Andaman’s and Phuket Weather
Andaman’s and Phuket Weather
Approximately 2,200 mm of rain fall in a year; in this coast on the Andaman Sea, where Phuket is located, the rains in the south-west monsoon are more abundant than in the other coast of peninsular Thailand, the Gulf of Siam, because the south-western winds hit it directly . However the rainy period knows two peaks: the first part (May) and the last one (September-October). However, in some years there may be torrential rains also in July and August.
Temperatures
The temperatures are high all year round, so that on average the maximums never fall below 30 degrees. However, from December to March the humidity is slightly lower. All the year long, very hot days are possible, with peaks of 36/37 degrees, while at night you can go down, albeit slightly, under 20 degrees, only from December to March. From February to April, before the arrival of the monsoon, there is a slight increase in temperature, so March and April are usually the hottest months of the year.
The sunshine in Phuket is good in the dry period, from December to March, while during the rainy season the sun does not lack, but alternates with cloud cover, which can sometimes give rise to rain showers.
Phuket is the largest Thai island, and constitutes a province along with the small islands that surround it; in addition to the homonymous capital, there are places like Patong, Karon, Rawai and Mai Khao. The most famous beaches are Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Nai Han Beach, Kamala Beach, Surin Beach and Bang Tao Beach.
From May to November Phuket as the rest of Thailand can be hit by tropical cyclones, although this area is relatively protected, since the cyclones are developed in two zones, one in the west (the Bay of Bengal, where they are called cyclones) , and the other to the east (the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea, where they are called typhoons); however, sometimes some of them can also pass in these parts.
To swim, the sea is warm all year round. It must be said that during the summer monsoon the sea can be moved, and there may be dangerous currents.
The best time to go to Phuket and enjoy its sun and its sea is from December to March, being the dry season.Surfers, however, prefer the period June-September, when the waves are higher, in beaches exposed to the west as Pansea Beach, Karon Beach and Kata Beach.
Climate Change in Southern Thailand and Phuket: Impacts and Projections
Here is an analysis of the key observed impacts and future projections.
Climate Change in Southern Thailand and Phuket: Impacts and Projections
Global warming is profoundly transforming the landscape of Southern Thailand, particularly in Phuket. As a region whose economy relies almost entirely on beach tourism and tropical agriculture, its vulnerability to climate change is among the highest in Southeast Asia.
Here is an analysis of the key observed impacts and future projections.
Disruption of Monsoon Patterns
Southern Thailand is historically governed by two monsoons: the Southwest (wet) and the Northeast (dry). Global warming is making these patterns increasingly unpredictable:
Intense Rainfall: While the total number of rainy days may decrease, the intensity of individual storms has risen. This leads to frequent flash floods in Phuket, where urban drainage systems often struggle to cope with massive volumes of water in short periods.
Shifted Seasons: There is a noticeable delay in the onset of the dry season, or unseasonal torrential rains (for instance, in December or January), which destabilises both tourism schedules and the harvesting of rubber and fruit.
Rising Sea Levels and Coastal Erosion
Phuket is an island with kilometres of sandy beaches that constitute its primary asset.
Beach Erosion: Rising sea levels, combined with more powerful storm surges, are literally “eating away” at the coastline. Famous beaches such as Surin and Bang Tao show clear signs of shoreline retreat.
Saltwater Intrusion: Seawater is beginning to infiltrate coastal groundwater tables, compromising the freshwater reserves used by hotels and local communities.
Impact on Agriculture
In the South, the production of natural rubber and palm oil is vital.
Excessive temperatures (above $35-37°C$) reduce the latex yield from rubber trees.
Prolonged droughts during the dry season—which is becoming increasingly hot—threaten the survival of younger plantations.
Note: The Thai government has recently adopted a “National Adaptation Plan” to protect coastal areas, but the pace of change in Phuket is currently outstripping many existing mitigation measures.
Statistics and Projections for Phuket
Indicator
Observed / Predicted Trend
Average Temperature
Increase of approximately $1.4°C$ compared to 1940–1950 averages.
Sea Level Rise
Projected rise of between $0.45$ and $1.2$ metres by 2100.
Climate Risk
Thailand is ranked among the top 10 countries globally for vulnerability to extreme weather events.
Sustainability Initiatives in Phuket: 2026 Update
Phuket is now in the midst of its transformation into a “Model Green Destination” for Southeast Asia, having consolidated the environmental projects launched in previous years.
1. The Success of the GSTC 2026 Summit
Phuket has recently hosted the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) world summit. This landmark event has resulted in:
Mass Certification: Over 100 hotels on the island have now achieved official GSTC sustainability certification, ensuring rigorous standards for water conservation, waste management, and social impact.
Phuket Sustainability Fund: A dedicated fund has been established, financed by a small percentage of tourism taxes. these funds are ring-fenced exclusively for mangrove restoration and coastal protection.
Coral Protection: “Coral College” and Strict Regulation
To combat coral bleaching caused by rising sea temperatures, Thailand has introduced significant measures:
Coral College: Launched in July 2025 by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), this e-learning and awareness programme educates tourists and operators on how to interact with the marine ecosystem without causing damage.
Strict New Regulations (April 2025): Laws are now in effect that strictly prohibit touching coral, stirring up sand with fins, or feeding fish. Operators who fail to enforce these rules risk the immediate withdrawal of their business licences.
Active Restoration: Organisations such as Coral Gardeners and the Phuket Marine Biological Centre are working on transplanting heat-resistant coral species into protected areas.
The Fight Against Plastic: “Plastic-Free Phuket”
Waste management is one of the island’s greatest challenges, particularly in reducing pollution that suffocates mangroves (which are vital for coastal defence):
Import Ban (2025): Thailand has officially banned the import of plastic waste to force the local system toward internal recycling and circularity.
Trash Hero & Green Days: Movements like Trash Hero Phuket and the Phuket Hotels Association regularly organise “Phuket Green Days” (with events scheduled throughout 2025), involving hundreds of volunteers in cleaning beaches and the seabed.
Zero-Plastic Hotels: Many luxury resorts (such as The Slate and Banyan Tree) have eliminated single-use plastic bottles, replacing them with in-house glass bottling plants and bamboo or paper straws.
Quality and Sustainable Tourism
Phuket is shifting its focus from mass tourism toward a “slower,” more conscious model:
GSTC 2026 Host: Phuket has been selected to host the Global Sustainable Tourism Council conference in 2026—a strong signal of the island’s commitment to becoming a global benchmark for green tourism.
Community-Based Tourism (CBT): Projects like the Bangrong Community allow tourists to visit mangrove forests and local farms in an eco-friendly manner, ensuring that revenue stays directly within the local community.
Wildlife Conservation
Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation: Located in the north of the island, this foundation works to protect sea turtle nesting sites, which are increasingly threatened by beach erosion.
Gibbon Rehabilitation Project: This long-standing project continues to rescue and reintroduce gibbons into the wild, protecting the biodiversity of Phuket’s remaining forested areas
How can you contribute as a visitor?
Use “Reef-Safe” Sunscreen: Ensure your suncream does not contain oxybenzone, which is toxic to coral.
Choose Certified Hotels: Look for accommodation with recognised environmental sustainability certifications.
Join a Clean-Up: If you are in Phuket on a Tuesday or Wednesday, check the Phuket Green Days schedules to join local volunteers.