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The best time to visit Phuket is during the cool NE monsoon
season, from November until March, when it's not so humid, and the
cool breezes keep things comfortable. The average temperature is
around 75?F to 89?F (24?C to 32?C).
The hottest time is from April through May, with temperatures
ranging from 80?F to 95?F (27?C to 36?C). There are frequent short
heavy thundery showers, offering welcome relief from the temperature
and humidity. One of the best Thai festivals - Songkran occurs on
April 13th to celebrate the Thai New Year when everyone throws cool
water on each other. Patong is particularly busy during this period
and there's a great party atmosphere for tourists and locals.
In June, July and August - the usual pattern is for brief showers,
with plenty of sunshine between downpours. Everything is a little
less expensive, and less busy at this time of year. Temperatures
range between 70?F and 90?F (20?C to 33?C).
During September and early October the umbrellas start appearing
and the beaches, outdoor restaurants and streets are relatively
uncluttered by visitors. Even so, long intervals of sunshine still
appear between the heavy showers, and a multitude of activities,
both water- and land-based, still offer themselves in Patong during
this wettest part of the summer season.
Rainy Season?
Visiting Phuket in the monsoon season has lots of advantages. Temperatures
average a comfortable 28/30C (88-90F) and light warm winds make
sightseeing tours very pleasant. During the monsoon season, it doesn't
rain every day! The usual weather pattern is for short dramatic
showers, with plenty of sunshine in between, providing an opportunity
to chat with the locals while you're waiting for the rain to pass.
June, July and August are particularly pleasant.
Activities and trips (apart from Similan diving trips) remain totally
unaffected. You can still go swimming or kayaking, (falling off
a canoe in warm water will not leave you shivering!) The island
is less busy and more relaxed - it's also less expensive.
There are some great deals on hotel rates and much better shopping
bargains. Better value for money - get the hotel room you want at
the price you want! Check out the Special
Offers!. Less people, more room on the beaches and it's
easier to get a good table at your favourite restaurant. One point
to watch, however, is that swimming off the West coast beaches can
be dangerous due to strong currents and rip-tides. Always observe
the warning flags on the beach.
Finally, remember that in a tropical climate, it's never cold
and the sun is never far away....
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