Phuket has a tropical monsoonal climate. It's warm year-round, but it’s hottest from April to May and from September to October. The September–October period is also the wettest, thanks to the south-west monsoon.
Thanks to its position in the Andaman Sea, Phuket weather is mostly mild. The island avoids the majority of the typhoons and tropical storms which occasionally batter Hong Kong and the Philippines. Heavy rains in September and October can cause minor disruptions. Even so, it's rare to see several days of bad weather. Note that online weather forecasts are always on the pessimistic side – a whole week with the thunderstorm icon doesn't mean it will rain all day!
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Best time to go to Phuket
The best time to visit Phuket is from December through March. This is the north-east monsoon season. Mainland Thailand blocks the monsoon rains, leaving only cool breezes and blue skies over Phuket. The average temperature is around 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 89°F) and the humidity is at its lowest.
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Hottest time in Phuket
The hottest Phuket weather is from April through May, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 36°C (80°F to 95°F). Humidity is high, at this time, which can make the days feel even hotter. Occasional short, thundery showers bring a little relief from the heat. There's also the Thai New Year festival of Songkran in mid-April when you're likely to get splashed with cold water.
Locals enjoy visiting in June, July and August. The weather in Phuket is generally fine and the island's favourite attractions remain uncrowded. The usual pattern is for brief but heavy showers, with plenty of sunshine between downpours. Temperatures over this period range between 20°C to 33°C (70°F and 90°F).
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The weather in Phuket is usually at its worst in September and early-October. These months see the heaviest rainfall and the roughest seas. Even so, this makes it the best time for surfers to visit. You'll find the beaches, attractions, restaurants and roads relatively quiet. Even at this time, you can usually expect long sunny spells between the showers.
