What May feels like in Phuket
May falls in Phuket's wet season — the rainfall numbers rise clearly above the dry months. Afternoons are hot, so sightseeing works best in the morning or evening. Even after dark it stays hot and sultry. High humidity makes the heat feel heavier and sticky, especially on still afternoons.
Rain in Phuket in May
May is persistently wet here: some rain falls on most days. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 9.6 mm (0.4 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. The yearly figure is similar, around 9.2 mm per wet day. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in May
In mid-May, sunrise is at about 6:08 am and sunset at about 6:37 pm (local time) — 12 h 29 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 11 min more daylight than in mid-April. Close to the equator, sunrise and sunset times move very little through the year. Measured sunshine covers about 76% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
May is the 4th warmest month of the year in Phuket. Afternoons run 0.8°C (1.4°F) cooler than in April, with 114 mm more rain. Temperatures keep falling into June. The next month's average high: 29.3°C (84.7°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Phuket in May
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Sun Protection
Protect yourself from strong sun: hat, SPF and plenty of water.
Quick questions
How warm is Phuket in May?
Afternoons average 29.7°C (85.5°F) and nights about 26.2°C (79.2°F) — hot by most people's standards. It is the 4th warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Phuket in May?
Quite a lot — 248 mm spread over about 26 days.
What should I wear in Phuket in May?
Pack rain protection and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is May or June better for visiting Phuket?
June, clearly: it ranks #6 of 12 among Phuket's months, against #11 for the other. June has fewer rainy days.