Phuket Weather

Phuket has a very tropical climate, i.e. it is warm year-round with average temp around 29°C. There are three distinct seasons:

The Cool Season
From November through to February the weather is a little cooler, but still quite warm. The northeast winds normally start sometime in November bringing an end to the rainy season. Arguably, it is best to visit Phuket at this time of year. There is lots of blue sky, little rainfall, lower humidity and the temperatures are comfortably hot. This is considered to be Phuket's high-season with the peak of visitors coming over the Christmas and New Year period.

Phuket Hot Season
From March to early May is the hot season. The weather is dry and the skies blue but many people find the temperature is a little too hot for comfort. This is mid-season for Phuket. There are still a lot of visitors but the hotels start to lower their rates around this period as demand drops..

Phuket Monsoon Season
Early May is around the time the rain starts. The highest rainfall comes in May, September and October. In these months it can rain for long periods. However, this is not always the case.
Generally, these three months are not the time of year to come if you want sun or outdoor activities. However, June, July and August are good months to visit. During these three months, there will be plenty of rain but it usually falls in short heavy bursts. In between, the weather is pleasant with comfortable temperatures and a cooling breeze. There will often be periods of several days without any rain.
The six months of the rainy season are Phuket's low-season. Hotel rates are slashed and you can generally get lower prices from tour operators, vehicle rentals, boat trips, etc. The months June, July and August are still a popular time to visit as people take advantage of the low season prices. May, September and October are quiet as it is just too wet for most people.
One important warning. These monsoon winds bring large waves and dangerous undercurrents to Phuket's western beaches. Every year around 20 people drown during Phuket's rainy season. Red flags are raised on the beaches to warn of dangerous conditions. Do not swim in the sea if there are red flags.

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