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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
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