Phuket is situated in a tropical monsoon climate where you can enjoy summer temperatures below 28°C all year round.
Even so, the weather here changes throughout the year. In the winter, there is a greater chance of sunny weather and, conversely, towards the end of summer and early autumn, the possibility of heavy rain increases significantly.
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Phuket is also popular during the monsoon off-season, as accommodation and often airfares are significantly lower. Even during the rainy season there are extra long hours of sunshine.
Weather and temperatures during the year
This is what the weather in Phuket, Thailand looks like during the different months of the year.
Weather in January
During January, most travelers head to Phuket, especially from China and Russia, where there are long holidays at that time.
January is the top season month with the best weather. There is very little rain and if there are any showers, they usually last up to 15 minutes. Normal temperatures soar to 32°C and the lack of wind can make it feel even much warmer.
Weather in February
February is traditionally one of the best months to visit Phuket.
Rainfall is sporadic. Short quarter-hour showers occur only 3-4 times a month on average. Otherwise, the weather is consistently clear with temperatures between 30 and 34°C and no wind.
February is a great month for beach holidays and water activities, but due to the sensationally very high temperatures it is always advisable to leave sightseeing or even markets until the evening hours.
Weather in March
March is the last month of the high season, when there is almost flawless holiday weather to spend most of your time on the beaches.
Temperatures are high, ranging between 30 and 35°C. Even the rain, which according to statistics occurs 7 times a month, doesn't cool the air too much, but only in very brief showers.
Weather in April
Head to Phuket during April without fear.
April is a transitional month between the high and low seasons, but for many travellers the weather is more pleasant than in winter.
Temperatures remain at very high levels of around 32°C, but heavy showers are more frequent (11 days a month on average) and freshen the air and landscape considerably.
Rainfall is not likely to affect your stay. It usually showers in the early evening or at night for about 20-30 minutes.
Weather in May
May is the first month of the wetter season. It rains on average 1-2 times a day in the form of quick intense showers and in between there are clear or partly cloudy skies with temperatures around 32°C.
Weather in June
Statistically, it rains a little less in June than in May. Normal daytime temperatures are around 31 °C.
The month is characterised by frequent alternation of clear skies and clouds, with occasional rain.
However, showers rarely last longer than 30 minutes and, because the sunshine is not as intense as in the winter months, June is a popular time to combine beach and sightseeing holidays.
Weather in July
July is very similar to June or May. Temperatures hover between 28 and 31°C and often alternate between sunny and cloudy skies, making it the perfect mix for exploring and lounging on the beach.
Rain usually falls in the form of showers. There can be several a day (up to 30 minutes on average), but there are also days with no rain at all.
Weather in August
The main monsoon season slowly sets in during August, but for most of at least the beginning of the month there is a very high chance of full days without rain or clouds.
Statistically, it rains 19 days a month and air temperatures are around 29°C.
Weather in September
September is the main month of the monsoon rainy season. However, the air and sea are pleasantly warm - both with temperatures around 28 °C.
The rainy season in Thailand does not mean constant rain, but a series of very heavy to torrential rains that occur on an average of 22 days per month. However, individual showers usually last only 30-60 minutes and usually occur 1-2 times a day.
Otherwise, there are mostly partly cloudy or cloudy skies. Service and ticket prices are the lowest of the year.
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Weather in October
October, like September, is a monsoon month. It rains often and a lot, but it rarely rains all day. On average, it showers 1-2 times a day for 60 minutes, but there are also days without rain at all, during which there are partly cloudy skies.
Temperatures hover around 29 °C.
Weather in November
November is the month of the shoulder season, when the rainy season passes and Phuket prepares for the winter onslaught of tourists.
Even in November, frequent heavy showers can occur, but on average only 14 days during the month and, like the rest of the year, they last no more than 15-30 minutes.
Otherwise, the weather is partly cloudy or quite clear with temperatures around 30 °C.
Weather in December
December is the first month of the high season. The rainfall decreases considerably, lasting a maximum of 20 minutes on an average of 9 days a month.
The rest of December is mostly sunny with only occasional clouds. Air and sea temperatures soar to 31°C and the weather is quite uncomfortable for exploring or even hiking due to the lack of wind.
On the other hand, for beach holidays, snorkelling and other water activities, December is absolutely ideal.
Sea temperature
The water in the Andaman Sea near the shores of Phuket is similarly warm throughout the year.
The water is at its coldest in December to February, when it reaches an average of 29°C. Expect the warmest sea in Phuket between April and June, with temperatures between 31 and 32 °C.
As you can see, the values only oscillate between 1 and 3 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
Table of temperatures during the year
Phuket - Water and air temperatures during the year
When to go to Phuket
Phuket's high season is from December to January, when the weather is mostly clear and rain-free, with high temperatures between 29°C and 35°C.
Head to Phuket during this period if you want to enjoy a great beach holiday with excursions to the surrounding islands. With calm seas and plenty of sunshine, winter is also great for snorkelling and diving.
However, expect Phuket to be the most expensive in winter, both accommodation and flights. The most expensive time of the year is from mid-December to mid-January, when prices are on par with European destinations.
April, May and November are low season months when you still have a very high chance of clear or partly clear skies. The rain may be heavier, but it's still mainly evening 30-minute showers, which don't even occur every day.
September and October are the main monsoon months when it rains the most, but it will rarely rain all day. This is the period when accommodation is cheapest and when most of the bargain tickets appear. Head to Phuket especially if you don't just want to explore the beaches but also the sights, towns and local life.
What are the best months to visit?
December to March is high season in Phuket.
During this period it rains on average 3-4 times a month, mostly in the evening or at night. The rest of the days the bright tropical sun shines.
When is the rainy season in Phuket?
The heaviest monsoon rains come in late August and last until the end of October.
During these months it can rain up to several times a day, but usually these are still only short heavy thunderstorms lasting up to 60 minutes.
Are tsunamis threatening Phuket?
Many of us still have vivid memories of the devastating tsunami that hit the entire Indian Ocean region in 2004.
The Indian Ocean region is tectonically active, and therefore, far from Phuket's shores, underwater earthquakes can occur and trigger tsunami waves.
However, tsunamis are extremely rare in Phuket. They occur on average once every 100 years. In addition, the tsunami warning system has been greatly improved since 2004 and evacuation routes to the mainland are very clearly marked around the island.
Are typhoons threatening Phuket?
Typhoons, hurricanes and other extreme events do not occur on Phuket.
Strong tropical storms with torrential rain can occur, but these storms are not usually accompanied by the destructive winds of the classic typhoons known from East Asia.