Phuket, Thailand Weather and Climate

Geographical location

Short for HKT by abbreviationfinder, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island (Ko Phuket) and is connected to the mainland by a short bridge. The holiday paradise in southern Thailand extends over an area of ​​around 540 km² in the Andaman Sea and is also the starting point for many tours to neighboring islands in Thailand such as Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi or Krabi.

Phuket itself was once covered by thick jungle, and many wild animals including elephants could be found here. Today Phuket is mainly overgrown by coconut palms, due to the tourist infrastructure there are only a few areas with real “primeval forest” (e.g. in the Sirinat National Park) on the island.

Tigers and elephants have long since died out or have been relocated to the mainland. The greatest hustle and bustle on the “Pearl of the Andaman Sea” takes place in the resort of Patong Beach, where there is an incredible variety of bars, discos, shops and restaurants. Below Patong are the quieter beaches of Karon, Kata and Hat Nai Harn in the far south.

Climate on Phuket

In the south of Thailand there is a tropical climate on the coasts, this also applies to the island of Phuket and neighboring regions. The temperatures fluctuate only minimally over the course of the year, even the difference between daytime and nighttime values ​​is typically only a few degrees. This is of course very pleasant, especially for a beach holiday.

So you have to from January to December expect maximum temperatures of 31 to 34 ° C, while night temperatures only drop below 23 degrees in exceptional cases. Logically, the Andaman Sea also remains at constant water temperatures between 27 and 29 degrees. However, Phuket can only be described as a year-round destination with a few restrictions, even if many long-term holidaymakers in Thailand appreciate the tranquility during the rainy season.

When to go to Phuket?

Basically, one can assume a dry season in the middle of November to around the end of April, while from May to October the rainy season in Phuket provides for sometimes heavy rainfall. It is by no means the case that it now rains continuously without interruption. We can confirm from our own experience that the cloud cover tears up again and again and the sun occasionally shows itself in full glory.

But occasionally the churned sea prevents real bathing fun and if the bottom line is that a good 5 to 7 days literally “fall into the water” on a 10-day long-distance journey, then we cannot recommend this risk to you with a clear conscience. As a rule of thumb you can remember that the weather in southern Thailand is always pleasant when it is gray and cold in Europe. Accordingly, we recommend the months of November to April as the best time to travel to Phuket.

Temperatures, precipitation, sunshine

Temperatures

The annual average temperature is 28.4 ° C. For comparison: Munich reaches an average of 8.6 ° C, in Berlin it is 9.6 ° C. The warmest month is April (29.5 ° C), coldest month of September, with mean values of 27.7 ° C. The maximum water temperature is 29 ° C. Comfortable bathing is possible at these temperatures. All months have a water temperature of at least 21 ° C and are therefore suitable for a beach holiday.

Precipitation

The annual precipitation is 2237 mm on 171 days with precipitation. For comparison: In Munich, 967 mm, in Berlin 570 mm, precipitation is measured annually. The months of May, June, July, August, September and October are considered the rainy season, as more than 175 mm of precipitation can be expected per month. Overall, about 1756 mm of precipitation can be expected in the rainy season. Snowfall is generally not expected in any month.

Sunshine

As our climate table shows, February is the sunniest month with an average of 10 hours of sunshine per day. In the annual mean, the sun shines an average of 7.1 hours per day. For comparison: In Munich and Berlin, the sun shines an average of 4.7 hours per day throughout the year.

Highlights and sights

Phuket is best known for its high class resorts and beautiful beaches. All forms of water sports are offered everywhere on the island, from short rentals and taster courses to day trips and diving courses lasting several days. You can enjoy a great panoramic view of the island from the Big Buddha statue above Karon Beach, the most beautiful temple in Phuket is undoubtedly Wat Chalong.

As a beach tip, we recommend Kata Noi Beach and Nai Harn Beach (Patong is sometimes very crowded), an exciting excursion for animal lovers is a visit to the rescue center at the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project in Thalang.

Phuket weather in March, April and May

Daily temperatures averaging 33 to 34 ° C can be expected over the next three months. The temperatures hardly fluctuate during this time.

Do you want to go on a beach holiday? The water temperatures are in March, April and May 28-29 ° C. This is great weather for a great time on the beach and in the water.

The expected rainfall is around 6 days in March, around 11 days in April and around 20 days in May.

In the period from March to May, the sun shines an average of 6 to 9 hours a day. The sunniest weather is in March in Phuket, with less sun you will have to get by in May.