boats on sea near mountain during daytime

Phuket

Sandy west-coast beaches, Sino-Portuguese streets in Old Phuket Town and speedboat day trips to the Phi Phi Islands, about 50 minutes away.

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Phuket is a southern Thai province on the Andaman Sea. It includes Phuket Island, the country's largest island, plus about 32 smaller islands off its coast. The island is joined to the mainland province of Phang Nga by the Sarasin Bridge. Tourism is now the province's main income, and the island is nicknamed the Pearl of the Andaman because pearl cultivation is an important local industry.

Sandy beaches run along the west coast, including Patong, Karon, Kata and Kamala, while the east coast has mostly muddy shores. Old Phuket Town is known for its Sino-Portuguese architecture, and the Big Buddha, a 45 m statue, overlooks Ao Chalong Bay. Speedboats reach the Phi Phi Islands in about 50 minutes. The dry season runs from December to March, and the wet season covers the other months, with about 2,200 mm of rain a year. Highs average about 32 °C and lows about 25 °C.

Phuket in five

Check the new 30-day entry ruleFrom September 15, 2026, most Western passports get 30 days visa-free. Fill in the TDAC online before you arrive.Thailand entry rules
Respect the red flagsFrom May to October strong currents hit the west coast beaches. Swim only where lifeguards show it is safe.
Plan the Similan Islands for the dry seasonThe Similan Islands National Park closes to visitors each year during the monsoon, roughly mid-May to mid-October.
Choose your beach base carefullyPatong is loud and busy; Kata and Karon are calmer; Old Town has food and no beach.

Neighborhoods

a row of multicolored buildings on a city street

Phuket Town

Best for: Food, culture, budget
To airport: About 30–40 min by taxi
Price band: $

Old Town walks and cafés
Cheaper rooms
Beaches are a taxi away

Skip if you want to swim from your hotel.

Read about Phuket Town Hotels in Phuket Town

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Things to do in Phuket

See all attractions in Phuket

Park · PhuketSirinat National ParkArrive early if you want more space on the smaller beach areas.

Beach · PhuketKata Noi BeachGo early in the morning or near sunset for a quieter visit.

Shrine · PhuketSui Boon Tong ShrineFor festival events, check the lunar calendar because dates vary from year to year.

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to PhuketPut the places you like in Phuket on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: Phuket International (HKT), 45–60 min to the west coast
Getting there: Flights from Bangkok and Asia; buses from Krabi
Getting around: Taxis, Grab, rental scooters and the airport bus
Best base: Kata or Karon for beaches, Old Town for food
Time needed: 4–5 days

Weather by month

Rainy days
Days with storms

Best
Good
Mixed
Poor

JanuaryPartly cloudy12 rainy daysHigh30°Low25°Dry, calm
FebruaryClear8 rainy daysHigh30°Low25°Dry
MarchClear12 rainy daysHigh31°Low26°Dry, hot
AprilRain20 rainy daysHigh31°Low27°Songkran, hot
MayRain28 rainy daysHigh30°Low27°Monsoon starts
JuneRain24 rainy daysHigh29°Low27°Wet, rough seas
JulyRain24 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh29°Low27°Wet
AugustRain25 rainy daysHigh29°Low26°Wet
SeptemberRain25 rainy daysHigh29°Low26°Wettest
OctoberRain28 rainy daysHigh29°Low26°Wet
NovemberRain26 rainy daysHigh29°Low25°Drying out
DecemberRain18 rainy daysHigh29°Low25°Peak season

Average daily high and low in Phuket, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Phuket

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 31°
Humidity: 79%
Wind: 9 km/h
Chance of rain: 86%

Hat Patong

12:02 PM

Tuesday, November 3

GMT+7

Today30°24°86%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 86%.
Wed30°25°78%Wednesday: Rain. High 30°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 78%.
Thu30°24°94%Thursday: Rain. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 94%.
Fri30°24°96%Friday: Rain. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 96%.
Sat30°24°98%Saturday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 98%.
Sun30°24°99%Sunday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 99%.
Mon29°24°99%Monday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 99%.

Updated 09:12 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 33.74 THB

Amount

Converted to

THB · Thai Baht

Rates from Nov 3, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Before you go to Phuket

Phang Nga and Phi Phi toursDay trips from the west coastCompare tours

Beach and Old Town staysPatong, Kata, Karon and Phuket TownCheck availability

eSIM for PhuketMaps and ride apps on the island roadsRead the guide

Travel insurance for PhuketCover for rip currents and scootersRead the guide

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Rules for Phuket, checked

Check the official Thai immigration website for current entry requirements before you book.Source
Dial 191 for police or 199 for fire anywhere in Thailand.
Cover shoulders and knees at Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha. Remove shoes before entering temple halls, and do not point your feet at a Buddha image.
Thai drug laws are strict, and cannabis rules have changed more than once. Check the current position with Thai authorities before you buy or carry any.
A motorbike rider needs a valid license for that bike. Check that your travel insurance covers motorbike riding.

Plan around Phuket

All of Thailand

Entry, seasons, coasts and money

Read the guide Krabi

Limestone cliffs and Railay to the east

Read the guide Ko Phi Phi

Maya Bay and the island ferries

Read the guide Ko Phi Phi day trip or overnight

Ferries, Maya Bay and when to stay

Read the guide Hat Kata

A calmer beach south of Patong

Read the guide Best time to visit Thailand

Andaman and Gulf seasons compared

Read the guide Thailand entry rules

Visa-free stay and the TDAC

Read the guide

Phuket FAQ

Where should I stay in Phuket?

Kata or Karon for beaches without Patong's nightlife, Patong if you want the bars, and Old Town for food and culture.

Is Phuket good in the rainy season?

It rains most days from May to October and the sea is rough on the west coast, but prices drop. Swim only at patrolled beaches.

When is the best time to visit Phuket?

December to March, when the Andaman Sea is calm and dry.

How many days do you need in Phuket?

Four to five days covers a beach base, one boat day and the Old Town. Add days if you plan the Similan Islands in the dry season or a night on Ko Phi Phi.

Phuket or Krabi: which should I choose?

Phuket has more beaches, flights, restaurants and nightlife. Krabi is calmer with more dramatic limestone scenery and easier access to Railay and the Hong Islands.