drop below 24 °C (75 °F). So it is not temperature that makes the difference from one month to the next, but rain and sea conditions. The right time depends mostly on your plans: beach and boat trips, low prices, or combining Phuket with other regions of the country. Here is how to choose, based on the official normals of the Thai Meteorological Department.
When to visit Phuket: key facts
- Best time: December to March (dry season, calm sea)
- Transition months: November (end of the rains) and April (hottest, storms return)
- Rainy season: May to October, with more than 230 mm (9.1 in) a month
- Driest month: February, with 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain on average
- Wettest month: September (350 mm (13.8 in)), followed by October (336 mm (13.2 in))
- Hottest month: March, with an average high of 34.4 °C (94 °F)
- Cheapest period: May to October, outside the July–August summer holidays
- Alternative in July–August: the islands in the Gulf of Thailand (Ko Samui), in their favourable season
When to visit Phuket, by priority
- Best weather: December to March; February is the driest month (24 mm (0.9 in), about 2 rainy days)
- Cheapest: May to October, outside the July–August summer holidays
- Fewest crowds: May, June, September and October
- Events: Songkran on April 13–15, the Vegetarian Festival in September or October, Loy Krathong in November (lunar dates, check each year)
- Other destinations: see our ideas for where to go in February
Phuket: the calendar at a glance
✅ Best months: January, February, March, December
❌ Period to avoid: September, October
When to go to Phuket: weather and rainfall month by month
The table below uses the 1991–2020 normals for the Phuket station, in the east of the island, run by the Thai Meteorological Department. The west-coast beaches (Patong, Karon, Kata) have a very similar climate, but they are more exposed to swell during the monsoon.
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33.0 °C (91 °F) | 25.0 °C (77 °F) | 50 mm (2.0 in) | Very high | Very high | ✅ Dry season, calm sea |
| February | 34.0 °C (93 °F) | 25.4 °C (78 °F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | Very high | High | ✅ Driest month |
| March | 34.4 °C (94 °F) | 25.9 °C (79 °F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | High | High | ✅ Very hot, still dry |
| April | 34.2 °C (94 °F) | 26.3 °C (79 °F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | Medium (Songkran) | Medium | ⚠️ Heat and first storms |
| May | 33.2 °C (92 °F) | 26.1 °C (79 °F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Monsoon arrives, swell building |
| June | 32.6 °C (91 °F) | 25.8 °C (78 °F) | 249 mm (9.8 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Rainy, often rough sea |
| July | 32.3 °C (90 °F) | 25.6 °C (78 °F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | Medium (summer holidays) | Medium | ⚠️ Frequent showers, red flags |
| August | 32.2 °C (90 °F) | 25.6 °C (78 °F) | 309 mm (12.2 in) | Medium (summer holidays) | Medium | ⚠️ Very wet, rough sea |
| September | 31.8 °C (89 °F) | 25.1 °C (77 °F) | 350 mm (13.8 in) | Low | Low | ❌ Wettest month |
| October | 31.8 °C (89 °F) | 24.9 °C (77 °F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | Low | Low | ❌ Still very wet, 19 rainy days |
| November | 32.1 °C (90 °F) | 25.2 °C (77 °F) | 178 mm (7.0 in) | Medium | Medium → high | ⚠️ End of the monsoon, gradual improvement |
| December | 32.1 °C (90 °F) | 25.0 °C (77 °F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | Very high (holidays) | Very high | ✅ Dry season begins |
According to the same normals, February averages 2 rainy days (at least 1 mm (0.0 in)), against 19 in October. Phuket receives about 2,270 mm (89.4 in) of rain a year. In the rainy season, this often means thundery downpours broken by sunny spells, but whole days of rain and wind are not unusual in August, September and October.
Phuket’s seasons: pros and cons
Dry season (December to March): beach season
This is the most pleasant and most popular period. The northeast monsoon brings drier air: less than 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain a month, and only 24 mm (0.9 in) in February. The Andaman Sea is usually calm and clear, ideal for swimming, snorkelling and boat trips to Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi Islands. March is the hottest month (34.4 °C (94 °F)), with humidity adding to the heat.
- Pros: mostly clear skies, calm sea, all boat trips possible, marine parks open
- Cons: peak prices, especially from Christmas to mid-January; busy beaches and sights
- Our tip: February and the first half of March have the best weather, with slightly fewer people than over the holidays
Shoulder season (April and November)
April is the month of Songkran, the Thai New Year, and one of the hottest of the year. The first storms arrive (135 mm (5.3 in) on average), usually late in the day. November marks the end of the monsoon: it still gets 178 mm (7.0 in) of rain on average, but the weather improves as the month goes on and the sea calms down.
- Pros: lower prices than in high season, fewer people, often decent weather
- Cons: possible showers, sea sometimes still rough in early November
- Our tip: the second half of November is a good compromise to enjoy the start of the dry season before holiday prices kick in
Southwest monsoon (May to October)
From May to October, the southwest monsoon hits the Andaman coast directly. Rainfall exceeds 230 mm (9.1 in) every month and peaks in September (350 mm (13.8 in)). Swell pounds the west-coast beaches: red flags are frequent there, and the UK FCDO notes that people have drowned in strong riptides. Some boat trips are cancelled in bad weather, and marine parks such as the Similan Islands close for part of the season. On the plus side, the island is quieter, the vegetation very green and hotels much cheaper.
- Pros: low prices, few people, frequent sunny spells between showers, slightly less oppressive heat
- Cons: swimming often dangerous on the west coast, uncertain boat trips, grey days from August to October
- Who is it for? Budget travellers, flexible travellers, or those combining Phuket with Bangkok and the north
Phuket or Ko Samui: which island for which month?
Thailand has two coasts with offset seasons. Phuket, on the Andaman Sea, gets most of its rain from May to October. Ko Samui, in the Gulf of Thailand, has its wettest season from October to December instead. The table compares average rainfall on the two islands.
| Month | Phuket (rain) | Ko Samui (rain) | Drier |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 50 mm (2.0 in) | 127 mm (5.0 in) | Phuket |
| February | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | Phuket |
| March | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | Phuket |
| April | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | Ko Samui |
| May | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | Ko Samui |
| June | 249 mm (9.8 in) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | Ko Samui |
| July | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | Ko Samui |
| August | 309 mm (12.2 in) | 102 mm (4.0 in) | Ko Samui |
| September | 350 mm (13.8 in) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | Ko Samui |
| October | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | Similar |
| November | 178 mm (7.0 in) | 445 mm (17.5 in) | Phuket |
| December | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 263 mm (10.4 in) | Phuket |
In short: aim for Phuket from December to March, and Ko Samui from May to September, when Phuket is in the monsoon. To compare all regions of the country, see our article on the best time to visit Thailand.
When to visit Phuket, by trip type
| Trip | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| Beach and swimming | December to March | Kata, Karon, Nai Harn, Kamala, Mai Khao |
| Boat trips (Phang Nga, Phi Phi) | December to April | From the piers on the east and south of the island |
| Diving and snorkelling | December to April | Similan Islands (when open), Racha, Phi Phi |
| Tight budget | May to October, except July–August | Everywhere, if you accept the rain |
| Family | December to March; February school holidays | Kata, Karon, Bang Tao |
| Old town and culture | All year | Phuket Town, Wat Chalong, Big Buddha |
| Vegetarian Festival | September or October (lunar calendar) | Phuket Town |
Major events in Phuket
| Date | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Late January or February (lunar calendar) | Chinese New Year, widely celebrated by the Thai-Chinese community | Phuket Town |
| April 13–15 | Songkran, the Thai New Year: water fights in the streets | Island-wide, especially Patong |
| September or October (9th lunar month) | Vegetarian Festival: processions, Taoist rituals, vegetarian diet | Phuket Town and its Chinese shrines |
| November (full moon, lunar calendar) | Loy Krathong: floating offerings on the water | Beaches and lakes around the island |
| Late December | Christmas and New Year: the most expensive period | Island-wide |
Phuket month by month
January: The dry season is well established (50 mm (2.0 in), 4 rainy days). Calm sea, good conditions for boat trips. Very busy until mid-January, high prices.
February: The driest month (24 mm (0.9 in), about 2 rainy days). Excellent for the beach and diving. Chinese New Year in some years.
March: The hottest month (34.4 °C (94 °F)) but still dry (81 mm (3.2 in)). Still ideal for the sea, with slightly fewer people than in the previous months.
April: Intense heat and late-day storms return (135 mm (5.3 in)). Songkran on April 13–15. Prices start to drop.
May: The monsoon sets in (237 mm (9.3 in)). Swell appears on the west coast. Low prices, quiet island.
June: Rainy (249 mm (9.8 in), about 16 rainy days). Swimming often inadvisable on exposed beaches. A good month for budget travellers.
July: Frequent showers (240 mm (9.4 in)) but also sunny spells. Busier with the summer holidays. Ko Samui is drier at this time.
August: Very wet (309 mm (12.2 in)) and often a rough sea. Respect the red flags. Consider the Gulf islands for a beach holiday instead.
September: The wettest month (350 mm (13.8 in)). Boat trips often cancelled. Only for very flexible travellers.
October: Still very wet (336 mm (13.2 in), about 19 rainy days). Vegetarian Festival in some years. Prices at their lowest.
November: Transition (178 mm (7.0 in)): gradual improvement, especially in the second half. Sites closed during the monsoon gradually reopen.
December: The dry season begins (82 mm (3.2 in)). In heavy demand from mid-December: book early for Christmas and New Year.
When should you book your Phuket trip?
For Christmas, New Year, the February school holidays and Chinese New Year, book flights and accommodation 3 to 6 months ahead: well-located beachfront hotels go fast and prices climb. In the low season (May to October), a few weeks is usually enough, and deals are common. Phuket International Airport is in the north of the island; depending on where you start, you may need to connect, often via Bangkok: check the exact routing when you book. From Bangkok, frequent domestic flights serve Phuket.
Practical tips for your Phuket trip
- Entry requirements: US citizens (U.S. Department of State, page updated August 20, 2026): pre-arrival online registration is required; a passport valid for at least six months beyond arrival is strongly recommended, and you may be asked for an onward or return ticket or proof of funds. UK citizens (GOV.UK, updated 12 October 2026): passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival, with 1 blank page; from 15 September 2026, visa-exempt entry is up to 30 days, for tourism only; you may need proof of funds (10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family) and onward travel. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) has been mandatory for all foreign nationals since 1 May 2025 and can be completed within 3 days before arrival. The U.S. State Department page (last updated August 20, 2026) still mentions 60 days, but it predates the change: under the Thai rules in force since 15 September 2026, US citizens are also limited to 30 days (Tourism Authority of Thailand, 1 September 2026). Check with the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington before you travel. Details: travel.state.gov and GOV.UK.
- Time difference: Thailand is on UTC+7 with no daylight saving: 7 hours ahead of London in winter (GMT) and 6 hours in summer (BST); 12 hours ahead of New York in winter (EST) and 11 hours in summer (EDT). Details.
- Currency: the Thai baht (THB). Our currency converter helps you estimate your budget.
- Health: according to the UK FCDO, a yellow fever certificate is required only if you arrive from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission; make sure routine vaccinations are up to date and ask a travel clinic about additional vaccines for your trip. Dengue is present: protect yourself from mosquitoes, especially in the rainy season.
- Sea: during the monsoon, respect the red flags and swim in lifeguarded areas.
To plan your stay on the island, see our Phuket guide. To combine Phuket with Bangkok, the north or the Gulf islands, see the best time to visit Thailand and our Thailand travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Phuket?
February, the driest month (24 mm (0.9 in) of rain on average according to the Thai Meteorological Department’s 1991–2020 normals). January, March and December are also excellent choices.
Can you visit Phuket in the rainy season?
Yes, if you know what to expect. From May to October, more than 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain falls each month and the sea is often rough on the west coast. There are sunny spells too, and prices are low. Avoid September and October, the wettest months, if you can.
Is Phuket hot all year?
Yes. Average highs range from 31.8 °C (89 °F) (September–October) to 34.4 °C (94 °F) (March), and lows stay around 25 °C (77 °F). It is rain and sea conditions that change with the seasons, not temperature.
Is Phuket a good idea in July or August?
It is monsoon season on the Andaman coast: frequent showers, more than 300 mm (11.8 in) of rain in August and often a rough sea. For a beach holiday at this time, the Gulf islands, such as Ko Samui, are generally drier.
When should you visit Phuket to avoid the crowds?
In April and November, the transition months, or during the monsoon if you accept the rain. Christmas to mid-January is the busiest and most expensive period.
When is it safe to swim in Phuket?
From December to April, the sea is usually calm. From May to October, dangerous currents form on the west-coast beaches: always respect the red flags and choose lifeguarded beaches.
When is the monsoon in Phuket?
The southwest monsoon affects Phuket from May to October, with rainfall peaking in September and October. It does not rain non-stop: showers alternate with sunny spells, but the sea is often rough on the west coast.
What is the weather like in Phuket in November?
November is a transition month: rainfall drops sharply compared with October, but showers are still possible; the figures for the month are in our climate table.
Our sources
- Thai Meteorological Department: 1991–2020 climate normals for the Phuket (WMO 48564) and Ko Samui (WMO 48550) stations, published by the World Meteorological Organization (NOAA archive)
- Entry requirements, safety and health checked on 24 October 2026: Tourism Authority of Thailand, TAT Newsroom, 1 September 2026: new 30-day visa exemption rules from 15 September 2026; UK FCDO, GOV.UK foreign travel advice: Thailand (updated 12 October 2026); U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov: Thailand (last updated August 20, 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To plan the rest of your trip, see our Phuket guide (things to do, beaches, where to stay). For a combined trip, see the best time to visit Bangkok, the best time to visit Chiang Mai or the best time to visit Malaysia.
Other destinations: when to go?
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