When planning a holiday getaway overseas, what do you usually consider?
One of the most crucial and important things you need to check and take into account when making a decision on where to go for your vacation is the weather. Normally, travelers like you will pick a date and schedule when you are the freest. When dates are set, you then start looking for your target holiday destination.
If you plan to visit Thailand but can’t make a decision between Phuket and Koh Samui, the following guideline should help you decide wisely. The information below should give you an idea of which months or dates to pick and avoid, to make sure that your holiday is maximized and spent well.
When is the best time to travel to Phuket?
Phuket has a tropical monsoon climate which means holidaymakers get to enjoy the warm weather all year round. There is an abundant amount of rainfall during the monsoon season, and travelers can visit Phuket any time of the year. It is pretty much very accessible as it has a modern road system and an international airport.
To be more specific, though, the best time to visit Phuket is from November to February. This time of the year is dry season which means that there’s always a blue sky, lots of the sunshine and clear, warm water that is safe and ideal for swimming and other water or sports activities. However, the months from mid-December to mid-January are to be avoided, but only because of higher accommodation rates brought about by the peak season.
Phuket has three distinct seasons, namely, Dry, Hot, and Rainy Season. For this reason, visitors have more opportunities to travel and spend time on the beautiful island based on their personal preferences. For example, people who love the outdoors and who prefer having activities under the sun, the best time to travel to Phuket is between the months of March and May. However, these months can be extremely hot and humid, with little to no clouds at all in the sky, so travelers should take appropriate precaution and care.
When to avoid?
While most travelers prefer the sunny Phuket, it’s not to say that there’s nothing to enjoy on the island during the rainy season. It is during this time of year when Phuket turns refreshingly green and lush. Hence, visitors can still have a good time even if it’s raining most days of their stay in Phuket.
But while it’s refreshing and comfortable in terms of temperature to be in Phuket during the rainy or “green” season, it is worth mentioning that travelers should avoid the months of September and October when planning to visit Thailand, particularly, Phuket. These months are the monsoon months which means there is a lot of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms which make it extremely difficult to go swimming, or do other water activities, let alone roam around the island.
What to do during the rainy day on Phuket?
The rainy season in Phuket actually starts from June and ends in August. This is the time if year when the rain brings a cooler breeze and turns the island into a sea of verdant hills. During this time, traveling around the island is still possible. And not only that, there are still many other things which visitors can enjoy during the “green” season, including joining the famous marathon series event from Laguna Phuket to the prestigious yacht event – known as the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta.
During the monsoon season, surfers can catch some big waves and enjoy the rush of the ocean in September.
Tips
July and August may be considered to be the best time to visit Phuket. Why? Accommodation rates are affordable during these months, and the weather is a lot cooler and comfortable.
Surfers should know that the surfing season in Phuket starts from September to October, specifically in Kata and Kata Noi Beach.
Even for seasoned and experienced swimmers, swimming in the ocean during the rainy and monsoon months is a big no-no. However, challenge takers who want to take advantage of the huge waves should practice with full precaution.
To find out more about another famous island in Thailand, click here – When is the best time to visit Koh Samui.
