This is the peak of the "high season". The average temperature during this period is approximately 75?F to 89?F (24?C to 32?C), hence its appeal to tourists. While most countries experience their cold weather during this time, Phuket experiences warm weather with very little chance of rain.
As the island fills with tourists, negotiating becomes increasingly difficult. Everyone, including hotels, vendors, and street merchants ask their highest prices. If you do not enjoy crowds, you may consider coming to Phuket another time of year. However, since our trips take you far away from the throngs of people, this is still a great time to go paddling.
With the prevailing wind coming from the Northeast during this month, the alternate side of the Malay Peninsula experiences their rainy season. Thus, many of the Migratory Birds flock to Phuket! Its also the breeding season for the hornbills and the sea eagles, making January an excellent time for bird-watchers.
February
Things are basically the same during this month as in January; the weather is still perfect and the crowds are still present. The average temperature during this period is approximately 75 F to 89 F (24C to 32C.) Towards the end of the month, the Orchids begin to bloom, and the migratory birds are still here, making february equally enjoyable.
March
The high season begins to come to an end this month. Fewer people seem to crowd the streets, and negotiations on prices are possible, especially with street vendors and small shops. The average temperature during this period is still approximately 75?F to 89F (24C to 32C), although it tends to get slightly warmer at the end of the month. Occasionally, there have been a few scattered showers over the years during this time. This is still an ideal time for paddling, though, as the showers provide you with cool break from the sun. Also towards the end of the month, many of the migratory birds begin to flock towards cooler climates. However, March remains a good time to see the various species of orchids in bloom in both saltwater and freshwater areas.
April
Mid-April through October is known as the "low season". April generally serves as a transitional month. The middle of the month is the official end of the high season, meaning that price negotiations are easier. The previously Northeastern monsoon winds gradually move around to come from the Southwest, making the seasons of East Coast (the Gulf of Siam) the opposite of the West. Sometime during the middle of the month, heavy showers, including thunderstorms, begin to pick up, making the second half of April one of the wettest times of year. While the storms tend to be heavy, they are usually brief; it rarely rains an entire day. For many people, low season storms are still something to be enjoyed. One can witness the sheer power and beauty of Mother Nature in rare form. This time of year is the hottest for Phuket, with temperatures ranging from 80F to 95F (27C to 36C).
In Mid-April, the Thais celebrate Songkran, the water festival. During this festival, people splash and throw water on everyone they come into contact with. For most, this is an exciting and interesting time to be in Phuket and to participate in the revelry. Driving a motorcycle is extremely dangerous, though, due to the slippery roads and having ice water thrown at you while traveling at a high velocity.
Many species of orchids are still in bloom in both saltwater and freshwater areas. However, the majority of migratory birds have left the island. Do not be dismayed, though, since Thailand hosts plenty of resident birds.
May
Although this month is rainy, it is a nice time to paddle because there are fewer tourists around. In addition, the rain provides for a variety of things. Since the temperature rises a bit during this month, the rain is a necessary and welcome tool for naturally cooling things down. It also increases the visibility for paddlers; when the rain stops, the visibility can be breathtaking.
Prices come down on almost everything during this time.
Many species of orchids are still in bloom in both saltwater and freshwater areas.
June
This month is very similar to May. The only difference is that the waves on the West Coast of Phuket increase in size. The areas where we paddle, though, remain calm and easy to navigate, as they are protected by the large landmasses of Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga.
The temperatures range between 70?F and 90?F (20?C to 33?C).
Many species of orchids are still in bloom in both saltwater and freshwater areas.
July
This month is the same as May and June. Here, the waves can be slightly higher depending on the weather. Again, our trip destinations remain safe and calm due to the surrounding landmasses.
The temperatures range between 70?F and 90?F (20?C to 33?C.)
August
The weather during this month is slightly more pleasant. The wind still comes from the Southwest, but the rain has decreased from the previous months and will be a great deal less than the upcoming two months.
This can be a dangerous time to go swimming, as the waves can be quite large and the under-toe very strong. The strength of the waves depends on the weather activity out to sea. This means that even during this time of year, the waves may be suitable for swimming and other activities, but we ask that you mind the warning flags on the beaches.
The temperatures range between 70?F and 90?F (20?C to 33?C).
September
This is definitely the rainiest month of the year. There are still plenty of days with no rain at all and most of the storms that do occur only last part of the day. Line squalls are prevalent throughout this time of year. As far as tourists and crowds go, this is the lowest time of the year; you can expect to bargain for prices and deals. Since we choose bungalows and small hotels instead of outdoor camping during this time, the level of comfort on our trips remains high.
October
Generally, this month is very similar to September. Storms begin to decrease in size, intensity, and frequency.
November
This month represents the start of the "High Season" in Phuket and along the West Coast of the Andaman Peninsula. It lasts until mid-April. Thus, November is a transitional month; as the rains gradually taper off, we see an influx of tourists throughout the month. Tourists flock to Phuket during these months of the cooler northeast monsoon season because it is not nearly as humid and a gentle breeze cools things down. The average temperature during this period is approximately 75?F to 89?F (24?C to 32?C).
The price of everything starts to rise again, although many merchants are still willing to make some deals.
Towards the end of November, some migratory bird species start arriving.
December
This is the peak of the high season. More and more people arrive during the days surrounding the Christmas season. Price negotiations become increasingly difficult.
By December, all of the migratory birds that come to Thailand have arrived in Phuket. Hornbills and Eagles begin their breeding season during December, so there are many opportunities to view them in the skies. Also, turtles arrive on the Northern beaches to lay their eggs.
