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Best time to visit Phuket: month by month
Short answer
November to April is the best time, with calm seas, clear water and about 11–15 rainy days a month from December to March (highs 29–32°C). December to February is the busiest and most expensive, while May to October brings the monsoon: around 23–28 rainy days a month, rough seas on the west coast and lower prices.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30°C | 24°C | 11 | very high |
| Feb | 31°C | 24°C | 11 | very high |
| Mar | 32°C | 25°C | 15 | high |
| Apr | 31°C | 25°C | 21 | high |
| May | 30°C | 25°C | 26 | medium |
| Jun | 30°C | 25°C | 25 | low |
| Jul | 30°C | 25°C | 24 | medium |
| Aug | 30°C | 25°C | 24 | medium |
| Sep | 29°C | 24°C | 23 | low |
| Oct | 29°C | 24°C | 28 | low |
| Nov | 29°C | 24°C | 28 | high |
| Dec | 29°C | 24°C | 20 | very high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
March is hot and still dry (highs about 32°C, around 15 rainy days); April is hotter and showers increase, and by May the monsoon begins (about 26 rainy days).
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Monsoon season: highs around 30°C, about 24–25 rainy days a month, rough seas and red flags on west-coast beaches; prices are lower and some boat trips are cancelled.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September and October are among the wettest months (up to about 28 rainy days); November improves as the dry season starts.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
The peak season: highs of 29–31°C, calm seas and about 11 rainy days in January and February; book early, especially around Christmas and New Year.
Events worth planning around
- Songkran, the Thai New Year water festival (13–15 April)
- Phuket Vegetarian Festival (Nine Emperor Gods), in September or October depending on the lunar calendar
- Loy Krathong, the festival of floating offerings, on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually November)
When to avoid
Avoid September and October if you want reliable beach days and boat trips, as they are the wettest months and seas are often rough. Avoid Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year if you dislike crowds and peak prices.
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Phuket?
December to March, with calm seas and the fewest rainy days, though it is also the busiest time.
Is Phuket worth visiting in the rainy season?
Yes if you want low prices and fewer people, but expect rain, rough seas and some cancelled boat trips.
When is Maya Bay closed?
For part of the low season, around August–September; check current dates before booking.