The climate of Phuket
Phuket,
Thailand falls under the tropical monsoon climate zone, according to the Köppen climate classification, due to its geographical position in close proximity to the equator. This classification, labeled as 'Am', indicates a weather system dominated by monsoon, characterized by high temperatures and heavy rainfall.
Covering the entire year, Phuket experiences virtually constant temperatures in both highs and lows. High temperatures fluctuate marginally from 31.5°C (88.7°F) during
September and
October, rising gradually to 34°C (93.2°F) in
March. Low temperatures show a similar lack of variation, as they sway from 24.4°C (75.9°F) in
December to 25.8°C (78.4°F) in
April. Humidity levels also sustain a fairly equal range around the year, touching a lower limit at 69% in
February, and a higher limit at 82% in both September and October.
Rainfall displays a contrasting pattern, varying considerably with two distinct phases in the year. The dry period sees a minimum of 24mm (0.94") in February and the intense monsoon season, starting in
June and ending in
November, receives the highest volume of rainfall, peaking at 361mm (14.21") in September. The count of rainfall days follows a corresponding pattern, with highest days in September i.e., 23 days and lowest in February i.e., 3 days.
Sunshine hours vary, with
January and February seeing the most sunshine, averaging around 9.2 hours and 9.7 hours respectively, and reducing to the lowest at 4.7 hours in June. The UV Index retains a high range from 10 to 12 throughout the year. These parameters depict a typical tropical monsoon climate, marked by persistent warmth and high moisture, along with a sizeable rainfall during the monsoon.
The best time to visit Phuket
The most favorable time to visit
Phuket holds a direct relation to the climate conditions. The prime time to visit would be from
December to
March, as this period experiences less rainfall, ranging between 30mm (1.18") to 74mm (2.91"). The temperature stays warm, hovering between 31.7°C (89.1°F) and 34°C (93.2°F) and lower temperature ranges from 24.4°C (75.9°F) to 25.4°C (77.7°F). Relative humidity levels are also lower compared to other months, with a range of 70% to 75%. Longer daylight durations add to the convenience, granting generous time for sightseeing and exploration.
The worst time to visit Phuket
Planning a visit during the monsoon season, from
June to
November, could obstruct outdoor activities. This period receives the heaviest rainfall, with rainfall days reaching a peak of 23 days in
September. Relative humidity escalates, creating an oppressive environment with levels reaching as high as 82% during September and
October. Moreover, daily sunshine hours drop to as low as 4.7 hours in June.
Spring weather in Phuket
Spring, spanning from
March to
May, sees a gradual rise in rainfall. March has 74mm (2.91") raining across five days, while May receives a significant rise with 260mm (10.24") across 21 days. Temperatures remain consistently high during this period, from 34°C (93.2°F) in March to 32.4°C (90.3°F) in May. The sea temperature is warm and inviting, elevating from 29°C (84.2°F) in March to 30°C (86°F) in May.
Summer weather in Phuket
Summers, encompassing
June to
August, witness the onset of monsoon, with heavy rainfall dominating the scene. Rainfall shoots up to 213mm (8.39") in June and further to 287mm (11.3") by August. Despite the heavy rainfall, temperatures maintain a steady course, oscillating between 32°C (89.6°F) and 32.4°C (90.3°F). The sea temperature remains constant at 29°C (84.2°F) in both June and August.
Autumn weather in Phuket
Autumn months include
September to
November, and this period sustains the heavy rainfall, with an impressive 361mm (14.21") in September, gradually falling to 177mm (6.97") in November. During this period, the high temperature variances reduce, setting a standard temperature of 31.5°C (88.7°F) for both September and
October, and marginally rising to 31.7°C (89.1°F) in November. The sea temperature holds steady at 29°C (84.2°F) throughout this season.
Winter weather in Phuket
Winter, marking the months from
December to
February, ushers in a welcome decrease in rainfall. Starting from 72mm (2.83") in December, it further reduces to 24mm (0.94") in February. Temperatures continue to remain high, with a steadiness from 31.7°C (89.1°F) in December to 33.6°C (92.5°F) by February. The sea temperature falls from 29°C (84.2°F) in December to 28°C (82.4°F) in February, still making it comfortable for water-based activities.
Weather in January
Weather phenomena in
Phuket,
Thailand, begin the year favorably for holiday activities. Compared to
December,
January's climate shows an increase in temperatures with daytime peaks hitting a high of 32.7°C (90.9°F). This warming trend is accompanied by moderate humidity levels and a good amount of daily sunshine.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February continues the warm trend but with a notable rise in temperature to 33.6°C (92.5°F). The enhanced heat may not put a damper on touristic endeavors thanks to
Phuket’s relatively lower humidity levels and longer daylight hours.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Weather in
March portrays a distinctive shift in the climate of
Phuket. As the heat intensifies with a rise to 34°C (93.2°F), there is an increase in rainfall to 74mm (2.91"). This period marks the onset of the wet season, which might hamper outdoor activities but leaves behind a more lush green landscape.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April,
Phuket endures its hottest month with temperatures scaling to 33.9°C (93°F). This increase coincides with a marked rise in the rainfall reaching 143mm (5.63"). The increase in precipitation levels contributes to a higher humidity index.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May’s weather in
Phuket signals the arrival of monsoon season. Temperatures, still high at 32.8°C (91°F), become less of a focal point as precipitation escalates sharply reaching a whopping 260mm (10.24"). This heightened rainfall contributes to peak humidity levels.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June,
Phuket makes it past half the year with wetter conditions being more persistent. While temperatures remain relatively stable, the monsoon season is in full swing with rainfall consistent at 213mm (8.39"). Sunbathing might require careful planning due to fewer sunshine hours.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July retains the monsoon season momentum from
June in
Phuket. The main highlight is the high rainfall, consistent at 258mm (10.16"), despite constant temperatures. With fewer daylight and sunshine hours, tourists and locals alike must plan outdoor activities around erratic rain showers.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August brings with it the highest rainfall recorded in the year at 287mm (11.3"). Box jellyfish sightings are common, indicating caution for sea swims. Despite the increased rainfall, the temperatures stay constant, allowing for continuity in nature-driven activities.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Phuket comes with a climax in monsoon activity. The cold temperatures at night lower to 24.6°C (76.3°F), providing respite from the daily heat. However, the rainfall climbs even higher to 361mm (14.21") resulting in more rain-filled days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
October unfurls, a noticeable dip in the wet conditions are evident with rainfall receding to 320mm (12.6"). Tourist-friendly weather starts to resurface as the sea conditions remain enjoyable even with reduced sunshine hours.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November marks the transition period from wet to dry in
Phuket. The major shift can be seen in the decrease in rainfall to 177mm (6.97"), making outdoor activities more feasible. Lower temperatures ensue, but the warmth of the sea remains uninterrupted.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Phuket presents a full circle, taking steps into the dry season. The considerable reduction in rainfall to 72mm (2.83") inaugurates the onset of tourist season. However, temperatures stabilize, ensuring comfortable conditions for outdoor recreational activities.
Weather in December »