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Use the code ALLCHECKEDIN5 at checkout on GetYourGuide to get 5% off eligible tours and experiences. The code works worldwide across thousands of activities.

Is All Checked In good for solo travellers?

Yes. All Checked In is built around solo and independent travel. Every tour, guide and money tip is chosen from the perspective of someone travelling alone or in a small group. The site covers 25+ cities across Asia, Europe and the Americas.

What is the best travel card to avoid fees abroad?

A Wise card is one of the best options for spending abroad. It uses the real mid-market exchange rate with very low fees and works in almost every country. You can top it up in your home currency and spend in local currency without nasty conversion charges.

How can I get cheap mobile data when travelling?

Airalo eSIMs are a reliable way to get affordable data the moment you land. You buy and activate them before you travel. No physical SIM required, no airport queues. Plans are available for most countries and regions.

Do I need travel insurance as a solo traveller?

Yes. SafetyWing is a popular option for budget and long-term travellers. It covers medical emergencies, trip interruption and more. It works on a rolling monthly subscription, which suits people who don't know exactly how long they'll be away.

What is rainy season like in Phuket?

Rain usually comes in afternoon showers rather than all-day downpours. Mornings are often clear and sunny. The west coast beaches can have rough surf during the main storm months of September and October but the island is still very much open and enjoyable.

Can you swim in Phuket during rainy season?

The west coast beaches like Patong can have rough water during heavy weather. Kata Beach is more sheltered and often swimmable even on overcast days. Rawai and Chalong on the east coast are calmer. Always check local conditions before swimming.

Is it worth visiting Phuket in rainy season?

Yes. The island is significantly less crowded, accommodation prices are lower and you still get good weather on many days. Evening shows like Carnival Magic and Simon Cabaret are excellent wet-season options since they are indoors and unaffected by rain.

What months are the wettest in Phuket?

September and October typically see the heaviest rainfall and the roughest seas on the Andaman coast. May, June, July and August are wetter than high season but usually manageable with afternoon showers rather than full days of rain.

What are the best indoor things to do in Phuket?

Carnival Magic show, Simon Cabaret, cooking classes, Thai massage and spa days, Phuket Thai Hua Museum in Old Town and the night food markets are all excellent options that are completely unaffected by the weather.

GuideThailand

Things to Do in Phuket in Rainy Season 2026

By Nicole · 17 June 2026

Quick answer

Rainy season in Phuket runs May to October. It does not rain all day and the island is quieter, cheaper and less crowded. Carnival Magic, Simon Cabaret, elephant sanctuaries and Phuket Old Town all run year-round. There is loads to do.

Rainy season in Phuket runs from May to October. Most people read about it online, see images of stormy skies, and book somewhere else instead. This is a mistake.

I have spent time in Phuket during rainy season and it is one of my favourite times to be here. The island is quieter. Prices are lower. The queues at every popular spot are a fraction of what you find in December. And the rain almost always comes in afternoon showers that clear within an hour or two, not all-day downpours.

There are things to plan around. The west coast beaches can have rough surf in September and October. Boat trips to the far islands are more likely to be cancelled. But there is genuinely loads to do and plenty of ways to enjoy it.

The Weather by Area

West coast (Patong, Kamala, Surin): Most affected by the southwest monsoon. Rough seas possible during main storm months. Check conditions before going in the water.

Kata and Karon: More sheltered than Patong. Often swimmable even on overcast days. Better base for rainy season beach time.

East coast (Rawai, Chalong): Calmer water during the monsoon. Boats from Chalong Pier are more likely to run for island trips.

Phuket Old Town and inland: Completely unaffected by coastal weather. Perfect in any season.

::img[big-buddha-phuket]## Religious Festivals in 2026

Rainy season coincides with some of the most significant festivals in the Thai Buddhist calendar.

Visakha Bucha Day (May 2026): Celebrates the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. Temples across Phuket hold candlelit processions in the evening. Wat Chalong is the main site and is worth visiting.

Asalha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa (July 2026): The day the Buddha gave his first sermon and the start of Buddhist Lent. Wax candle festivals are held at temples throughout Phuket. A genuine cultural experience if you are on the island.

Note on alcohol: Asalha Bucha and Visakha Bucha are Buddhist holidays when alcohol sales are restricted. Restaurants can still serve food; bars may be closed or limited. Plan accordingly.

Carnival Magic Phuket

Carnival Magic is one of the best evening shows in Phuket and a perfect option when beach evenings are not an option. A full-scale production covering Thai history, mythology and culture with impressive stage effects and pyrotechnics. Book through GetYourGuide. Use code ALLCHECKEDIN5 for 5% off.

GetYourGuideMy go-to for tours and experiences. Vetted operators, verified reviews and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.Use code ALLCHECKEDIN5View GetYourGuide →

Simon Cabaret

Simon Cabaret is the most famous cabaret show in Phuket and has been running for decades. Around a hundred performers, elaborate costumes and a genuinely spectacular production. Tickets sell out so book in advance through GetYourGuide.

GetYourGuideMy go-to for tours and experiences. Vetted operators, verified reviews and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.Use code ALLCHECKEDIN5View GetYourGuide →

Elephant Sanctuary

The ethical elephant sanctuaries around Phuket run year-round and rainy season is one of the best times to go. The landscape is lush and green, the sanctuaries are far less crowded than in high season and the experience feels more personal. Book through GetYourGuide.

Free and Budget Options

Big Buddha: Free to visit. Extraordinary on a misty rainy season morning. Get there by 8am before the tour buses arrive.

Wat Chalong: Free. Phuket's largest and most important Buddhist temple. 20 to 30 minutes is enough.

Phuket Old Town: Free to walk around. The Sino-Portuguese architecture looks brilliant in moody weather and the hawker stalls on Phang Nga Road serve excellent cheap food.

Phuket Thai Hua Museum (Old Town): Small entry fee. Covers the history of Phuket's Chinese community and the development of the island. Good for a rainy afternoon.

Cooking class: Not free but genuinely worth the money. Spend the morning choosing ingredients at a local market then cook four or five traditional Thai dishes. Book through GetYourGuide.

Thai Massage and Spa Days

Rainy season is made for spa days. Prices drop significantly in low season. A 90-minute traditional Thai massage costs around 400 to 600 baht from a good independent place in Old Town. Avoid anywhere under 200 baht. The quality drop is obvious.

5 Restaurants Worth Your Time

1. Kopitiam by Wilai (Old Town): A Phuket institution. Hokkien mee and local rice noodle dishes that do not exist anywhere else quite like this. Go before noon. It fills up.

2. Tu Kab Khao (Old Town): Upscale southern Thai food in a beautiful heritage building. The best sit-down meal in Old Town. Book a table ahead.

3. Baan Rim Pa (Kalim, above Patong): Cliffside fine dining overlooking the Andaman Sea. Classic royal Thai cuisine. Worth it for a special evening regardless of the weather.

4. Kata Mama (Kata Beach): Casual, cash only, brilliant seafood. Beloved by everyone who finds it. Order the fish.

5. Chillva Market (Phuket Town): A night food market open Thursday to Sunday. Cheap, local, varied. The most enjoyable way to eat in low season without spending much.

Sino-Portuguese street in Phuket Old Town

Practical Tips

Get a Wise card. You will be making a lot of small cash payments and the ATM fees add up fast.

Wise

Spend in local currency at the real exchange rate with a tiny transparent fee. No dynamic currency conversion, no monthly charges. My main card abroad.

View Wise →

Get an eSIM through Airalo before you arrive so you always have data to check weather forecasts and rebook tours if needed.

Airalo

The eSIM I use on every trip. Plans from about £4, five-minute setup before you fly, data the moment you land.

View Airalo →

Get travel insurance that covers weather-related cancellations and medical costs.

SafetyWing

Flexible rolling monthly travel insurance, ideal for longer trips and digital nomads. Never travel without cover.

View SafetyWing →

Join the Free Community

Heading to Phuket in rainy season? Come and join the free Solo Travel Thailand community at Skool. Loads of people who have been there and can tell you exactly what to expect.

Happy travels! ✈️🇹🇭

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