Phuket Weather and Climate

Phuket has a tropical monsoon climate. It's warm all year 'round, but the two periods of April-May and September-October are the hottest. The September-October period is also the wettest.

Best time to go to Phuket

The best time to visit Phuket is during the cool NE monsoon season, from November through March (See photo Galleries December and January in Phuket), when it isn't so humid, and the cool breezes keep things comfortable. The average temperature is around 75F to 89F (24C to 32C).

Hottest time in phuket

The hottest time is from April through May (see photo galleries: April in Phuket) , with temperatures ranging from 80F to 95F (27C to 36C). There are frequent short heavy thundery showers, offering welcome relief from the temperature and humidity. The Thai New Year occurs (Songkran Festival) on April 13^th and everyone sprinkles (or throws) cool water on each other. No wonder!

Locals enjoy June, July and August (see photo galleries: June and August in Phuket) since the weather is usually fine and our favourite haunts remain uncrowded. The usual pattern is brief but heavy showers, with plenty of sunshine between downpours. Everything is a little less expensive at this time of year, as well. Temperatures range between 70F and 90F (20C to 33C).

Low Season

During September and early October we locals start to remember our umbrellas. This makes an ideal time to visit abroad. One consolation for those who remain is that the beaches, outdoor restaurants and streets are relatively uncluttered by visitors. And even at this time, we still get long intervals of sunshine between the heavy showers.

Anyway, plenty of low season activities, both water- and land-based, still offer themselves on Phuket during this wettest part of the summer season. (Read more...)

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