Best Time to Visit Phuket

XOKA1511bs (Phuket@photographer.net)  [flickr.com]  CC BY 
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On this page, you will find information about the climate and the best time to visit Phuket. We created climate tables and charts for the location of Phuket. These contain details about temperatures, precipitation and more.

Furthermore, we analyzed all climate data and provide a recommendation about which months are best to visit Phuket for your holiday.

Climate Overview

Thermometer Symbol 24 °C to 34 °C
Waves Symbol 27 °C to 29 °C
Rainy Cloud Symbol 0.9115.24 in (3 – 23 Days of Rain)
Show temperatures in degree

Geographical location

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island (Ko Phuket) and is connected to the mainland by a short bridge. The holiday paradise in southern Thailand covers an area of around 340 miles² in the Andaman Sea and is also the starting point for many tours to neighbouring islands in Thailand such as Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi or Krabi.

Phuket itself was once covered by densely overgrown jungle, many wild animals including elephants were to be found here. Today Phuket is mainly covered with coconut palms, due to the tourist infrastructure there are only a few areas with real “jungle” (e.g. in Sirinat National Park) on the island.

Tigers and elephants are long extinct or have been relocated to the mainland. The biggest hustle and bustle on the “Pearl of the Andaman Sea” takes place in the holiday resort Patong Beach, where you will find an incredible variety of bars, discos, shops and restaurants. Below Patong are the quieter beaches Karon, Kata and Hat Nai Harn in the very south.

Climate on Phuket

Patong beach Phuket (Mussi Katz)  [flickr.com]  CC BY 
License Information available under 'Proof of Image Sources' In the south of Thailand a tropical climate prevails on the coasts, this also applies to the island of Phuket and neighbouring regions. Temperatures fluctuate only minimally throughout the year, even the difference between day and night values is typically only a few degrees. Especially for a beach holiday this is of course very pleasant.

From January to December you have to expect maximum temperatures of 31 °C to 34 °C, while the night temperatures drop below 23 °C only in exceptional cases. Consequently, the Andaman Sea also remains at constant water temperatures between 27 °C to 29 °C. However, Phuket can only be described as a year-round destination with some restrictions, even though many long-term vacationers in Thailand appreciate the peace and quiet during the rainy season.

Best Time to Visit Phuket: Overview

JanuaryJan
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PerfectPerf. climate in
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FebruaryFeb
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MarchMar
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AprilApr
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MayMay
Rainy SeasonRainy Season
hot and wethot & wet
JuneJun
Rainy SeasonRainy Season
hot and wethot & wet
JulyJul
Rainy SeasonRainy Season
hot and wethot & wet
AugustAug
Rainy SeasonRainy Season
hot and wethot & wet
SeptemberSep
Rainy SeasonRainy Season
up to 15.22 in of rainof rain
OctoberOct
Rainy SeasonRainy Season
up to 11.65 in of rainof rain
NovemberNov
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DecemberDec
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When to go to Phuket?


Basically one can assume a dry season in the area in the middle of November until the end of April, while from May to October the rainy season in Phuket provides for partly strong precipitation. It is by no means the case that it is now permanently raining through without interruption. We can confirm from our own experience that the cloud cover rips open again and again and the sun occasionally appears in full splendour.

But occasionally the agitated sea prevents real bathing fun and if with a 10-day long journey under the balance then nevertheless good 5 to 7 days literally”fall into the water”, then we cannot recommend this risk in good conscience to you. As a rule of thumb, you can remember that the weather in southern Thailand is always pleasant when it is grey and cold here in Europe. Accordingly, we recommend the months November to April as the best travel season for Phuket.

Climate Chart Phuket

Climate Chart Phuket
Show temperatures in degree

Source of Data: German Weather Service (Offenbach) and Wikipedia

Climate Table Phuket

In the following, you will find the climate table for Phuket, containing information about Temperatures, Precipitation, Water Temperatures, and Hours of Sunshine.

Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day Temperature32°33°34°34°33°32°32°32°31°31°31°32°
Night Temperature24°24°25°25°25°25°25°25°24°24°24°24°
Water Temperature27°27°28°29°29°29°28°28°28°28°28°27°
Precipitation (inch)0.921.022.325.4310.629.3311.1911.1315.2211.656.842.44
Rainy days43611201920192322168
Hours of Sunshine9109865665678
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature is 28.4 °C.

For comparison: London 11 °C, NYC 12 °C, LA 17.9 °C

Warmest month: April (29.5 °C)
Coldest month: September (27.7 °C)

The maximum water temperature is 29 °C. You can take a bath at these temperatures.

Months with water temperature of at least 21 °C (adequate for beach vacation):
all months

Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 88.09 inch on 171 rainy days

For comparison: London 24.06 in, NYC 41.57 in, LA 12.01 in

Rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation): May, June, July, August, September, and October
Overall precipitation in the rainy season: 69.13 in

You cannot expect snow in any month.

Sunshine
As our climate table shows, February is the sunniest month with an average of 10 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 7.1 hours of sunshine per day on average. For comparison: London has 4.1, NYC has 7 and LA has 8.9 hours of sunshine per day on average.

Highlights and Sights


Phuket is famous for its high class resorts and beautiful beaches. All kinds of water sports are offered throughout the island, from short rentals and taster courses to day trips and diving courses lasting several days. You can enjoy a great panoramic view of the island from the Big Buddha statue above Karon Beach, the most beautiful temple in Phuket is undoubtedly Wat Chalong.

As a beach tip we recommend Kata Noi Beach and Nai Harn Beach (Patong is sometimes very crowded), an exciting excursion for animal lovers is a visit to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project in Thalang.

More information about the best things to do: Thailand

Popular Activities

More attractions

From Phuket Or Khao Lak: Phi Phi Islands Early Bird Tour | Phuket Airport: Shared One-Way Van Transfer to/from Khao Lak | Phuket: Maya, Phi Phi, and Bamboo Island with Buffet Lunch | From Phuket: James Bond Island Excursion by Longtail Boat | Phuket: James Bond Island Luxury Sunset Cruise | Phuket: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Interactive Tour | Phuket: Half-Day City Highlights and Viewpoints Group Tour |

Current Weather and Forecast

Current Weather in Phuket (Station Kathu)
overcast clouds     overcast clouds, 26 °C
Clouds: 98 %       Wind: 9 mph O
Air Pressure: 1009 hPa       Humidity: 76 %
Last updated: 7th Feb 2023, 07:52 pm
The next days …
8th Feb 20239th Feb 202310th Feb 202311th Feb 202312th Feb 202313th Feb 2023
broken clouds26 °C to 29 °Clight rain26 °C to 29 °Clight rain26 °C to 29 °Cbroken clouds26 °C to 29 °Covercast clouds26 °C to 29 °Clight rain26 °C to 28 °C
26 °C to 29 °C26 °C to 29 °C26 °C to 29 °C26 °C to 29 °C26 °C to 29 °C26 °C to 28 °C
Clouds: 68 %Clouds: 96 %Clouds: 59 %Clouds: 56 %Clouds: 94 %Clouds: 69 %
No Precipitation0.09 in of rain0.06 in of rainNo PrecipitationNo Precipitation0.05 in of rain
Weather information provided by OpenWeatherMap. (CC BY-SA)
Show temperatures in degree

Thailand: Regions

Phuket is part of the holiday destination Thailand. We analyzed the climate for additional regions, in order to provide you with information about the best time to visit and the expected holiday weather:

Phuket: Experiences of our Visitors

There are 9 reviews for Phuket holiday already. Average rating is 4.8 of 5 stars.
  1. Avatar Preview
    Nati, 70 years old was there in January

    We want to go to Phuket in January. Never been there, but only heard good ones. Let’s surprise

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  2. Avatar Preview
    Janni, 25 years old was there in October

    We were on Phuket last year in October until November and it was wonderful. At night there were a few thunderstorms and on the day of departure there was a heavy shower. But it’s not that bad. It stopped after half an hour and it was sunny again.
    I think you can always have bad luck with the weather. Just like this year in Germany, unfortunately you can’t book the weather, so be brave and try. 🙂

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  3. Avatar Preview
    Nils, 23 years old was there in February

    Just sun, no rain. Pleasant temperatures at night and perfect bathing weather during the day.

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  4. Avatar Preview
    Jessica, 31 years old was there in November

    I was in Thailand for four weeks from mid-October to mid-November and on 2 November I reached the Phuket region for the remaining two weeks of my trip. Unfortunately the sea was still quite restless and it often rained. The rain was only quite short, but strong and shortly after it became more friendly again, but the humidity was very high. Would therefore recommend November only conditionally as travel time for Phuket

    Weather Rating: 3 stars – Mixed

  5. Avatar Preview
    Marcel, 26 years old was there in December

    Simply perfect! It was not too hot, but still pleasantly warm and great for bathing. No rain, humidity not too high, lots of sun – ideal!

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  6. Avatar Preview
    Katja, 52 years old was there in February

    we had fantastic weather in 3 weeks. blue sky, clean clear water and always some wind which was very pleasant at over 30 degrees.

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  7. Avatar Preview
    Sven, 48 years old was there in February

    Always top sun and super warm, easy to recommend. Was at Kamala Beach, and very happy

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  8. Avatar Preview
    Jochen, 33 years old was there in April

    Was very nice weather always sunshine and almost no clouds a dream

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  9. Avatar Preview
    Yvonne, 51 years old was there in December

    Weather and climate in December definitely milder, more pleasant and drier than Koh Samui

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

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Enchanting Thailand with Phuket

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