When is the best time of year to visit Phuket ?

You'll hear many opinions about the best time of year to visit Phuket - and, in fact, it is probably quite a personal question.
Since weather is the biggest issue for many people - just for a start - you might want to check our Phuket Weather page. Some people really like low season (summer and the rainy season) as the island is quieter and traffic is easier - and resort and hotel fare drop by 1/3 to 1/2.

Some people though are put off by the rougher seas and some beaches will have a strong undertow. It is not always safe to swim as the sea reacts to the weather. Swimming for children in particular is probably not safe unless you seek protected waters on the bay side of the island.

October to April (cold weather season in the northern hemisphere) is high season as people escape their harsh winters and flock to nicer climates. Some people suggest November to February as the high high season - when the island is at its very busiest. If you enjoy the nightlife and crowds, it's a good time to come. If you are a people watcher, it is also a fun time to just sip a beer and watch people walk by. Winter is also the time of year when the sea is much calmer and clearer and so perhaps better for scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming in the sea.

In truth, there is no bad time to visit Phuket - do your research and you'll not likely be disappointed.



The Phuket Island in Thailand lures thousands of tourists all through the year with its irresistible combination of breathtaking scenic beauty, spectacular islands and bays, renowned hospitality and excellent cuisine. Phuket boasts of a tropical monsoon climate that ensures that the place is warm all through the year except for the hot weather during April-May and September-October. The period during September-October is also the wettest at Phuket.
The best time to visit Phuket is from November to March - the period when Phuket enjoys the cool North East monsoon season. At this time of the year, the climate is not too humid, and yet the cool breezes blowing make the region very comfortable. Average temperature during this season hovers around 75ºF to 89ºF (24ºC to 32ºC). You can enjoy Phuket in its entirety if you visit the island at this time.


The hottest season is from April-May, when temperatures range from 80ºF to 95ºF (27ºC to 36ºC).

But, if you are aiming to avoid crowds and to take advantage of the low-season discounted rates for tours to Phuket, you should consider traveling during September and early October. Don't worry, there will still be some amount of sunshine in Phuket in between the heavy showers. And numerous water and land based adventure activities can also be enjoyed during this wettest season in Phuket.