Best Time To Visit Phuket

Andaman Sea Kayaking

Phang Nga National Marine Park is dotted with tiny islands adrift in the Andaman Sea, with spectacular scenery that invites thorough exploration. On this memorable visit, you’ll be paddled by an expert local guide around its most appealing sights in a super-stable inflatable kayak, so all you have to do is sit back and relax. During the trip, you’ll venture into atmospheric sea caves, check out pristine beaches and marvel at extraordinary rock formations. You’ll stop on spectacular islands such as Koh Panak, where your guide will take you through the caves, pointing out the local wildlife, and Koh Hong, known for its beautiful hidden lagoon. You’ll pause for photos at Khao Phing Kan, otherwise known as James Bond Island because it features in The Man with the Golden Gun. And along the way, there’ll be opportunities to swim in the crystal-clear water or pick up the paddles yourself.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9.30am to 7pm
• Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
This trip is not recommended for the under four. The itinerary is not completely set in stone, as it depends on conditions on the day.

Read more

Phi Phi Islands Cruise from Phuket

Enjoy a relaxing day discovering the natural delights of Koh Phi Phi, a scenic archipelago of six specks of land in the Andaman Sea roughly halfway between Koh Lanta and Phuket. Travelling by speedboat, you’ll make your first stop at low-lying Bamboo Island to snorkel along its pristine coral reef. From here, you continue on to Phi Phi Don, the largest island and the only one that’s inhabited, where you’ll have time to swim, hike to the viewpoint or browse the tiny street stalls before lunch. You’ll motor on to Monkey Beach, home to a colony of long-tailed macaques, and “Viking Cave” which owes its nickname to the images of different types of boats - including one that looks like a Viking longboat - painted on its walls. At beautiful Ao Pileh lagoon on the second-largest island, you’ll have a chance to plunge into its emerald waters for a swim and a snorkel, before a final stop at Koh Rang Yai where pearls are farmed.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
This trip is not recommended for the under fours, the over 70s and pregnant women.

Read more

Similan Islands Cruise from Phuket

Fringed by powder-soft beaches lapped by crystal-clear azure waters, the Similan Islands are everyone’s idea of a tropical paradise. You’ll spend a day travelling by speedboat and taking in their natural charms, above and below the waves, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and hiking. The first port of call is the wonderfully named Donald Duck Bay on Koh Similan, where there’ll be time to climb up to the curiously shaped granite boulder known as Sail Rock to take in the views. After a stop to check out the colourful world underwater, you’ll drop anchor at Koh Similan. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on the picture-perfect sands of Princess Bay before following the short nature trail to Honeymoon Bay, a stunning spot where you can swim or sunbathe. There’s one final stop at either Koh Similan or Koh Bon for a snorkelling session over a pristine coral reef teeming with life before you head, reluctantly, back to the mainland.

• Duration: Full day
• Time: 5.30am to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates November to April
• Group experience

Good to know
You’ll need to provide a copy of your passport at time of booking to comply with new Similan Islands National Park regulations. The trip is suitable for all except children under four, those who are physically challenged and pregnant women. Travel is by speedboat.

Read more

Surin Islands Cruise from Phuket

A cluster of tiny specks of land adrift in the Andaman Sea, the Surin Islands have an unspoiled beauty that will enchant everyone who comes here. After an early start, you’ll reach Ao Mae Yai, a picturesque bay on the main island of Ko Surin Nuea blessed with a sweep of white sand and calm, clear waters - it’s a perfect spot for snorkelling. From here, you’ll cruise past a tiny village that houses the Moken, sea nomads who traditionally lived from and on the sea between Thailand and Burma, and who have a fascinating history. After another swim-and-snorkel session, you’ll head to the National Park’s rustic restaurant overlooking another sheltered beach, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch. There’s just time before heading back to the mainland for another snorkelling stop and, in season, for a whale shark watching session.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 5.30am to 6pm
• Departs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
• Operates from November to April
• Group experience

Good to know
This trip is not recommended for the under fours, the over 70s and pregnant women. The itinerary is not completely set in stone, as the choice of snorkelling spots depends on conditions on the day.

Read more

Avoid The Crowds Phi Phi Island Cruise from Phuket

Make an early getaway to Koh Phi Phi to enjoy this scenic archipelago in the Andaman Sea at its tranquil best. Travelling by speedboat, you’ll arrive first at Koh Khai, a tiny island tucked away in Phang Nga Bay. Here, you’ll stop to take in the powder-soft white beach lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters and have a serene swim surrounded by tropical fish. On arrival at Koh Phi Phi, you’ll make for stunning Ao Pileh lagoon on the second-largest island, whose emerald waters are a delight for photographers and snorkellers alike. Other sights include the so-called “Viking Cave” which owes its nickname to the images of different types of boats - including one that looks like a Viking longboat - painted on its walls, and Monkey Beach, home to a colony of long-tailed macaques. After lunch, on the way back to port, there’s a final stop at low-lying Bamboo Island to snorkel along pristine coral reef: the perfect finale to a scenic adventure that will appeal to all.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 5am to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
This trip is not recommended for the under fours, the over 70s and pregnant women. Early morning start.

Read more

Discover Phuket

Go behind the scenes of Phuket and get to know its famous highlights and island industries on a full-day group tour. The day begins with a scenic drive along the coast road, hugging some of Asia's most beautiful beaches. You’ll arrive at Nakkerd Hill to visit the Big Buddha, a 45-metre-tall marble Buddha. Savour the panoramic view over southern Phuket before moving on to Wat Chalong, Phuket's largest and most revered monastery. There’s a late morning visit to a traditional cashew nut factory before visiting the oldest Chinese temple in Phuket Town to learn about Chinese influences on the island. Before lunch, there’s time to visit Chin Pracha House, a Sino-colonial mansion. Lunch is served at a local farm in Old Phuket. You’ll visit a typical farmhouse and watch a demonstration at a local rubber plantation and see how rice is planted and grown.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 7.30am to 5.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates daily
• Group experience

Read more

Elephant Care Experience in Phuket

This half-day trip is a fantastic opportunity to get close to Thailand’s remarkable elephants, where the emphasis is on learning from the sanctuary’s caretakers. After a scenic drive through a local village, you’ll arrive at the elephant sanctuary in a picturesque jungle dotted with ponds, open fields, and hills for the elephants to roam around. Your visit starts at the Tree Top Lounge, where you’ll be shown a documentary to prepare you for your encounter with the elephants. Next, you will feed the elephants. While they enjoy their baskets of fruits, you have a chance to learn from the caretakers about the background of each elephant. You’ll venture into the sanctuary and explore Thailand’s longest canopy walkway and nature trails to locate the elephants and observe them foraging and bathing freely. By keeping a safe and respectful distance, the elephants can express their natural behaviour, play and socialise with each other. Before your trip ends, a delicious vegetarian Thai lunch is served.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 9am to 1pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Read more

Best time to visit Phuket

Phuket is warm throughout the year with average temperatures of 22⁰C-34⁰C. Most travellers consider November to March the best time to visit Phuket, when days are mostly sunny and dry – ideal if you’re planning to spend lots of time on the beach. The wet season runs from May to October, when the south-west monsoon brings higher levels of rainfall and humidity. During low season months, you can find the best-value offers for accommodation and fewer crowds. Between April and May, temperatures reach the highest in the year and can mean uncomfortable levels of heat. Phuket is a great base for reaching some of Thailand’s best diving and snorkelling spots including Koh Phi Phi and the Surin and Similan Islands. The best time to snorkel or dive is November to April, when water visibility is good and conditions are calmer. The Surin and Similan Islands can be visited from mid-October to mid-May. Here’s our month-by-month guide on navigating Phuket’s tropical weather, including its monsoon season.

Phuket Weather

Nov - Apr

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Phuket Weather by Month

Phuket in January
January is one of the best months to visit Phuket. Days are warm at an average temperature of 27⁰C with cool evenings and 8 hours of sunshine every day. While a rain-free visit can never be guaranteed in any tropical destination, January is one of the driest months in Phuket. It’s one of the best times to visit Thailand as a whole destination, as most of the country is delightfully warm and generally dry. If you’re keen to go snorkelling or diving, you can enjoy pleasant sea temperatures of 28⁰C and good visibility at nearby sites including Koh Phi Phi and the Surin and Similan Islands.

Read more

Phuket in February
In February, the weather in Phuket is warm and dry with average temperatures of 23⁰C-33⁰C. It’s another popular month to visit Phuket and enjoy its pretty beaches; days have 9 hours of sunshine with blue skies and the odd tropical shower. February is another ideal month for combining destinations in Thailand. Snorkelling and diving conditions are good too, as seas are calm and warm at 29⁰C.

Read more

Phuket in March
Phuket is warm in March, with a slight increase in rainfall and humidity as the dry season comes to an end. Temperatures average between 23⁰C-34⁰C and days are generally sunny with blue skies. Sea temperatures are nice and warm for snorkelling and diving at around 29⁰C.

Read more

Phuket in April
Phuket is hot and humid in April, with a chance of heavy showers. Days feel hot with average highs of 33⁰C and there are 8 hours of sunshine a day. Sea temperatures are usually around 29⁰C. April is the last full month for snorkelling and diving in the Surin and Similan Islands before they close for maintenance. The Thai New Year, Songkran, is a week-long national celebration in April, most notably marked by the huge street water fights – a welcome refreshment from the scorching heat.

Read more

Phuket in May
May is warm in Phuket and increasingly wet with the arrival of the south-west monsoon and the beginning of the rainy season. Temperatures are warm at 25⁰C-32⁰C and there are 8 hours of sunshine a day. There’s a good chance of rainfall with a mix of sunny and cloudy days. During the wet season, swimming in the sea may not be possible with the rougher conditions. The Surin and Similan Islands close in mid-May until mid-October for conservation.

Read more

Phuket in June
In June, Phuket is warm with a high chance of rainfall. It’s humid and warm with an average temperature of 29⁰C, and frequent showers are likely. Phuket’s beaches become unsuitable for swimming as the sea conditions becoming rougher; Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand is a good alternative, as it remains warm and mostly dry.

Read more

Phuket in July
Phuket is warm and wet in July. The south-west monsoon means there’s a good chance of rain, with rough sea conditions. For better weather and swimming conditions, it’s worth considering Koh Samui and Koh Phangan on the east coast.

Read more

Phuket in August
In August, the weather is wet and warm. The average temperatures fall between 25⁰C and 31⁰C and there’s a high chance of rainfall all through the month. If you’re looking for some sun and sand in Southeast Asia, Bali is a great alternative destination.

Read more

Phuket in September
September is typically one of the wettest months in Phuket. You can expect lots of heavy showers as well as thunderstorms, with warm average temperatures of 27⁰C. Bali and some of Vietnam’s beaches such as Nha Trang and Hoi An have lovely weather and worth considering if you’re after a beach holiday in South-East Asia.

Read more

Phuket in October
Weather in October is wet and warm in Phuket. It’s the end of the wet season, so rainfall will decrease as the month goes on but showers are likely along with warm and sunny days. Average temperatures are at 28⁰C and there are 7 hours of sunshine a day.

Read more

Phuket in November
Phuket is dry and sunny in November. It’s considered one of the best months to visit Phuket, when the weather is less humid and there are 7 hours of sunshine every day. Temperatures are warm at around 23⁰C and 31⁰C and weather across the rest of the country is mostly dry and sunny too – an ideal time to explore other destinations in Thailand along with Phuket. Improved sea conditions make it a good time for diving and snorkelling.

Read more

Phuket in December
Phuket’s weather is warm and dry in December. It’s a popular time to visit as there are 8 hours of sunshine every day and temperatures average between 23⁰C and 31⁰C. December is another excellent month to take advantage of the great weather across the country for multi-centre holidays with Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Read more