Phuket in February: Weather, Tours and Chinese New Year

February is often the calmest, driest month in Phuket and one of the best for anything that happens on or under the water. The dry season is well settled, the sea on the Andaman side is flat on most days, and snorkeling trips to Racha and Phi Phi usually enjoy some of their clearest water of the year. It is still high season, though, and the weeks around Chinese New Year can be among the busiest of the year.

Here is what February weather is usually like, how Chinese New Year affects your trip, which tours suit the month and how to put together a good week.

What the Weather Is Like in February

Phuket has two broad seasons: the dry season, roughly November to April, and the southwest monsoon, roughly May to October. February is in the middle of the dry half and, along with January, is usually the driest month of the year.

• Temperature: highs usually around 32 to 33°C, nights around 23 to 25°C. It warms up a little through the month on the way to the hotter months of March and April.
• Rain: very little. Many Februaries pass with only a handful of short showers.
• Sea: calm on most days, which makes the open-water crossings to Phi Phi and Racha more comfortable. The water is warm all year, usually around 28 to 30°C.
• Visibility: the dry season generally brings the clearest water for snorkeling, though it still changes with the tide, wind and plankton on the day.

The west coast beaches, such as Kata, Karon and Kamala, are usually calm enough for relaxed swimming in February. Still swim where lifeguards are present, between the flags, and never when red flags are up.

Crowds, Prices and Chinese New Year

February is high season. Hotel rates are usually close to their yearly peak, and the famous stops are busy from late morning. The biggest swing in demand comes from Chinese New Year, which follows the lunar calendar and falls between late January and mid-February. In 2027 the first day is 6 February. Around that week, and often for a while either side, flights, hotels and tours in Phuket are in high demand, with many visitors from China and other parts of Asia.

Phuket has a long Chinese Thai heritage, and Phuket Old Town is the place to see the celebrations: red lanterns, lion dances and families visiting the shrines. If you want to join in, stay a night or two near the Old Town. If you would rather have quieter boats, travel in the second half of the month, once the holiday week has passed. Our Chinese New Year in Phuket guide has more detail.

Makha Bucha, an important Buddhist holy day, falls on a full moon in February or March, depending on the year. It is a quiet day of temple visits, and alcohol sales are often restricted on Buddhist holy days, so check the date if you have evening plans.

Which Tours Suit February

All our tours run in February, and it is one of the best months for the trips that depend most on calm water.

Raya and Coral Island

If snorkeling is your priority, February is a very good month for Racha. The Raya and Coral Island snorkeling tour (2,400 THB per adult, 1,700 THB per child aged 4 to 11) leaves from Chalong Pier with short boat rides: the morning on Coral Island, then snorkeling at Patok, Lah or Siam Bay on Racha Yai, a buffet lunch and free time on the beach. Fins can be rented on board for 100 THB. Our Racha Island guide explains the bays.

Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island

The Phi Phi crossing is the most exposed of our trips, so a calm February sea makes a real difference to comfort. The Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island tour (3,100 THB per adult, 2,200 THB per child) includes the national park fee, a halal buffet lunch, snorkel gear and a stand-up paddle board. Maya Bay is usually open in February; you walk in from Loh Sama Bay, and swimming there is not allowed.

James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay runs all year, but blue skies over the limestone towers make February a lovely time to go. The James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay tour costs 3,500 THB per adult and 2,200 THB per child, with a sea canoe at Hong Island or Talu Island and lunch at the Koh Panyee stilt village. The national park fee is paid on the day.

Jet Ski 7 Islands

For couples and friends who want to drive rather than sit, the Jet Ski 7 Islands tour costs 7,500 THB per jet ski for 1 or 2 riders and follows the sheltered east coast to the Naka Islands, Monkey Island and a mangrove channel. Drivers must be at least 15, and you need your passport on the day.

Rafting and the Similans

White water rafting in Phang Nga runs in February too, but the river is often lower in the dry season, so the ride can be gentler than after heavy rain. The Similan Islands national park is usually open from around 15 October to around 15 May. We do not sell a Similan tour, but our Similan Islands guide explains how to plan one.

How to Plan a February Week

• Check the Chinese New Year date for your year first. If your trip overlaps it, book your hotel and the tours you care most about earlier than usual.
• Put the snorkeling days early. Calm conditions are likely all month, but doing Racha and Phi Phi early in your stay leaves room to move them if a windy spell arrives.
• Alternate long and short days. Phi Phi is about 10 hours door to door; Raya and Coral Island is back around 16:00.
• Know the terms. Most tours have free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and some have their own operator terms on the tour page. If we cancel for unsafe weather, you get a full refund or a new date at no extra cost. See our booking terms.

Sample 5 day plan

1. Day 1: arrive, beach and sunset.
2. Day 2: Raya and Coral Island.
3. Day 3: Phuket Old Town, with the Chinese New Year celebrations if your dates match.
4. Day 4: Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island.
5. Day 5: James Bond Island, the jet ski tour or a lazy beach day.

See what is available for your dates on our February tours page. If your trip starts in January or runs into March, read Phuket in January or Phuket in March.

What to Pack for February

• Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. The sun is strong and there is little cloud cover.
• A rash guard or light long-sleeved top for snorkeling, so your back does not burn while you float face down.
• Your own mask if you snorkel a lot. Masks and snorkels are included on our snorkeling tours, but one that already fits you well is more comfortable.
• Swimwear, a quick-dry towel and a dry bag or waterproof phone pouch.
• Light clothes that cover shoulders and knees for shrines, temples and the Koh Panyee village.
• Some cash for small purchases and the national park fee on the James Bond Island tour.

Frequently asked questions

Is February a good time to visit Phuket?

For weather, yes. February is usually one of the driest and calmest months, which suits island trips and snorkeling. It is also high season, so book hotels and key tours early, especially around Chinese New Year.

When is Chinese New Year, and does it affect tours?

It follows the lunar calendar and falls between late January and mid-February. In 2027 the first day is 6 February. Tours run as normal, but they and hotels fill faster around that week, so book ahead.

Is February good for snorkeling near Phuket?

It is one of the better months. Calm seas usually mean clearer water at Racha and Phi Phi, although visibility still changes from day to day with the tide and wind.

Can tours be cancelled in February?

It is uncommon, but the captain can still cancel or change a trip if the sea is unsafe. If we cancel for weather, you get a full refund or a new date at no extra cost. Browse all tours to check dates.