Phuket is no different in this regard. There are some months when the beaches are at their best beauty and serenity, good for tourists who like to ease up while at other times the sea is roaring and that is when the place starts to have more adventurous surfers.
Navigate the tropical paradise of Phuket with ease as you learn everything you need to know about Phuket weather, from seasonal patterns and average temperatures to essential tips for a sun-soaked, adventure-filled vacation.
The weather of Phuket
Phuket is usually warm around the year with occasional rains in between. Due to its position close to the Andaman sea, the island experiences humidity at most times of the year and is sometimes affected by tropical cyclones and typhoons. However, the impact is not as grave as in Hong Kong and the Philippines.
The seasons in Phuket can be broadly classified as the South-east monsoon season that lasts from May till October and the North-east monsoon season that is there from November until April. Both the seasons are good for different purposes.
The seasons get their name from the wind direction. We have laid out a complete month-by-month guide so that you plan your trip perfectly in accordance with your preferences.
To get more information that might influence your trip decisions, visit https://www.thailandnomads.com/phuket/ for complete details about the Phuket island.
January to February
The weather in January and February is usually dry with little occasional showers in January. The average temperature is quite mild and ranges between 22 to 30 degrees Celsius, making it a perfect time for a getaway vacation.
The cool temperature is due to the northeast monsoon that draws cool, dry air from the Asian continent. Due to less rainfall, the seas are very quiet and peaceful, against the clear blue sky. It is also the coolest time of the year.
Due to pleasant weather, the months of January and February experience a surge of tourists. The hotels are booked to their optimum capacity and most of the beaches are crowded. It is a high season for tourism
March to April
From the mid of March, around the second week, the temperature starts to rise with the average temperature around 23 – 33 degrees celsius. The weather gets quite hot during the day. During this time, the city experiences heavy but short-lasting showers with bright sunshine in between.
By the beginning of April, it starts to get very hot and humid. Due to excess humidity, the weather feels even hotter. Phuket witnesses occasional thunderstorms during this time. As the temperature begins to rise, crowds at the tourist spots start to thin out.
However, there are still some tourists who visit Phuket during the month of April to witness the spectacle of the Thai New Year Water Festival-Songkran.During the Songkran festival, people
splash each other amidst the backdrop of loud music that adds the festivity charm to it.
May to June
The month of May marks the beginning of the rainy season. The overall weather still remains very hot and humid with temperature going as high as 36 degree celsius. The month of May is among the wettest months of the year.
This period from May to October is also referred to as the southwest monsoon period. Towards the mid of May, usually around the second week, the temperature starts to drop a little. Phuket observes occasional thunderstorms during this time and the sea starts to change.
The season is best if you want to avail the cheapest services since the hotels etc. are almost vacant of tourists during this season owing to the hot and humid weather.
July to August
The temperature begins to drop a little because of the rain and ranges between 20°C to 33°C. The downpours are usually heavy but last for a short period of time with bright sunlight in between the rains. Due to the high tides, this season is particularly famous among surfers.
The sea starts to get rough. During this time, certain restrictions are imposed on boat trips to other islands. The silt when mixed up with water reduces visibility, making it very challenging for boat tours and ferries.
Hotel rates are often half that of the high season. Therefore, it is a perfect time for budget travellers or people who want to avoid crowds without burning a hole in their pocket.
September to October
The weather during the months of September and October is very humid because of the heavy rains. The average temperature is approximately 22 – 30 degrees. There are occasional thunderstorms during this period that don’t last for long.
By the second week of October, the weather starts to change and the seas start to calm down. It starts to get pleasant again and with the hotel rates still cheap, one can plan a very budget-friendly trip during this time of the year.
November to December
By the start of November, the downpour reduces significantly and consequently the overall humidity. The average temperature during this period is 23 -31 degrees celsius. As the temperature starts to rise, the prices of the hotels and resorts begin to rise.
The weather gets just perfect for a vacation and hence Phuket island gets the busiest around Christmas with people from around the world pouring in. There is a slight chance of rain, however, if it does rain it will be brief.
Planning a trip to Phuket?
For a more laid back experience, consider visiting Phuket during the northeast monsoon season i.e between the month of November to March when the weather is very pleasurable.
The sea is very quiet and the sky is a pleasant blue. However, during this time the hotel rates are at an all-time high so you will have to plan accordingly.
On the other hand, during the south-east monsoon, the temperature is humid and the tides are very high. The rates of hotels and resorts are very pocket-friendly.
