WHEN TO VISIT THAILAND

Best time to visit Phuket

Choose December–March for a Phuket holiday with time to relax by the beach and explore Old Town. Rainfall is lower than in May–November, and February is the driest month at 24.0mm. March’s average daytime high reaches 34.4°C, so walk around Old Town in the morning or late afternoon. Even in the drier season, wind and waves can affect island tours and boat journeys; follow the operator’s instructions for the day.

Phuket: monthly temperatures and rainfall

The figures below are 1991–2020 climate normals. The station is PHUKET; conditions at beaches, mountains and your accommodation can differ. Scroll the table horizontally.

Monthly average temperatures, highs, lows, rainfall and rainy days
MonthAverage temperatureAverage highAverage lowRainfallRainy days
Month 128.3°C33.0°C25.0°C49.9mm5.6 days
Month 229.0°C34.0°C25.4°C24.0mm3.4 days
Month 329.4°C34.4°C25.9°C80.7mm7.5 days
Month 429.6°C34.2°C26.3°C135.1mm11.7 days
Month 529.1°C33.2°C26.1°C236.9mm18.9 days
Month 628.7°C32.6°C25.8°C249.4mm18.6 days
Month 728.4°C32.3°C25.6°C240.2mm19.1 days
Month 828.3°C32.2°C25.6°C308.7mm19.5 days
Month 927.8°C31.8°C25.1°C350.4mm21.7 days
Month 1027.6°C31.8°C24.9°C336.0mm22.7 days
Month 1128.0°C32.1°C25.2°C178.2mm15.9 days
Month 1227.9°C32.1°C25.0°C82.0mm10.3 days

The station table is on PDF page 88. Rainy-day counts are averages and do not mean rain lasts all day.

What can you enjoy each month?

The suggestions and cautions are editorial itinerary advice based on climate figures. Check the day’s weather and marine activity operations separately before setting out.

Month 1Relatively drier months

What to enjoy this month
Walk along the beach in the morning and have dinner in Old Town. You can also give beach relaxation and town visits separate days.

What to bear in mind
Even with less rain, midday is hot and showers are possible. Pack a hat and a light umbrella.

Month 2Relatively drier months

What to enjoy this month
Combine beach walks with Old Town sightseeing. Rain is relatively light but midday is hot, so leave time for meals or indoor breaks.

What to bear in mind
Even with less rain, midday is hot and showers are possible. Pack a hat and a light umbrella.

Month 3Hot season

What to enjoy this month
Explore the beach and Old Town in the morning or late afternoon. Eat indoors or rest at your accommodation during the hottest hours.

What to bear in mind
Long walks around midday can be tiring in the heat. Carry water and take breaks in the shade between outings.

Month 4Hot season

What to enjoy this month
Take a morning beach walk, then rest at your accommodation during the hottest part of the day. Visit Old Town as the sun gets lower.

What to bear in mind
Long walks around midday can be tiring in the heat. Carry water and take breaks in the shade between outings.

Month 5Rainy season

What to enjoy this month
Eat in Old Town and rest at your accommodation. Keep beach walks short and go out when rain eases.

What to bear in mind
Check wind and waves as well as rain. Adjust plans to boat operating decisions and swimming prohibitions at the beach.

Month 6Rainy season

What to enjoy this month
Eat indoors or rest at your accommodation while it rains, then explore nearby places once it eases.

What to bear in mind
Check wind and waves as well as rain. Adjust plans to boat operating decisions and swimming prohibitions at the beach.

Month 7Rainy season

What to enjoy this month
Plan time to rest near the beach as well as meals in Old Town. Arrange outdoor sightseeing around the day’s rain forecast.

What to bear in mind
Check wind and waves as well as rain. Adjust plans to boat operating decisions and swimming prohibitions at the beach.

Month 8Rainy season

What to enjoy this month
Rest at your accommodation during heavy rain. When it eases, eat nearby and take a short walk.

What to bear in mind
Check wind and waves as well as rain. Adjust plans to boat operating decisions and swimming prohibitions at the beach.

Month 9Rainy season

What to enjoy this month
Enjoy meals in Old Town and a day with indoor breaks. Choose outdoor times according to the rain forecast.

What to bear in mind
Check wind and waves as well as rain. Adjust plans to boat operating decisions and swimming prohibitions at the beach.

Month 10Rainy season

What to enjoy this month
Plan meals and rest near your accommodation rather than distant sightseeing trips. Walk along the beach when rain eases.

What to bear in mind
Check wind and waves as well as rain. Adjust plans to boat operating decisions and swimming prohibitions at the beach.

Month 11Seasonal transition

What to enjoy this month
Have a meal in Old Town or rest at your accommodation, then explore the beach when the weather allows. Set sightseeing times from the day’s forecast.

What to bear in mind
Clear weather is less certain during the seasonal transition. Look at the forecast before making outdoor bookings.

Month 12Relatively drier months

What to enjoy this month
Take a morning seaside walk and rest at your accommodation during the day. Have dinner in Old Town to enjoy both beach and town.

What to bear in mind
Even with less rain, midday is hot and showers are possible. Pack a hat and a light umbrella.

Plan the different parts of your day

Plan Beach and Old Town walks for the morning or around sunset. Leave time for meals and rest at midday so that you are not walking for long during the hottest hours. On rainy days, switch to meals in Old Town and rest at your accommodation.

Before entering the sea, follow beach flags and swimming prohibitions. Follow the operator’s instructions for island tours and boat journeys, and read cancellation and change conditions before booking.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Phuket?

Choose December–March to alternate beach days with Old Town visits. If less rain is your priority, consider February, with monthly rainfall of 24.0mm. March is still drier than the wet season but hotter, so alternate beach relaxation with short outings rather than long walks.

Is average temperature enough to decide what to wear?

Look at average highs and lows too. The mean is not the temperature at a particular hour. Prepare separately for midday walks and outings in the morning or at night.

Does a rainy day mean rain all day?

No. Rainy-day counts are monthly averages and do not say when or how long it rains. Use the hourly forecast for your actual dates to adjust outdoor plans.

Keep planning your trip

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