The warm, sunny climate of Phuket is one the biggest attractions that draw people all around the world, especially who are in colder climates flock to this beach destination. Who wouldn’t love to lie on the white sandy beaches soaking up the sun and enjoying a cool beverage? But, before packing up your bag, take some time to understand the weather in Phuket so that you don’t end up sitting in the lounge of a resort watching the rain instead of wandering around in the sun.

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Phuket falls into the weather pattern of tropical regions. As it is common in the tropical countries, Phuket has only two distinct seasons to speak of, rainy and dry. The climate remains warm throughout the year with humid conditions prevailing. The climatic conditions of Phuket are hugely influenced by the monsoon winds that blow through the island all year round.

The temperature peaks during March with highest average temperature being at 33.4 ‘C and the coolest temperature occur in January with lowest average temperature of 22 ‘C.

The rainy season in Phuket begins in May and continues to till October.  It is the time when the Southwest monsoon is active in the region. During the dry season which runs from November to April, the Northwest Monsoon winds sweeps through, giving the atmosphere a warm, dry feeling.

Best time to visit Phuket

Phuket enjoys heavy tourist flow during the season, from November to March.  The moderate temperature and the swift cool winds from the North East bring down the humidity considerably leaving warm but comfortable weather. The temperature at this time ranges between a comfortable 24 ‘C to 32 ‘C. The best time to visit Phuket is in December and January but since it is the peak of the season, finding accommodation could be hard if you do not have advanced booking.

Hottest time

Though Phuket is warm throughout the year, high temperature occurs only during the months of April and May. The temperature in this period can be expected to range between 27 ‘C and 36 ‘C. Sometimes the hot spell is broken by the bouts of thunder showers which is a welcome relief to many. Interestingly and yet very aptly, the Thai people welcome the Thai New Year on April 13 by spilling and throwing cool water on each other!

The wet season

The rainy season that begins in late May makes the air wet and moist. The climate remains wet until October and is not an enjoyable time in Phuket. The beaches and resorts remain mostly empty with tourists not preferring to come down in unsuitable weather conditions. This is also the time when most locals in Phuket choose to visit other places leaving the island uncluttered and free.

In the wet season, heavy, short downpours with intervals of sunshine are a common pattern. During the wet season itself, Phuket receives long spells of sunshine undisturbed by the rain. It is the time the local people enjoy the most with several land and water based activities for entertaining themselves.

Phuket does not have extreme weather conditions which makes it an ideal tourist destination in any season.

Phuket is widely recognized as Asia’s most popular and vibrant vacation destination. This is a reputation it fully deserves and has earned with its glorious white sand beaches, exotic tropical sunsets and unique nightlife.

Phuket is excellent for both a relaxing vacation or a nonstop party with young people from Asia, Europe, America and every other corner of the globe all enjoying the nightlife on the Island. This versatility is partly as a result of Phuket’s natural beauty but also as a result of Thailand’s outstanding culture, both modern and historic. Phuket Island is a place full of activities to cater for every taste.

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If you enjoy nature then you should pay a visit to Phang Nga Bay which is famous for its emerald green waters and the limestone cliffs which rise from them vertically, there is nowhere else in the world like Phang Nga Bay and if you have the chance to explore it by boat you should. Cruises leave regularly from Phuket and the unique perspective as you pass thru the giant limestone cliffs which tower over you from the water is breathtaking.

Phuket is also famous for its diving. You can explore the Andaman Sea from below the surface and see exotic tropical fish and other marine life in their natural habitat. If you are an animal lover or adventurer this is an experience which you will never forget.

You will also be able to enjoy endless days spend relaxing on the glorious beaches of Phuket Island. The white sand and exotic Asian sunsets are simply amazing. If Phuket was simply a beach resort, without all the other diverse experiences it offers, it would still be worth visiting as the beaches are second to none, every holiday photo you take will look like a professional picture postcard.

If you are more interested in man-made culture and experience then there is also plenty for you to do on a Phuket island vacation. You can visit the Old Town of Phuket, this sleepy and relaxed capital is a real gem of the Island, and the architecture is Chinese with Portuguese influences. You can spend hours exploring the town and shopping, eating or just relaxing.

There are many temples to visit on Phuket; the most famous and impressive is Wat Chalong. This temple is outstandingly beautiful; thousands of tiny pieces of glass are used to create mosaics of outstanding beauty and real historical significance. The light reflects from them creating amazing patterns of light.

Another great, man-made sight which is an important part of Phuket’s culture is the Big Buddha statue which was recently constructed and stands at over 45 meters high. It is an impressive sight and the journey to it will allow you to see more of Thailand rather than just the well-trodden tourist spots.

There is also a unique night life on Phuket. Whilst this part of Phuket will not be for everyone, those who are curious will find that it is not as seedy as you might expect and feels safe and fun. With an open mind and low inhibitions you can have great fun. There are also other parts of the Island where you can enjoy a more sedate and relaxing night out with a few drinks and a meal at some excellent bars and restaurants.

Phuket Island located to the south of the Andaman Sea is clad in celestial beauty. The untainted beauty of its mountains, valleys and beaches are a real fest for our eyes. To relish this splendor you just have to visit the Phuket Province of Thailand.
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. It is at a distance of 540 miles from Bangkok. In a total area of 590 square miles 70% of the island is covered with mountains and the remaining areas are plains. Island of Phuket is the most beautiful, most visited and the most popular vacation destination in the eastern part of the world. Being an island offers a variety of beaches around the area. Most of these white-sand beaches are easily accessible. Gigantic white limestone cliffs, tropical inland forest, and white sand beaches give it the name – “pearl of the Andaman.”

Several years ago Phuket acclaimed its position as one of the best tourist destination in the world. Many packages of Phuket Island tours are available online which allow us to enjoy the beauty of this place. A notable feature of Phuket is the availability of distinctive Phuket accommodation for all kinds of guests. There are backpacker’s hostels, five star resorts, and Phuket villas with private beaches.

If you are planning to make Phuket island tours there are certain attractions which are not to be missed.
The first and the foremost reason for visiting Phuket Island is the scenic beauty of the place. The snow white beaches create a lasting memory on our mind. Certain high areas on cliff tops offer some of the spectacular sunset views from the island.
The memorial statue of the two historical heroines of the Phuket Island is a place one must visit on a Phuket Island tour. This famous monument is in Amphoe Thalang. The Thalang national museum near to the Two Heroines Monument offers historical background of the Island of Phuket. It contains permanent exhibitions of wildlife from old Phuket and many cultural and historical artifacts from the past.

There are more than 10 beaches around the island of Phuket. The day time activities in beaches include watersports activities. The night life in theses beaches is exquisite. Hat Patong beach is well known for its night life around the Bangla Street.

The martial art form, Muay Thai was originated in Thailand. Muay Thai fights are organized for entertainment in Patong and Phuket. This boxing style involves the use of legs and hands together. The newest addition to the attractions of Phuket is the 45 meter high statue of Buddha located on top of a hill. The statue overlooks the island into the Andaman Sea. It was built at a cost of 1 million dollars.

Another “never to miss” item in the list of Phuket Island tours would be the world famous Simon Cabaret Show which provides entertainment for all members of the family. Then there is the Phuket Fantasia show which portrays wild animals with amazing visual effects and spectacular entertainers; and the island offers world class diving destination. The Andaman Sea has crystal clear water and coral life which makes your diving experience a memorable one.

Phuket Island is home to as many as three dozen notable beaches, with most of the beautiful beaches on the western coast of the island and some of the top beaches in the south too. With so many beaches, everyone has their own favorite list, depending on the amenities, features and location.

On one side you have high-voltage party mood beaches like Patong, and on the other you have quiet, peaceful and remote beaches such as Kamala Beach in the north of the island.

Few islands in the world can boast of so many famous & fantastic beaches and clear blue waters as in Phuket. The interiors of the island are covered with lush green forests and mountains, where as the major activity is on the coast dotted with white sandy beaches.

Visitors to Phuket soak up in any kind of activity on the beach like strolling around, sun bathing, diving, partying, snorkeling, or just plain lazing around the beach sands. The winding roads on the western coast of the island offer stunning views and quick access to each of these world famous beaches.

Below is the short list of major beaches from south to north:

* Rawai Beach – famous with locals
* Ao Chalong – popular for setting off on yacht & anchorage
* Kata Noi Beach – quiet neighbor of Kata Yai, popular with surfers and snorkelers
* Kata Yai Beach – good for surfing, always busy & clean (If you want to stay close to Kata beach visit Kata Resort)
* Karon Beach – quieter beach adjacent Patong, powdery sand slopes, gentle dunes, lots of cheap water activities.
* Patong Beach – largest beach resort in Phuket renowned for the nightlife, wide variety of activities and shopping
* Kamala Beach – north of Patong, prettiest but peaceful though
* Laem Singh Beach – with a small bay, stunning view
* Surin Beach – casuarina-lined beachfront, newly found tourist destination, famous for seafood
* Bang Tao – eight-kilometer long and quiet beach golden sand to the northwest

Other notable Beaches in Phuket are Ao Sane (Jungle Beach), Rawai Beach, Paradise Beach, Bang Tao Beach, Nai Yang Beach, Pansea Beach, Nai Thon Beach, Panwa Beach, Mai Khao Beach, Laem Sing Beach, Ya Nui Beach., Nai Harn Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Emerald Beach, Banana Rock Beach, Chalong Bay, Laem Ka Beach, Cape Panwa in South Phuket, Bangtao Beach and Ao Yon Beach.

Beach warnings in Phuket:

The monsoon rains in the months of May-October bring in unpredictable swimming & surfing conditions, so always heed to the posted flag warnings and play it safe if off the beaten track. There are strong currents on most of the beaches and drowning in a tourist location is a depressing but common occurrence.

Most of the tourists in Phuket happen to be Europeans, but this part of Asia is still conservative and has not yet evolved to accept nudity. Though Thai people are non-confrontational, do respect their customs and avoid topless or nude sun bathing.

Beaches should be the integral part of any Phuket travel plan. All the beaches of this island seem to be something distinct from each other. Beaches within the reach of tourists afford great rendezvous in adventure, sports, water activities, shopping and a great night life.

The Phuket Island is one of the most popular tourists destinations in the world. It is famous for its beautiful beaches,mountains and the sea. There are also many interesting places in Phuket and great Phuket resorts.

From the distance Phuket looks like a hill, and the name Phuket is apparently derived from the word bukit which in Malay means “hill”. In the 17th century Phuket was known to the Dutch, the English, the French, as Junkseilon. Those three western powers in those days, competed with each other for trade with the island of Phuket, which was well known because of it was rich in tin. The French who joined the competition later, in the 1680s got the monopoly on tin trade from the Siamese king Narai, who wanted to reduce the influence of English and Dutch.

In 1688 as the result of Siamese Revolution in the Ayutthaya Kingdom, the French were expelled from the Phuket Island. One year later the French general Desfarges led the expedition which goal was to recapture the island for France and to restore their influence in the Kingdom of Siam. They occupied the island of Phuket for some time, but were ultimately unsuccessful and left in January, 1690.

In 1785 Phuket was attacked by the Burmese, but it had been warned by the British Captain Francis Light from a British East India Company. The captain who was passing by the island, sent word to the local administration and warned the people of Phuket of Burmese forces preparing to attack.

Two women, Than Phu Ying Chan, the wife of the recently deceased governor, and her sister Mook quickly gathered some forces they could find and were ready to defend Phuket. The siege of Phuket lasted one month and on March 13, 1785 the Burmese were forced to retreat. The two women became Phuket’s heroines and received honorary titles from King Rama I – Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Si Sunthon.

Phuket became the administrative center of the tin-producing southern provinces during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). In 1933 Phuket became a province by itself.

On December 26, 2004 the earthquake under the Indian Ocean caused the very strong tsunami that also hit Phuket. Phuket suffered very strong damage. Many areas of Phuket were severely damaged and many people died (250 reported), including foreign tourists and many more unreported illegal Burmese workers who were building new beach resorts in the Khao Lak area.

On the western coast almost all the main beaches were seriously damaged, especially Kamala, Patong, Karon and Kata beaches. The resorts and villages on on the island’s southern beaches also suffered.

By February 2005 most undamaged resorts were opened again, and some damaged resorts were able to open too. Life slowly returned to normal for the people of Phuket throughout 2005. Nowadays there is no visible damage on the most popular beaches of Phuket.

Nowadays Phuket is protected against tsunamis by the tsunami warning system. The tsunami buoys made in the United States are positioned in the Indian Ocean in the area and will warn the country of any possible tsunami waves.

Phuket Province includes the Phuket Island which is the biggest island in Thailand and many small islands surrounding the Phuket Island. The island is easily accessible from the mainland by two bridges. Phuket is located in Southern Thailand in Andaman Sea. Most of the island is covered by mountains. The highest mountain in Phuket is Mai Thao Sip Song (Twelve Canes) which is 529 meters high.

The whole Phuket Province, including all the other islands of the Province, has an area of about 570 square kilometers. There are thirty-nine other small islands in the Phuket Province.

60% of the Phuket Island is covered by plantations of rubber, palm oil and forest. The western coast of the island is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches. On the east coast many of the beaches are muddy. There are many popular beaches on the island and Phuket hotels that attract tourists from all over the world. Some of the most popular are: Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Nai Harn Beach, Rawai Beach, Kamala Beach, Surin Beach and Bang Tao Beach. Some of those beaches tend to be sometimes crowded, but some are peaceful and quiet.

Among the islands near the Phuket Island some are also very famous and they are very popular destinations for tourists, snorkelers and scuba divers.

There are also many great islands that don’t belong to the Phuket Province but can be visited easily from Phuket.

Islands around Phuket:

Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi Islands are the part of the marine park in Krabi Province. There are two Phi Phi Islands: Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley. Both of them are stunningly beautiful. There are no roads on Phi Phi Don Island and the Phi Phi Ley Island is free from human inhabitants. The Phi Phi Islands were in movies because of their famous beauty. They are great for people who are looking for peace and quiet. Phi Phi can be easily reached by a ferry from the Phuket Island. You can also get there fast by a speedboat.

Coral Island

Coral Island is a small island that can be reached by boat from the southern tip of the Phuket Island. It takes only 15 minutes to get there. The locals call the island Koh Hae. There are two beautiful beaches – Long Beach and Banana Beach. As the name of the island suggest, there are coral reefs there, which are truly impressive. It’s a great place for snorkeling.

Naka Islands

There are two Naka Islands: Naka Yai and Naka Noi, which means big Naka and small Naka. There are beautiful broad sandy beaches on Naka Yai. The island is a great place for swimming and sunbathing. From the eastern shores of the island, there are stunning views across the Phang Nga Bay.

There are pearl farms on Naka Noi which is called the Pearl Island. You can visit them and see how pearls are developed and extracted.

Koh Kai

Koh Kai is a very small island located east of Phuket. It can be reached in twenty minutes by long-tail boat from Phuket. It is an idyllic island which is still pretty unknown to tourists.

There are many more beautiful islands that can be visited on a day trip from Phuket.

When people talk about Phuket they usually mean the Phuket Island, but there is also a Phuket city, which is located in the southeast of Phuket Island. It is also the capital of the Phuket Island. It has population about 76,000 people. The Phuket town was elevated to the status of the city on February 13, 2004.

Because of the beautiful beaches in Phuket, Phuket resorts and hotels, people often don’t realize that there is a city in Phuket and that it is a very nice and interesting place to visit. Phuket city is an interesting mix of old and new. It is sometimes a city of contradictions, sometimes peaceful, and sometimes very lively.

There is always something going on in the city of Phuket. Early morning you can see there Buddhist monks walking in the streets and collecting their alms. It is a very peaceful and relaxing time in the town.

The activity in Phuket’s markets also starts very early in the morning. Many restaurants and shops owners come to the markets to buy products wholesale for their businesses.

During the daytime until the evening the city is busy all the time. At night there are many people who relax at restaurants, bars and discos, although the city is not as popular and famous for its nightlife as the area near the Patong Beach.

Phuket Cinemas

If you want to watch a movie in Phuket city there are two main options: SFX Coliseum at Central Festival Phuket Shopping Mall and the Coliseum Paradise Multiplex next to Ocean Shopping Mall. At both places you can watch both western and Thai movies.

Bowling

If you like bowling you can go bowling at the CS Bowl Centre Entertainment located inside Big C. As in all bowling places in Thailand, you will have to rent bowling shoes there, and you can also buy some food, drinks and snacks there.

Old Phuket Town

The Old Phuket Town is a historical district of Phuket. It is a very interesting place. It is not a big place, so it is perfect for sightseeing on foot. You can see there beautiful large mansions from the times when Phuket was famous for its tin industry. Those days tin were a very valuable commodity, so Phuket grew rich because of it.

There are also many Chinese and Buddhist temples in the Old Phuket Town. There are also many restaurants and cafes so when you get hungry or tired during your walk, there are always nice places nearby to relax and get some food or drink.

When you stroll along the Old Phuket Town’s streets you can see a lot of interesting houses. The architecture in this part of the city is an interesting mixture of Hokkien Chinese who were very important for the tin industry in Phuket. The Hokkien Chinese were ruling the tin industry in the 18th century. In the early 20th century the European mining companies came to Phuket too. They were invited by Governor Phraya Rassada Nupradit and it was the time when many roads and canals were built too.

There are also strong influences of Portuguese architecture in the Old Phuket Town and many Sino – Portuguese shop houses.