When Is the Best Time to Visit Phuket? From December to March

Phuket is located on the west coast of mainland Thailand, with Phuket Island, the largest island in Thailand, and is composed of 32 other islands outside the coastline. The scenery here is pleasant and the food is rich, naturally attracting tourists from various countries.

Finding the best time to visit has become a challenge. Today's article will discuss the climate characteristics of Phuket, best time to travel, best time to participate in water sports and more suggestions. Hope it will help a lot for your next holiday to visit Phuket!

The Climate Features of Phuket, Thailand

Like most Thai cities, Phuket is a tropical provincial capital with high temperatures throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 25 ℃ to 34 ℃. Due to the influence of the southwest monsoon, there is usually a rainy season. April and May are the hottest and January the coolest.

Generally speaking, the climate in Phuket is divided into three parts: the cool season from December to March, the hot season from April to May, and the rainy season from June to November.

The cool season from December to March:
The weather in Phuket from December to March is generally dry and cool. When you go out, you will see a clear sky, with a gentle breeze blowing. Of course, the number of tourists during this time will also increase.

The hot season of April and May:
Phuket in April and May still has a blue sky and a peaceful sea. But sometimes the temperature can rise to 40 ℃. If you only have time to travel in April or May, choosing museums and some indoor palace tours is also possible, for example, the Phuket City Museum in the center of the city.

The rainy season from June to November:
June to November in Phuket is the time of the year with the highest rainfall, and you will also feel very humid. Among them, September has the highest precipitation, with an average of 12.4 inches.

Sunny holiday in Phuket Old Town

The Best Time to Visit Phuket: December to March

After understanding the specific climate characteristics of Phuket, we believe you have a rough idea about the best time to travel to Phuket. That's during the cool season, from December to March. The climate in the cool season is mild, sunny, and the temperature is suitable. It is very suitable for both outdoor and indoor activities. You can also go to various beaches near Phuket to relax.

However, it should be noted that this period is also the peak season for tourism in Phuket. This means that the prices of food and accommodation will increase, and your travel costs such as air tickets will also increase. The flow of people in the scenic area will also be much higher than before. What interesting things can you do in Phuket during this best time? Here you can do:

For history and culture tour:
Visit temples, such as the famous Wat Chalong, Phuket Big Buddha, and Wat Khao Rang, and stroll around the old city of Phuket.
For natural landscapes:
Visit beaches and enjoy the pleasant sea view, such as Phuket Island, Phi Phi Island, and Coral Island.
For experiencing life:
Visit night markets in Phuket, such as Phuket Indy Night Market and Chillva Market; Go to resorts and spa centers for authentic Thai massage to relax your body and mind.

10 Days Thailand Luxury Tour to Phuket

Chiang Mai - Bangkok - Phuket

The Best Time for Surfing, Diving, and Other Sea-Going Activities: November to April

Since Phuket is famous for island vacations, we will introduce some sea-going activities, including surfing, diving, snorkeling, jet ski (water motorcycles), and many other water sports. Tell us any activities that interest you, and we will add them to your customized itinerary.

In short, November to April is very friendly to most water sports. But for surfing, we suggest you do it from June to September because this time can provide surfing with powerful waves and enough wind speed.

Scuba Diving
Scuba diving in Phuket offers the opportunity to explore rich and diverse underwater ecosystems. The crystal-clear waters are home to colorful coral reefs and tropical marine life.
Best Time: November to April.
Cost: From 2,000 Thai Baht (around $60) to 4,000 Thai Baht (around $120).

An adventure scuba diver

Snorkeling
Snorkeling is an underwater activity that involves a breathing tube. It is designed to explore the ocean canyons and green moss.
Best Time: November to April.
Cost: 3,500 Thai Baht (around $96) for per adult, 2,400 Thai Baht (around $66) for per child.

Snorkeling under the surface of blue water

Surfing
Surfing enthusiasts flock to Phuket's beaches like Karon Beach and Kata Beach for the exhilarating waves. Phuket offers both beginner-friendly and challenging surf spots.
Best Time: June to September.
Cost: From 300 Thai Baht (around $9) to 1,000 Thai Baht (around $30).

Go surf on the powerful ocean waves in Phuket

Jet Skiing
Jet skiing in Phuket offers an adrenaline-pumping experience as you ride the waves on a powerful watercraft. You can explore the coastline and enjoy the thrill of speed.
Best Time: All year-round.
Cost: Around 800 Thai Baht (approximately $24) per hour.

Ride on the water motorcycle for a thrilling experience

How Is the Weather like during the Rainy Season? Can I Visit Phuket during These Months?

The rainy season in Phuket usually lasts from June to November. During this period, the island will experience brief but intense rain showers, humid climates, and occasional thunderstorms. The average temperature is 27℃-28℃, with the most rainfalls up to 12.4 inches at September.

Nevertheless, some tourists still choose to visit Phuket during the rainy season because the prices are relatively low, there are relatively few tourists, and the scenery is still beautiful.

During the rainy season in Phuket, there are also many things you can do. For example, you can attend a Thai boxing class or Thai cuisine cooking class, visit the Trickeye Museum in Phuket, experience a Thai massage, go on an exciting white water rafting, etc.

Tips
1. Carry a foldable umbrella, lightweight raincoat and proper rain shoes.
2. Prepare mosquito repellent and some cold medicine with you.

16 Days In-depth Thailand Tour with Phuket

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When Can I Visit Phuket for a Budget Tour?

Phuket’s off-season from June to November is the best time for a budget tour! If you're planning a budget-friendly trip to Phuket, here are some tips, including when to go, how to book hotels and flights, and how to handle attraction tickets:

Avoid Peak Tourist Seasons:
Avoid traveling during Christmas, New Year, and Asian holidays such as Chinese New Year, as hotel and flight prices tend to skyrocket during these periods.
Opt for Budget Accommodations:
Choose budget hotels, guesthouses, or hostels such as Patong, Karon, and Phuket Town hotel, instead of luxury resorts to save on accommodation costs.
Book cheap flights:
Choose VietJet Air, Thai Lion Air, AirAsia, Malindo Air, etc.Attraction tickets:
Join in group tours or buy some combo tickets.

Lastly, you can definitely reach out to us at any time for a cost-effective tour to Phuket. Remember to look for local budget eateries, try street food stalls, and use public transportation to save on expenses. – Read more on tips to travel Thailand on a budget!

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Conclusion

In short, December to March is the best time to go to Phuket. We wish you the best time and the happiest holiday. Apart from sea sports, there are many other interesting places to play in Phuket.

To make your Phuket trip the most fabulous, contact us for more detailed consultation, and we will customize your itinerary based on your understanding and expectations of Phuket.