For a Phuket vacation that combines beachside rest with time in the Old Town, consider December–March. Rainfall is lower than from May through November, and February has the lowest monthly total of the year at 24.0 mm. March’s average high reaches 34.4°C, so explore the Old Town in the morning or late afternoon. Even in the dry season, waves and wind can affect island tours and boat transfers; follow the day’s operating advice.
The figures below are 1991–2020 climate normals. The observing station is PHUKET; actual conditions at beaches, mountains or your accommodation can differ. Scroll the table sideways.
| Month | Average 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 is on PDF page 88. Rainy-day numbers are averages and do not mean all-day rain.
Benefits and cautions are itinerary suggestions based on climate data. Read the actual day’s weather and marine activity operating decisions separately before leaving.
What works well this month
Walk on the beach in the morning and enjoy dinner in the Old Town. You can also set aside separate days for beachside rest and exploring town.
What to keep in mind
Even with little rain, midday can be hot and showers remain possible. Pack a hat and a lightweight umbrella.
What works well this month
Combine beach walks with Old Town sightseeing. Rain is relatively light, but midday is hot, so stop for a meal or indoor break during the day.
What to keep in mind
Even with little rain, midday can be hot and showers remain possible. Pack a hat and a lightweight umbrella.
What works well this month
See the beach and Old Town in the morning or late afternoon. Avoid the heat with an indoor meal or time at your accommodation during the day.
What to keep in mind
Long walks at midday can be tiring. Carry water and rest in the shade between outings.
What works well this month
Walk along the beach in the morning, then rest at your accommodation during the hottest hours. Visit the Old Town later as the sun drops.
What to keep in mind
Long walks at midday can be tiring. Carry water and rest in the shade between outings.
What works well this month
Eat in the Old Town and relax at your accommodation. Keep beach walks short and fit them into breaks in the rain.
What to keep in mind
Check waves and wind as well as rainfall. Adjust your plans to boat operating decisions and beach swimming restrictions.
What works well this month
While it rains, eat indoors or relax at your accommodation, then explore nearby places when it eases.
What to keep in mind
Check waves and wind as well as rainfall. Adjust your plans to boat operating decisions and beach swimming restrictions.
What works well this month
Spend time eating in the Old Town and relaxing near your accommodation. Choose beach-walking times according to the weather.
What to keep in mind
Check waves and wind as well as rainfall. Adjust your plans to boat operating decisions and beach swimming restrictions.
What works well this month
Rest at your accommodation during heavy rain. When it eases, eat somewhere nearby and take a short walk.
What to keep in mind
Check waves and wind as well as rainfall. Adjust your plans to boat operating decisions and beach swimming restrictions.
What works well this month
Spend a day eating in the Old Town and resting indoors. Choose outdoor times according to the rain forecast.
What to keep in mind
Check waves and wind as well as rainfall. Adjust your plans to boat operating decisions and beach swimming restrictions.
What works well this month
Plan meals and relaxation near your accommodation rather than trips to distant sights. Enjoy a beach walk when the rain eases.
What to keep in mind
Check waves and wind as well as rainfall. Adjust your plans to boat operating decisions and beach swimming restrictions.
What works well this month
Eat in the Old Town or relax at your accommodation, then visit the beach when the weather allows. Set outdoor sightseeing times according to the day’s forecast.
What to keep in mind
During the seasonal transition, do not count on clear skies every day. Read the forecast before booking outdoor activities.
What works well this month
Walk by the sea in the morning and relax at your accommodation during the day. Head to the Old Town for dinner to enjoy both the beach and the town.
What to keep in mind
Even with little rain, midday can be hot and showers remain possible. Pack a hat and a lightweight umbrella.
Plan Beach and Old Town walks in the morning or around sunset. Set aside midday for meals and rest to avoid long walks in the heat. On rainy days, consider Eating in the Old Town and relaxing at your accommodation.
Before entering the sea, follow beach flags and local swimming restrictions. Read the operator’s same-day instructions for boat transfers and island tours, and check cancellation and change terms before booking.
December–March suits a trip with both beach days and visits to the Old Town. If less rain is your priority, look at February, with a monthly total of 24.0 mm. March is also drier than the rainy season, but the stronger heat favors alternating beachside rest with short outings rather than long sightseeing walks.
Look at average highs and lows too. The average temperature is not a reading at one particular time of day. Prepare separately for midday walks and for mornings or evenings outside.
No. Rainy-day counts are monthly averages, not the hours or duration of rainfall. Read the hourly forecast for your actual travel dates and adjust outdoor plans.
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