Phuket in July: Monsoon Weather and Which Tours Run

July is the middle of Phuket's southwest monsoon. Expect showers, some stormy days and rough water on the west coast, but also bright mornings, a warm sea and far fewer people than in the high season. It is also the start of the summer school holidays in many countries, so the island feels a little livelier than in June, especially with families.

This guide covers what July weather is really like, which of our tours run reliably, the holidays that fall in July and how to plan a week that works around the sea.

What the Weather Is Like in July

Phuket has two broad seasons: the dry season, roughly November to April, and the southwest monsoon, roughly May to October. July sits in the middle of the monsoon.

• Temperature: highs usually around 30 to 32°C, nights around 24 to 26°C.
• Rain: rain on many days, usually in bursts of an hour or a few hours rather than all day. On many days the morning is the brighter part. There are also grey spells of steady rain that can last a day or two.
• Sea: wind and swell from the southwest make the west coast rough on many days. The east coast and Phang Nga Bay are usually much calmer. The water is warm all year, usually around 28 to 30°C.

West coast beaches such as Patong, Kata and Karon can have strong surf and rip currents. Take red flags seriously: only swim where there are lifeguards, between the flags. East coast beaches such as Ao Yon and Cape Panwa are usually calmer for a dip, though the water there is less clear.

Crowds and Prices in July

July is still low season, and hotel rates are usually well below their December to March level. Summer school holidays bring more families than in June, so family-friendly hotels can be busier from mid-July. Tours are easy to book a day or two ahead.

Holidays in July

Asahna Bucha and the start of Buddhist Lent (Khao Phansa) fall on consecutive days around a full moon, usually in July and occasionally in early August. Temples hold ceremonies and candlelit processions, and alcohol sales are often restricted on those days. 28 July is a public holiday for the King's birthday. None of these usually affects tours.

Which Tours Run in July

All our tours run in July, but the sheltered routes go ahead far more often than the open-sea ones. Prices below are standard rates at the time of writing and can vary by date, so check each tour page for yours.

James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay

The most reliable trip of the monsoon. Phang Nga Bay is sheltered by the mainland and many islands, so it runs on far more days than open-sea routes. The James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay tour (3,500 THB per adult, 2,200 THB per child aged 3 to 11) is also a good family choice in July: calm water, a sea canoe through caves into the Hong Island or Talu Island lagoon depending on the tide, and lunch in the stilt village of Koh Panyee. The national park fee is paid on the day.

Jet Ski 7 Islands

The Jet Ski 7 Islands tour (7,500 THB per jet ski for 1 or 2 riders) follows the sheltered east coast around the Naka Islands, Monkey Island and a mangrove channel. Heavy rain and wind can stop it on some days, but it goes ahead on many. Drivers must be at least 15 and sober, and you need your passport on the day.

White water rafting

The river in the Phang Nga jungle carries more water in the rainy season, and rafting is the best plan B for a rough sea day. The white water rafting, flying fox and waterfall tour (2,500 THB per adult, 2,200 THB per child under 12) includes lunch and insurance, and the guide decides on safety on the day.

Raya and Coral Island

The Raya and Coral Island tour (2,400 THB per adult, 1,700 THB per child) runs on many July days. Coral Island is close and fairly sheltered, but Racha is further out in open water, so the guide chooses the calmest snorkeling bay, and on rough days the trip is cancelled for safety. Expect the water to be less clear than in the dry season.

Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island

The Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island tour (3,100 THB per adult) runs on many days, but it is the most exposed route and the most likely to be cancelled. Book it early in your stay. Maya Bay is usually still open in July, but the national park usually closes it around August and September, so if your trip runs into August, check the current status before you book.

The Similan Islands are closed in July; the park usually reopens around 15 October.

How to Plan a July Week

• Make Phang Nga Bay your anchor day. It is the trip most likely to run as planned.
• Book open-water trips early in your stay and leave buffer days after them.
• Use the mornings. Beach time, viewpoints and pool time often work best before the afternoon showers.
• Plan wet-day options: Phuket Old Town, cooking classes, spas and markets.
• Know the terms. If we cancel a tour for unsafe weather, you get a full refund or a new date at no extra cost. Most tours have free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. See our booking terms.

Sample 5 day family plan

1. Day 1: arrive, settle in and spend the afternoon by the pool.
2. Day 2: James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay.
3. Day 3: a slow day: a calm east coast beach in the morning, Phuket Old Town in the afternoon.
4. Day 4: Raya and Coral Island if the sea is calm, otherwise rafting with older children.
5. Day 5: Phi Phi if the forecast is good, or the jet ski tour for teenagers and adults.

See what runs on your dates on our July tours page. For more on the season, read our rainy season tours guide, and if you are choosing between summer months, compare Phuket in June and Phuket in August.

What to Pack for July

• A light rain jacket or poncho for everyone, including children.
• A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch for boat days.
• Rash guards and reef-safe sunscreen. The sun is strong between showers.
• Quick-dry clothes and sandals with grip for wet piers and boat decks.
• Insect repellent for the evenings.
• Seasickness tablets, especially for Phi Phi and Racha.

Frequently asked questions

Is July a good time to visit Phuket?

It is a good value month if you are flexible. Expect showers and some rough sea days, but also lower hotel prices, quieter stops and plenty of good mornings.

Does it rain every day in July?

Not every day, and rarely all day. Rain usually comes in bursts with sunny spells between, though grey spells of a day or two are possible.

Can you go to Phi Phi in July?

Yes, tours run on many days, but it is the most weather dependent trip. Book it early in your stay so a cancelled day can move.

Is Maya Bay open in July?

Usually yes. The yearly closure normally falls around August and September, with dates set by the national park. Swimming in the bay is never allowed. Browse all tours to check dates.