The rainy season month by month

  • May and June: the season starts; showers become frequent but the sun is still common. A good compromise on price.
  • July and August: rain and a rougher sea, with plenty of dry hours. Read Phuket in July and Phuket in August.
  • September and October: usually the wettest months, with the strongest chance of floods and cancelled boats. See Phuket in September and Phuket in October.
  • November: the transition; the sea calms and the high season begins. The exact dates of the start and end of the season vary from year to year and from one source to another.

What it changes for a traveller

  • The sea: red flags are common on west-coast beaches (Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala, Nai Harn). Rip currents are a real danger: swim only where lifeguards allow it and obey the flags.
  • Boat trips: some are cancelled or rerouted, and the Similan Islands are closed to visitors during part of the wet season; check the operator before paying.
  • Prices: hotels and flights are often lower than in the dry season.
  • Crowds: the beaches are quieter, restaurants less full.

For the latest situation, see weather and disruptions in Phuket.

What to do when it rains

Museums, malls, a cooking class, a massage, Thai boxing at night or a food tour of the old town fill the wet hours. Our list is in what to do in Phuket when it rains. A food tasting walk through the old town is a good fit for a showery day: see this tour on GetYourGuide.

Is it worth going?

Yes if you want lower prices, quieter places and accept that the sea will not always be swimmable; no if your trip is built around island boat trips and beach days. For the dry season, read the best time to visit Phuket.

FAQ

When is the rainy season in Phuket?

Roughly May to October, with September and October usually the wettest.

Does it rain all day in the rainy season?

Rarely. Showers are often short and heavy, with dry spells in between.

Can you swim in Phuket in the rainy season?

Sometimes, but red flags are frequent on the west coast and currents can be dangerous: follow the lifeguards and flags.

Are the Similan Islands open?

Not during part of the wet season: check the dates with the national park or your operator.