Choose December–March if you would like to relax at Phuket’s beaches and explore the old town too. Rainfall is lower than in May–November; February is the driest month at 24.0mm. By March, however, average highs reach 34.4°C, so old-town walks are more comfortable in the morning or late afternoon. Waves and wind can affect island tours and boat journeys even in the dry season, so follow the operator’s advice on the day.
The figures below are 1991–2020 climate normals from station PHUKET. Actual weather at beaches, mountains and accommodation may differ. Scroll the table horizontally.
| Month | Mean temperature | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28.3°C | 33.0°C | 25.0°C | 49.9mm | 5.6 days |
| February | 29.0°C | 34.0°C | 25.4°C | 24.0mm | 3.4 days |
| March | 29.4°C | 34.4°C | 25.9°C | 80.7mm | 7.5 days |
| April | 29.6°C | 34.2°C | 26.3°C | 135.1mm | 11.7 days |
| May | 29.1°C | 33.2°C | 26.1°C | 236.9mm | 18.9 days |
| June | 28.7°C | 32.6°C | 25.8°C | 249.4mm | 18.6 days |
| July | 28.4°C | 32.3°C | 25.6°C | 240.2mm | 19.1 days |
| August | 28.3°C | 32.2°C | 25.6°C | 308.7mm | 19.5 days |
| September | 27.8°C | 31.8°C | 25.1°C | 350.4mm | 21.7 days |
| October | 27.6°C | 31.8°C | 24.9°C | 336.0mm | 22.7 days |
| November | 28.0°C | 32.1°C | 25.2°C | 178.2mm | 15.9 days |
| December | 27.9°C | 32.1°C | 25.0°C | 82.0mm | 10.3 days |
The station table used is on PDF page 88. Rainy days are averages and do not mean rain throughout the day.
Opportunities and cautions are itinerary suggestions based on climate data. Check your day’s weather and whether marine activities are operating separately before departure.
What suits this month
Walk along the beach in the morning and have dinner in the old town. You could also plan separate days for beach relaxation and exploring town.
Things to consider
Even with little rain, midday can be hot and showers are possible. Bring a hat and a light umbrella.
What suits this month
Combine beach walks and old-town sightseeing. Rain is relatively low, but midday is hot, so stop for lunch or a rest indoors.
Things to consider
Even with little rain, midday can be hot and showers are possible. Bring a hat and a light umbrella.
What suits this month
Explore the beach and old town in the morning or late afternoon. Avoid the daytime heat over a meal indoors or a rest at your accommodation.
Things to consider
Long walks in the midday heat can be tiring. Carry water and stop in the shade between journeys.
What suits this month
Walk on the beach in the morning and rest at your accommodation during the hottest hours. Explore the old town once the sun drops.
Things to consider
Long walks in the midday heat can be tiring. Carry water and stop in the shade between journeys.
What suits this month
Have a meal in the old town and relax at your accommodation. Keep beach walks short and save them for when rain eases.
Things to consider
Check waves and wind as well as rain. Change your plans if boats are not sailing or swimming is prohibited at the beach.
What suits this month
Eat indoors or rest at your accommodation while it rains, then explore nearby when it eases.
Things to consider
Check waves and wind as well as rain. Change your plans if boats are not sailing or swimming is prohibited at the beach.
What suits this month
Plan time relaxing near the beach alongside meals in the old town. Arrange outdoor visits around that day’s rain forecast.
Things to consider
Check waves and wind as well as rain. Change your plans if boats are not sailing or swimming is prohibited at the beach.
What suits this month
Rest at your accommodation during heavy rain. When it eases, eat nearby and take a short walk.
Things to consider
Check waves and wind as well as rain. Change your plans if boats are not sailing or swimming is prohibited at the beach.
What suits this month
Spend a day eating in the old town and relaxing indoors. Choose your outdoor time around the rain forecast.
Things to consider
Check waves and wind as well as rain. Change your plans if boats are not sailing or swimming is prohibited at the beach.
What suits this month
Plan to relax and eat near your accommodation rather than making long sightseeing trips. Enjoy a beach walk when the rain eases.
Things to consider
Check waves and wind as well as rain. Change your plans if boats are not sailing or swimming is prohibited at the beach.
What suits this month
Have a meal in the old town or rest at your accommodation, then visit the beach when the weather allows. Set outdoor sightseeing times around the day’s forecast.
Things to consider
During a seasonal transition, do not expect uninterrupted sunshine. Check the forecast before making outdoor bookings.
What suits this month
Walk beside the sea in the morning and rest at your accommodation during the day. Dinner in the old town lets you enjoy both beach and town.
Things to consider
Even with little rain, midday can be hot and showers are possible. Bring a hat and a light umbrella.
Plan Beach and old-town walks for the morning or around sunset. Meals and rests at midday avoid long walks in the hottest hours. On rainy days, try having a meal in the old town and resting at your accommodation.
Before entering the sea, follow beach flags and swimming prohibitions. For island tours and boat journeys, follow the operator’s guidance that day and read cancellation and amendment conditions before booking.
December–March works well if you want both beach days and time exploring the old town. If low rainfall is your priority, look at February, with 24.0mm a month. March is also drier than the rainy season but hotter: alternate beach relaxation with short outings rather than spending long periods walking.
Look at average highs and lows too. Mean temperature is not the temperature at a particular time of day. Prepare separately for midday walks and morning or evening outings.
No. Rainy days are a monthly average, not a measure of when rain falls or how long it lasts. Use the hourly forecast for your actual travel dates to adjust outdoor plans.
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