Phuket has a tropical climate with warm temperatures between 24 °C and 33 °C all year and a sea temperature of 28–30 °C. There are three seasons: the dry season from November to April brings sunny days, calm seas and the best conditions for boat tours and island trips; December to February is the most popular time to visit. The hot season in March and April is the warmest period, with temperatures up to 34 °C. The rainy season from May to October means short, heavy showers — usually in the afternoon or at night — rather than all-day rain, plus rougher seas on the west coast. Many tours, especially in sheltered Phang Nga Bay, run all year. The Similan Islands are closed from about 15 May to 15 October.
Three seasons rule the island: dry (Nov–Apr), hot (Mar–May) and rainy (May–Oct).
| Month | Day / Night | Rain (days · mm) | Sea temp. | Sea conditions | Best tour tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32 / 24 °C | 4 · ~40 mm | 28 °C | calm | Similan diving & snorkelling |
| February | 33 / 24 °C | 3 · ~30 mm | 28 °C | calm | Phi Phi early-bird speedboat |
| March | 33 / 25 °C | 6 · ~60 mm | 29 °C | calm | Racha & Coral combo |
| April | 33 / 26 °C | 12 · ~150 mm | 30 °C | calm → moderate | Hottest month + Songkran — shaded catamaran |
| May | 32 / 26 °C | 18 · ~300 mm | 30 °C | moderate | James Bond Bay (sheltered) · last Similan weeks! |
| June | 31 / 26 °C | 17 · ~210 mm | 30 °C | moderate–rough | Elephant sanctuary morning |
| July | 31 / 25 °C | 18 · ~210 mm | 29 °C | rough (west coast) | Phang Nga Bay canoe tour |
| August | 31 / 25 °C | 17 · ~210 mm | 29 °C | rough (west coast) | ATV jungle — mud is fun! |
| September | 30 / 25 °C | 20 · ~330 mm | 29 °C | roughest | Shows & Phuket City tour |
| October | 31 / 25 °C | 19 · ~290 mm | 29 °C | improving | Rafting at peak water · Similan reopens 15 Oct |
| November | 31 / 24 °C | 13 · ~150 mm | 28 °C | calmer | Sunset dinner cruise |
| December | 31 / 24 °C | 6 · ~50 mm | 28 °C | calm | All tours run — book Phi Phi & Koh Yao Yai early |
Source: long-term averages (Thai Meteorological Department), values are approximations. Last checked: [17/10/2026]
For weather: November to April, with December–February as the sweet spot. For prices: May, September and October offer the best deals.
Rainy season does not mean constant rain: expect short downpours of 30–90 minutes, usually in the afternoon or at night, with sunshine in between.
Mornings are almost always fine for excursions. Many of our guests prefer these months: fewer crowds, greener landscapes and significantly lower prices. If a shower does catch you, Phuket offers plenty of indoor alternatives:
Boat tours run all year — but the coast matters: Phang Nga Bay stays sheltered, while the open west coast can get rough from May to October.
From May to October, speedboats to open-sea destinations may be cancelled when waves exceed safety limits; catamarans handle choppy water more comfortably. Red flags on west-coast beaches mean no swimming — rip currents are dangerous. Always follow lifeguard advice.
The Similan Islands National Park is closed every year from 15 May to 15 October. Tours typically sell out fast after reopening — October and November dates should be booked early.
December, January and February offer the best Phuket weather: 31–32 °C, very little rain and calm seas — ideal for boat tours to Phi Phi and the Similan Islands. It is also the busiest and most expensive period, so book popular tours in advance.
The rainy season runs from May to October, driven by the southwest monsoon. September and October are the wettest months, with around 18–20 rain days per month. Rain usually falls in short, heavy bursts, often in the late afternoon or at night.
No. Even in September, the wettest month, rain typically comes as short downpours of 30–90 minutes, followed by sunshine. Completely washed-out days are rare — most days still offer several hours of good weather, usually in the morning.
Yes. Tours in sheltered Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island) run all year, and Phi Phi trips operate on most days. Operators may cancel speedboats when waves exceed safety limits; catamarans are more stable in choppy seas. The Similan Islands close entirely from 15 May to 15 October.
The Similan Islands National Park is open from 15 October to 15 May each year and closed during the rainy season. Best diving and visibility (20–30 m) occurs from December to April.
April is the hottest month, with daytime highs around 33–34 °C and high humidity. It also hosts Songkran, the Thai water festival (13–15 April). Choose shaded boat tours (catamaran) and plan beach time for mornings and late afternoons.
The Andaman Sea around Phuket stays between 28 °C and 30 °C all year — warm enough for swimming and snorkeling in every month, including the rainy season.
October is a transition month: rain decreases from mid-month, prices are at their lowest and beaches are empty. Expect some rough seas early in the month; the Similan Islands reopen on 15 October. Great value for flexible travelers.
Planning your trip? Pick your month — we’ll match the perfect tour to the season.
Local operator · Free cancellation on most tours · Hotel pickup included
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