Phuket weather by month 2026: best time to visit
Phuket weather month by month in 2026: high and green season, rain, sea and swell, prices and crowds. Which month suits beaches, diving, saving money or travelling with kids.
Updated: 2026-10-19 · 8 min read · AURA Phuket
Phuket weather is warm all year: 32–34 °C by day and a 28–30 °C sea. The dry season runs from November to April, and February is the driest month, with rain on about 2 days. The rainy season runs from May to October, and September and October are the wettest, with about 19 rainy days. For the sea and the islands, go from December to March.
Key facts
- High season runs November to April: dry, calm sea and peak prices.
- Green season runs May to October: short downpours, lush scenery and prices 20–40% lower.
- The hottest months are March and April; the wettest are September and October.
- Air temperature stays 28–34 °C year-round and the sea 28–30 °C.
- Similan and Surin are open roughly from mid-October to mid-May.
November to February: the best beach season
Dry, calm seas and pleasantly cool evenings. It is the ideal time for the sea, islands and family trips — and the priciest: December and January stays cost one and a half to two times more, and beaches and tours fill up. Book everything ahead.
March to April: heat and post-season prices
The hottest months: up to 34–36 °C by day and bath-warm water. The sea is still calm, crowds thin out and prices start to drop. April brings Songkran, the Thai New Year with water fights in the streets.
May to October: the green season
Rain usually arrives as short afternoon downpours rather than lasting all day. The island turns green, prices fall 20–40% and crowds thin. The downsides are swell and rip currents on the west coast, so swim only where there are no red flags and plan sea trips for calm days.
What to do in Phuket when it rains
- Spa and Thai massage — the best use of a rainy day.
- Old Phuket Town: cafes, museums and Sino-Portuguese streets.
- The aquarium and covered water parks — with kids.
- Malls, cooking classes and Muay Thai gyms.
- The east coast and the south sometimes stay dry when the west is soaked.
Which month for which goal
- Beaches and islands — December to March.
- Diving and snorkelling with the best visibility — November to April.
- Savings and small crowds — May to October.
- With small children — November to February, when the sea is calm.
- A long winter stay — November to March, with the housing contract signed early.
Tours matched to season and weather
Phuket month by month
| Month | Day / night | Sea | Rainy days | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33 / 25 °C | 28 °C | 4 | flat sea on the west coast; prices peak until about 10 January |
| February | 34 / 25 °C | 29 °C | 2 | the driest month, very clear water |
| March | 34 / 26 °C | 29–30 °C | 6 | the hottest days; manta and whale shark season |
| April | 34 / 26 °C | 30 °C | 10 | Songkran 13–15 April; swell arrives late in the month |
| May | 33 / 26 °C | 30 °C | 16 | the rainy season starts; the Similans close from 16 May |
| June | 33 / 26 °C | 30 °C | 16 | swell and rip currents on the west-coast beaches |
| July | 32 / 26 °C | 30 °C | 16 | the Similan and Surin islands are closed |
| August | 32 / 26 °C | 29 °C | 17 | red flags on the west coast; Maya Bay closed from 1 August |
| September | 32 / 25 °C | 29 °C | 19 | the wettest, cloudiest month and the lowest prices |
| October | 32 / 25 °C | 29 °C | 19 | the Similans reopen on 15 October; Vegetarian Festival |
| November | 32 / 25 °C | 29 °C | 13 | swell dies down in the second half; Loy Krathong on 24 November |
| December | 32 / 25 °C | 29 °C | 8 | every island open; peak prices from 20 December to 10 January |
Temperatures and rainy days are the 1991–2020 climate averages; the 2026–2027 dates and the details for each month are in the month guides below.
Frequently asked questions
When is the rainy season in Phuket?
From May to October. May, June and July average 16 rainy days a month, August 17, and September and October about 19. It is mostly short afternoon downpours, and the west-coast beaches get swell and rip currents in these months.
Which month is best for Phuket?
December to March: dry, calm seas and every island open. If price and quiet matter more, choose May, June or September, but watch the beach flags.
Is Phuket worth visiting in the rainy season?
Yes, if you accept afternoon downpours and swell. Rain rarely lasts all day, the island is greener, and stays and tours cost 20–40% less. For swimming with kids, pick sheltered bays.
How warm is the sea in Phuket?
Around 28–30 °C all year — the water is warm in any month. The seasonal difference is in clarity and swell, not temperature.