Situation today (27 October 2026)
- Floods of 25 and 26 October 2026: heavy rain flooded all three districts of the island (Thalang, Mueang Phuket and Kathu) on 25 October; Thepkrasattri Road (Thalang) was impassable for small vehicles and low-lying areas of Rawai, Chalong and Kathu were affected (Nation Thailand, 25 October). Flash floods also hit Patong early on 26 October (FTN News). On 26 October the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) warned of flash floods and landslides in low-lying areas, near waterways and at the foot of hills, and is sending alerts to phones on the island (Nation Thailand).
- Weather service warning (TMD): warning No. 8 of 27 October (5 am): torrential rain on 27 October in Phuket, Phang Nga, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat, then heavy rain on 28 October across the South, Phuket included; risk of flash floods and waterlogging in low-lying areas and at the foot of hills; waves above 2 metres near thunderstorms in the Andaman Sea (Nation Thailand). Next TMD update on 27 October at 5 pm (17:00).
- Latest known state: nothing more recent than the morning bulletin of 27 October found; our sources report no airport or ferry disruption, though this is not confirmed. Check the TMD (tmd.go.th) and the Phuket governor before booking a sea excursion.
- Strikes and protests: none announced in our sources on 27 October 2026.
- Flights: the Middle East escalation has disrupted flights worldwide; if you transit through the Gulf, check with your airline (FCDO Thailand, 12 October 2026).
Calendar to the end of January 2027
| Date | Event | What it means for you | Status and source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 2026 to Jan. 2027 | Strike or protest affecting Phuket | Nothing to report for now | None announced on 27 October |
| Late October to mid-November | End of the summer monsoon on the Andaman Sea | Showers still possible, sometimes rough sea, red flags on beaches | TMD warning No. 8 of 27 October (torrential rain on 27, heavy rain on 28); check daily |
| 15 October 2026 to 15 May 2027 (announced by tour operators) | Seasonal reopening of the Similan Islands | Trips possible when the sea allows, cancelled in strong sea | Usual park calendar, to be confirmed |
| Tuesday 24 November | Loy Krathong | Crowds on beaches, lanterns and krathong floating | Annual festival tied to the full moon |
| 5 and 10 December | Father's Day and Constitution Day | Public holidays, heavy crowds | Usual holidays, possible shift to be confirmed |
| 24 December to 2 January | High season, holidays | Very busy beaches and roads, high prices | Annual peak |
Sea, beaches and rain
- Beach flags: in monsoon season, rip currents and waves are dangerous on the west-coast beaches (Kata, Karon, Patong, Surin, Kamala); do not swim under a red flag, even in shallow water.
- Boat trips: trips to Phi Phi, Racha or the Similan Islands are cancelled in strong sea; ask the operator for a refund or a new date.
- Street flooding: Phuket town and low roads can flood in under an hour; landslides are possible on hillsides according to the TMD.
- Transport: motorbikes and scooters are slippery in rain; two-wheelers are a frequent cause of traveller accidents in Phuket.
What to do: refunds, insurance, alternatives
- On a rainy day: indoor tastings and visits, such as a Phuket Old Town food tour, can be booked with free cancellation.
- Airport transfer: a private transfer avoids waiting for a taxi in the rain and stays valid if the flight is delayed.
- Planning: keep a spare day for a sea excursion and book with flexible cancellation.
Keep your tickets, receipts and a screenshot of the announcement. For a flight, the airline must offer a refund or rerouting; the fixed compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 depends on the cause of the disruption and only applies to flights leaving the EU, or arriving in the EU with a European airline. Before booking anything non-refundable (hotel, train, excursion), read the cancellation terms.
What if you fall ill or get hurt during the trip? A disruption does not help when there is an accident. SafetyWing (bought online, for the length of the trip) covers medical costs and evacuation; it is not cancellation insurance, so read its trip-interruption terms before counting on it for a strike or a missed flight. See our travel insurance guide.
See also our safety and scams guide.
What to do safely on rainy days and rough seas
Here is a plan B when the monsoon closes beaches and cancels boats.
- A low-risk outing: Old Town food tasting tour, sheltered stops, free cancellation.
- A low-risk outing: Simon Cabaret show, indoors, so unaffected by the weather.
- Private transfer: private transfer from Phuket airport, no waiting for a taxi in the rain.
- Hotel with free cancellation: See hotels in Phuket Town (free cancellation), close to indoor museums and restaurants, refundable if the weather worsens.
FAQ
Can I go to Phuket in late October and November?
Yes, but with care in the coming days: torrential and heavy rain is forecast for 27 and 28 October and streets flooded on 25 and 26 October. The monsoon is ending; showers remain possible in October and the sea can be rough. Check the beach flag.
Are boat excursions cancelled?
In strong sea or after a weather-service warning, yes: the operator must offer a new date or a refund.
Is there a strike or protest in Phuket?
None is announced in our sources as of 27 October 2026.
Sources checked on 27 October 2026: Nation Thailand (25, 26 and 27 October 2026), FTN News (October 2026), Thai Meteorological Department, FCDO Thailand (12 October 2026). No bulletin later than the morning of 27 October found; this page will be updated.
