Best Time to Visit Phuket: Weather & Travel Tips (2025 Guide)

The best time to visit Phuket for great weather is from November to March—the dry season. You could expect comfortable temperatures, crystal-clear waters, and gentle waves. It's perfect for couples and families to unwind on the beach.

But remember, this time is when Phuket gets super busy, and prices tend to go up. For a chill vacation without the crazy crowds in Phuket's peak season, try planning your trip for late October or early April (receiving less tourists).

If you're a family with kids looking to travel during the summer break, we suggest aiming for late July or the beginning of August. During this time, you can enjoy milder weather with cooler breezes compared to other months in summer. Although it is the rainy season, showers typically happens in the late afternoon or evening-so you could still get the sunny mornings for beach fun.

That said, the worst time to visit Phuket is generally September. This month sees the heaviest rainfall and the roughest seas of the year, which can lead to cancellation of boat trips, limited water activities and even temporary island closures. If beach time and island-hopping, are your priority, it's best to avoid this month.

Visit Phuket in Three Seasons

The travel seasons in Phuket are typically divided into three different periods: the dry/high season, hot/shoulder season, and the rainy/low season. Each has its typical features.

Dry/High Season (November to March)

What's the weather like?

When travel in Phuket's dry season (November to March), you could expect warm temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C, minimal rainfall and lower humidity levels.

Why travel in dry season?

This season's good weather promises clear skies, gentle sea breezes, and comfortable sea temperatures, making it an ideal time for island-hopping, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, or simply sunbathing on pristine beaches.

As a bonus, this period also brings a festive atmosphere. In November, you might catch the beautiful Loy Krathong Festival. For a unique and memorable experience, You can join our private boat tour to Phang Nga Bay to set afloat your own lanterns on the sea.

If you travel in December and January, this season brings a lively vibe with Christmas decorations, and New Year celebration beach parties, creating a happy atmosphere.

Challenges & travel tips

Travel in peak season, you could expect higher expense and crowd, especially during the Christmas and New Year holiday. Hotel rates can jump by 30–40%, and popular beaches (like Patong or Kata) get very crowded. If you don't mind the party scene and plan early, it can be a fun time. But for a more relaxed vibe and lower price, try to avoid Dec 20 – Jan 5.

Another way to escape from the bustling crowds during peak seasons is to stay in exclusive locations like Kamala or Surin. These areas feature private beaches and hillside villas that offer exclusivity.

Additionally, selecting a private tour allows for a flexible itinerary that avoids the peak crowd's moments.

Hot/Shoulder Season (April to June)

What's the weather like?

As April rolls into June, Phuket switches from dry to a beginning of monsoon season, with temperatures climbing from 27°C to 35°C (80°F to 95°F). You would feel steamy and hot, especially in April and May when temps can soar above 35°C (95°F) with high humidity.

Why travel during this season?

It offers a good balance of lower crowds, better prices, and still enough good weather to enjoy beach time.

Although it's the start of the monsoon, you'll often get long sunny hours—great for the beach, island-hopping, and outdoor exploring. Hotel prices are 20–30% lower than in peak season, so you can stay somewhere nicer for less.

Famous spots like Maya Bay are quieter and surrounded by lush greenery. Plus, if you visit in April, you can experience Thailand's most iconic festival—Songkran, the nationwide water fight that's as fun as it is unforgettable. Enjoy the non-stop parties, music, and massive water fights on the beaches like Patong and Kata beach.

Challenges & travel tips

The main challenge during this season is the tropical heat. To avoid sunburn, it is recommended to plan outdoor activities during early mornings or late afternoons (consider a private tour for flexible boat trips).

For shady beaches, consider Surin Beach's northern end and South Kata Beach, featuring the rocky outcrops and lush trees creating natural shade. And the beach clubs offering sun loungers, with the entire area becoming comfortably shaded after 4pm.

Rainy/Low Season (July to October)

What's the weather like?

From July to October, Phuket experiences the rainy season. You could expect frequent heavy rains, with afternoon showers being common (usually lasting 1-2 hours), while mornings typically remain sunny. Temperatures experience a slight decrease from the hot season, ranging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F), with high humidity.

Is it still worth visiting?

If you're looking for the best deals of the year, this is the time. Hotel rates drop by 30–50% compared to the dry season, and luxury resorts often offer half-price packages.

While it's not ideal for sunbathing all day, you can still enjoy the beach during dry spells—just plan a flexible itinerary and leave room for indoor relaxation when the rain rolls in.

This season also draws surfers, as Kata and Kamala beaches get reliable waves thanks to stronger winds.

Challenges and Travel Tips

The rainy season mainly impacts island-hopping and water activities—boat trips, including those to the Phi Phi Islands and other popular spots, may be canceled due to rough seas and unpredictable weather, while diving conditions can also be restricted.

To make the most of your trip, schedule outdoor activities in the morning when the skies are clearer, and reserve indoor or more relaxed options—like a spa session, beachside cafes, or a stroll through Phuket Old Town—for the afternoon.

If you are interested in water activities such as diving, you could consider heading to the eastern islands, like Panwa and Coral Island, where the impact of the rainy season is lesser, and they are great diving spot as well.

Additionally, the Similan Islands (a top diving destination) are closed from May to October, making it a less ideal time for diving enthusiasts.

The Worst Time/month to Visit Phuket:

I strongly recommend avoiding Phuket in September. It's the peak of the rainy season, with heavy downpours and rough seas. I once got caught in a storm with strong winds and heavy rain during a boat trip to Phi Phi—it was so bad, we almost couldn't return. The unpredictable weather makes it a risky time for island trips and water activities. If possible, plan your trip for another time!

Phuket Weather by Month

To provide you with a convenient overview of each month's weather, we have compiled a table for your reference

FAQs About Weather of Phuket

1. What is the hottest month in Phuket?

April is the hottest (up to 35°C/95°F), but also hosts Songkran Festival (Thai New Year water fights)—a unique experience if you can handle the heat!

2. Can you swim in Phuket year-round?

Yes, but May–October brings rougher seas (especially west coast beaches like Patong). For safest swimming, choose November–April.

3. When is the best time for diving/snorkeling in Phuket?

November–April offers the clearest waters. Avoid August–September when monsoons affect visibility and access to sites like the Similan Islands.

4. When is the best time for surfing in Phuket?

May–October (monsoon season) brings the best waves, especially at Kata Beach and Kamala Beach.

Recommended Phuket Tours

• 10-Day Classic Thailand Tour: Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Phuket (recommended for first-timers)
• 8-Day Thailand West Coast Island Hopping Tour: Phuket – Koh Phi Phi – Krabi (recommended for beach lovers)
• 9-Day Thailand Family Tour: Bangkok – Phuket
• More Thailand tours

All our tours can be customized. We can create an ideal Thailand trip for you based on your group size, time, budget, interests, preferences, and other requirements. Contact us.