Phuket weather: the best season for boat trips
Dry season, rainy season, sea conditions: when to plan your island excursions in Phuket and which trips to choose month by month.
4 min read
Phuket enjoys a tropical climate with two main seasons. The good news: you can do excursions all year round — you just need to choose the right ones.
Dry season: November to April
This is high season: sunshine, little rain and a calm Andaman Sea. It is the best time for trips to the open sea such as Phi Phi or the Similan Islands, with excellent visibility for snorkeling. March and April are the hottest months.
Rainy season: May to October
The southwest monsoon brings showers — often short and in the afternoon — and a more lively sea on the west coast. Many days are still sunny and prices are often lower.
- Choose sheltered trips such as James Bond Island by big boat in Phang Nga Bay.
- Land excursions are perfect: city tours, elephant sanctuaries or shows.
- The Similan Islands national park is closed from mid-May to mid-October.
What if the weather is bad on the day?
Boat operators can cancel a trip for safety reasons. In that case we contact you on WhatsApp to offer another date or another excursion. That is also why we recommend planning your boat trips at the beginning of your stay: you keep days in reserve.
Tip: check your pick-up time the evening before — we send it to you on WhatsApp the day before the excursion.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year for boat trips in Phuket?
The dry season, from November to April, is the best time: sunshine, little rain and a calm Andaman Sea. It is ideal for open-sea trips such as Phi Phi or the Similan Islands, with excellent visibility for snorkeling; March and April are the hottest months.
When is the rainy season in Phuket?
The rainy season runs from May to October, with the southwest monsoon. Showers are often short and in the afternoon, many days are still sunny and prices are often lower, but the sea is livelier on the west coast.
Can you do boat trips in Phuket during the rainy season?
Yes, excursions are possible all year round if you choose the right ones. In the rainy season, prefer sheltered trips such as James Bond Island by big boat in Phang Nga Bay, or land excursions like city tours, elephant sanctuaries and shows.
Are the Similan Islands open during the rainy season?
No. The Similan Islands national park is closed from mid-May to mid-October, so the Similans can only be visited during the rest of the year.
What happens if a boat trip is cancelled because of bad weather?
Boat operators can cancel a trip for safety reasons. In that case, Phuket Experience contacts you on WhatsApp to offer another date or another excursion.
When should I plan boat trips during my stay in Phuket?
Plan your boat trips at the beginning of your stay, so you keep days in reserve in case the weather forces a change. Check your pick-up time the evening before: Phuket Experience sends it on WhatsApp the day before the excursion.
By Phuket Experience · Tour business licence No. 32/01870 (Department of Tourism) – Bike It Phuket Co.,Ltd · 1 Oct 2026
