Climate
Thailand locates in humid tropical region and
remains moderately warm for the whole year. Average
temperature all over Thailand is 29c ranging in
Bangkok from 35c in April to 17c in December. There
are three seasons in northern, northeastern,
central, and eastern Thailand and two in southern
Thailand. The cool season (November to February),
the hot season (March to May), and the rainy season
(June to October), though downpours very seldom last
more than a couple of hours.
Phuket's weather conditions are dominated by monsoon
winds that blow year round. It is therefore always
warm and humid. There are two distinct seasons,
rainy and dry.
The rainy season begins in May and lasts till
October, during which the monsoon blows from the
southwest.
The dry season is from November through April, when
the monsoon comes from the northeast.
Highest average temperatures, at 33.4ºC, prevail
during March. Lowest averages occur in January, when
nightly lows dip to 22ºC.
Phuket has a tropical monsoon climate. It's warm all
year 'round, but the two periods of April-May and
September-October are the hottest. The
September-October period is also the wettest.
The best time to visit Phuket is during the cool NE
monsoon season, from November though March, when it
isn't so humid, and the cool breezes keep things
comfortable. The average temperature is around 75ºF
to 89ºF (24ºC to 32ºC).
The hottest time is from April through May, with
temperatures ranging from 80ºF to 95ºF (27ºC to
36ºC). There are frequent short heavy thundery
showers, offering welcome relief from the
temperature and humidity. The Thai New Year occurs
on April 13th and everyone sprinkles (or throws)
cool water on each other. No wonder!
Locals enjoy June, July and August, since the
weather is usually fine and our favourite haunts
remain uncrowded. The usual pattern is brief but
heavy showers, with plenty of sunshine between
downpours. Everything is a little less expensive at
this time of year, as well. Temperatures range
between 70ºF and 90ºF (20ºC to 33ºC).
During September and early October locals start to
remember their umbrellas. This makes an ideal time
to visit abroad. One consolation for those who
remain is that the beaches, outdoor restaurants and
streets are relatively uncluttered by visitors.
And even at this time, we still get long intervals
of sunshine between the heavy showers. Plenty of low
season activities, both water- and land-based, are
still available on Phuket during this wettest part
of the summer season.
What to Wear
For the Western visitor there is no such thing as
"cool". Just cooler than "hot" and "drier than
humid", so light cotton clothing is the order of the
day. Don't worry about bringing too much clothing
with you, as almost everything can be purchased
locally, at a fraction of the price you will pay at
home. Do remember that the tropical sun can be quite
fierce so a hat is useful, and don't forget to use a
good sun screen.




