Best Time To Visit Phuket > Weather, Temperature & Season

What is the best time to visit Phuket?

The best time to visit Phuket is from December to March. The weather during this period is relatively cool and dry, and the temperature ranges between 23 degrees Celcius to 30 degrees Celcius. It is the perfect time for beach activities, swimming, water sports and everything else that Phuket is known for. This is also the peak tourist season in Phuket, so prices are generally high. Due to its tropical location, Phuket harbors a warm climate throughout the year. It has two seasons: the wet season from June to November and the dry season from December to April, with February being the driest month.

Weather conditions remain warm almost throughout the year, but there will be a notable difference in rainfall every month; however, April-May and September-October are the hottest. Owing to the southwestern monsoon, the September-October period is also the wettest. Swimming and diving activities can only take place in the non-monsoon seasons. Even during monsoons, the rainfall occurs intermittently in short bursts, so there will be plenty of sun in between.

Monthly Weather in Phuket

Month	High/Low (°C)	Rain
January	30°/ 23°	2 days
February	30°/ 24°	2 days
March	30°/ 24°	3 days
April	30°/ 25°	20 days
May	29°/ 25°	20 days
June	29°/ 25°	21 days
July	29°/ 25°	5 days
August	29°/ 25°	23 days
September	28°/ 24°	15 days
October	28°/ 24°	28 days
November	28°/ 24°	21 days
December	29°/ 23°	10 days

Phuket Travel Packages

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6 Days / 5 Nights

Bangkok Phuket Pattaya Tour Package - Pocket Fr...

Phuket(2N) → Pattaya(2N) → Bangkok(1N)

$ 372

10% off

$333/person

9 Days / 8 Nights

Bangkok Pattaya Phuket Krabi Tour Package: Fam...

Phuket(2N) → Krabi(2N) → Pattaya(2N) → Bangkok(2N)

$ 602

20% off

$479/person

5 Days / 4 Nights

Phuket Krabi 5 Day Itinerary: Four Island Tour ...

Phuket(2N) → Krabi(2N)

$ 233

12% off

$204/person

7 Days / 6 Nights

6 Nights Phuket Travel Package With Bangkok Krabi

Phuket(3N) → Krabi(2N) → Bangkok(1N)

$ 374

15% off

$315/person

7 Days / 6 Nights

Best of Thailand Tour - Krabi, Phuket & Phi Phi...

Krabi(2N) → Phi Phi Island(1N) → Phuket(3N)

$312/person

4 Days / 3 Nights

Phuket Tour Package 4 Days 3 Nights - Day Trip ...

Phuket(3N) → Phi Phi Islands(0N) → Ao Phang Nga & Phang Nga(0N)

$ 210

17% off

$174/person

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More about Best Time to Travel to Phuket

Phuket in High Season / Peak Season

December through March is considered the peak season to visit the beautiful island of Phuket. It is an ideal time to find calm seas, blue skies, and full-blown nightlife. January would be the height of the peak season and boasts the highest prices for travel and accommodation. This period is also the driest and sunniest that you can expect to find in Phuket. The nightlife is also at its peak, and the tourists enjoy a fully-fledged party atmosphere.

Phuket in Shoulder Season

The months of April, May, August and November comprise the Shoulder season for Phuket. It is observed to begin after the Thai New Year or Songkran. Although there are chances of rainfall, visitors enjoy the sunshine in between the monsoon bursts and some even prefer this time of the year due to the absence of crowds. You can expect to receive a much friendlier and personalised service.

Phuket in Off Season

June, July, September and October mark the low season for tourism in Phuket. The increase in rainfall and the absence of swimming and diving activities lead to thinning crowds. This is also the period when the travel and accommodation tariffs reach rock bottom.

Phuket in January

Weather
The month of January can be considered as one of the most pleasant times to visit Phuket. It is no surprise that this is the most popular month with tourists. Most days flaunt clear, blue skies and the relatively low humidity means that rainfall will be lesser. The calm seas coupled with the warm weather make it an ideal time to go swimming at the beach or for scuba diving. Be sure to carry sunscreen and wide hats for protection against the sun. However, one must be warned that the roads in the town can get a bit busy and the prices for travel and accommodation are the highest this month.

Events & Festivals in January
The 1st of January, New Year?s Day is a public holiday in Phuket. The Phuket International Boat Show, a one of its kind event, is held every year in the first half of January. The Chinese New Year?s is welcomed with week-long celebrations in the latter part of January (sometimes in February, depending on the Chinese calendar). You can expect to see a magnificent display of fireworks.

Phuket in February

Weather
The month of February is pretty much an extension of January when it comes to Phuket. The perfect weather and busy nightlife spill over into this month as well. Moreover, there is an increased chance for discounts on stay when compared to the previous month. February is also the driest month of the year in Phuket.

Events & Festivals in February
The Phuket Old Town Festival almost immediately follows the Chinese New Year celebration. The Phuket Lantern festival, which was started in 2016, will be a yearly tradition and will celebrate Phuket?s culture and heritage. It will be held for most of this month, to attract tourists from all corners of the world. Another significant event is the Buddhist lunar festival of Makha Bucha Day. Temples across the town hold candlelit processions.

Phuket in March

Weather
The average temperatures climb up this month as March marks the beginning of the hot season, along with the end of the dry season. It is recommended to take an accommodation that includes air conditioning as the weather might get uncomfortably hot, especially during the later part of the month. You can expect to see a decline in the crowds from the peak season that translates into hotels offering reduced tariffs. Low rainfall and sunny days ensure good conditions for swimming and diving activities.

Events & Festivals in March
One of the most important festivals of Phuket, Thao Thepkasattri-Thao Sri Suntorn Festival, usually takes place in the first two weeks of March. Various cultural and sports events, like mini-marathons and Buddhist ceremonies, take place throughout these two weeks. The 13th of March is celebrated as the National Thai Elephant Day. The elephants in the Phuket Zoo are taken to feast on elaborate spreads on fruits and sugar cane.

Phuket in April

Weather
Phuket is the hottest in April. It can even get unbearable and quite sticky. This month also marks the arrival of rainfall. So, be sure to carry a lightweight umbrella, or you can also buy one from the town markets on arrival. The rain is never prolonged and almost always occurs in short bursts. April is also the last month for a stable and calm sea, as the visibility for diving declines in the subsequent months. The hotels offer plenty of special deals on accommodation at this time of the year.

Events & Festivals in April
The present royal family descended from the Chakri dynasty. April 6th is observed as the Chakri Day, which is deemed as a prominent event for modern Thailand. Mid-April sees a three-day celebration for the Thai New Year - Songkran. Everyone enthusiastically tries to douse each other in the water, using buckets, hoses and guns. Tourists visiting at this time have high chances of getting soaked.