The short answer
When to go to Phuket
December to March is the window for calm seas and the most dependable swimming, with February the driest month. November and April are reasonable shoulders. From May to October the south-west monsoon brings rough water and strong currents to the west coast, and September and October are the wettest months. Temperatures barely change through the year, so older travellers should plan around midday heat in every season rather than looking for a cool month.
Month by month
Phuket weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33°C | 25°C | 30 mm | Dry, calm seas; peak season, so book early | |
| February | 34°C | 25°C | 24 mm | Driest month and the most reliable swimming | |
| March | 34°C | 25°C | 74 mm | Hot, still calm; do sights early | |
| April | 34°C | 26°C | 143 mm | Hot, with more frequent showers | |
| May | 33°C | 26°C | 260 mm | Monsoon begins; check flags before swimming | |
| June | 32°C | 26°C | 213 mm | Short rain spells; rough water on the west coast | |
| July | 32°C | 25°C | 258 mm | Low season; pool over sea on red-flag days | |
| August | 32°C | 25°C | 287 mm | Wet, and some boat days get cancelled | |
| September | 32°C | 25°C | 361 mm | Wettest month; poor for swimming and boats | |
| October | 32°C | 25°C | 320 mm | Very wet; the Vegetarian Festival brings crowds | |
| November | 32°C | 25°C | 177 mm | Season turning; rain easing towards December | |
| December | 32°C | 24°C | 72 mm | Calm seas return; holiday weeks are busy and costly |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Phuket seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January, February, March and December
- January: Dry, calm seas; peak season, so book early
- February: Driest month and the most reliable swimming
- March: Hot, still calm; do sights early
- December: Calm seas return; holiday weeks are busy and costly
Good, with small trade-offs: April and November
- April: Hot, with more frequent showers
- November: Season turning; rain easing towards December
Possible, with planning: May, June, July and August
- May: Monsoon begins; check flags before swimming
- June: Short rain spells; rough water on the west coast
- July: Low season; pool over sea on red-flag days
- August: Wet, and some boat days get cancelled
Best avoided with parents or children: September and October
- September: Wettest month; poor for swimming and boats
- October: Very wet; the Vegetarian Festival brings crowds
Useful answers
Best time to visit Phuket: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Phuket?
January, February, March and December are the best months to visit Phuket, with April and November also good. December to March is the window for calm seas and the most dependable swimming, with February the driest month. November and April are reasonable shoulders. From May to October the south-west monsoon brings rough water and strong currents to the west coast, and September and October are the wettest months. Temperatures barely change through the year, so older travellers should plan around midday heat in every season rather than looking for a cool month.
Which months should I avoid in Phuket with elderly parents?
September and October are the months to avoid with older travellers. Wettest month; poor for swimming and boats Very wet; the Vegetarian Festival brings crowds
When does it rain most in Phuket?
September is the wettest month, with about 361 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is March, with average highs around 34°C.