Most people pack for Phuket like the brochure says: sunny, dry, beach. The weather data says otherwise. Even the driest months get rain, and from May to November there are 17 to 27 rain days a month, so pack for wet heat, not just heat.
Phuket weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 31°C88°F | 32°C90°F | 33°C91°F | 33°C91°F | 31°C88°F | 30°C86°F | 30°C86°F | 30°C86°F | 29°C84°F | 30°C86°F | 29°C84°F | 30°C86°F |
| Low | 24°C75°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F |
| Rain days | 12 | 7 | 12 | 16 | 26 | 17 | 21 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 25 | 17 |
Season by season
Cool season
December–FebruaryCool only by Thai standards, with highs of 30–32°C (86–90°F) and lows of 24–25°C (75–77°F). It's the drier part of the year, not a dry one: December still has 17 rain days, January 12 and February seven. This is the busy time on Patong, Kata and Karon beaches. Pack light, quick-drying clothes and strong sun protection.
Hot season
March–AprilThe hottest months, with highs of 33°C (91°F) and nights that stay at 25–26°C (77–79°F). Rain starts to build, with 12 days in March and 16 in April. A small fan and a big insulated bottle earn their place now.
Wet season
May–AugustRain comes on 17 to 26 days a month, often as heavy bursts with sun in between. Highs stay at 30–31°C (86–88°F). The sea on the west coast beaches gets rougher, so check the flags before you swim and pack a waterproof pouch for boat days.
Monsoon
September–NovemberThe wettest stretch, with 25 to 27 rain days a month and October the peak. It's still warm at 29–30°C (84–86°F), so you want a light rain shell and sandals, not a sweater. Beaches and hotels are quieter.
What to bring to Phuket
0 of 25 packed- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
Clogs that don't mind puddles or wet sand, and they rinse off easily at the end of the day.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Mosquitoes come out with the rain, and 20% picaridin covers you for up to 12 hours on evenings by the water.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
A waterproof zip cube for wet swimwear after the beach, or for keeping your phone dry on a boat trip.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
At 33°C (91°F) with warm nights in March and April, a handheld fan is the easiest relief you can pack.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Keeps water cold for 24 hours, which counts at 30°C (86°F), and the straw cap means no unscrewing on the sand.
- Dramamine Less Drowsy ChewablesHealth & Safety
Boat trips to Phang Nga Bay and Phi Phi can get choppy, and these last up to 24 hours with no water needed.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Its US and EU prongs match Thailand's type A and C sockets, and the USB ports charge everything at once.
Clothing
- Swimwear · 2
- Loose quick-dry tops · 4Mar–Apr highs reach 33°C
- Lightweight long pants or skirt · 1Covers knees at temples
- Light scarf · 1Covers shoulders at temples
- Sun-protective rash guard
- Light rain jacketOctober has 27 rain days
Footwear
- Flip-flops
- Walking sandals with grip
Gear
- Sun hat
- Polarized sunglasses
- Snorkel mask
- Dry bagFor island-hopping boat trips
Health and toiletries
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen
- After-sun lotion
- Anti-itch cream
Documents and money
- Passport
- Travel insuranceFor boat trips and scooter rides
Tech
- Waterproof phone pouch
What shoes should you pack for Phuket?
Bring sandals or clogs that can get wet, because you'll walk through puddles in town and wet sand at the beach. For Old Phuket Town and the Big Buddha viewpoint, light shoes with grip are fine. Leather and suede don't do well in this humidity.
What do people wear in Phuket?
Beachwear is for the beach. In Old Phuket Town, in shops and at temples like Wat Chalong, cover up more, with shoulders and knees covered at temples. Light linen and cotton work best in the heat.
What plugs does Phuket use?
Thailand uses type A, B, C and O sockets at 220V. Many outlets take both flat US-style and round European-style pins, but not all of them. Check that your chargers are rated for 220V before plugging in.
Tours and things to do in Phuket
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Phuket.
What should you leave at home for Phuket?
Leave jeans and heavy layers at home, since average lows never drop below 24°C (75°F). Skip the big rolling suitcase if you're island-hopping by ferry or longtail boat, because you'll be lifting it on and off.
Packing for Phuket: questions people ask
When is the rainy season in Phuket?
Roughly May to November, with 17 to 27 rain days a month and October the wettest. January to March is the least rainy stretch, and even December still gets 17 rain days.
What should I wear in Phuket?
Light, quick-drying clothes, sandals and swimwear for the beach. Bring something that covers shoulders and knees for temples like Wat Chalong.
Is it worth visiting Phuket in the rainy season?
It can be, if you plan around the showers. Highs stay at 29–31°C (84–88°F), but the sea is rougher, so check beach flags before swimming.
What plug do I need for Phuket?
Thailand uses type A, B, C and O sockets at 220V. Many outlets take US and European plugs, but check your chargers are rated for 220V.
What is the hottest month in Phuket?
March and April, with highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 25–26°C (77–79°F).
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.