Phuket in June: Rainy Season Weather and Which Tours Run

June is the first full month of Phuket's southwest monsoon. It is warm, often wet and noticeably quiet, with rough seas on the west coast on many days. It is not a washout: there are sunny mornings, clear spells and plenty of days when the boats go out. The key is choosing the right trips and giving yourself room to move them.

This guide covers what June weather is usually like, which of our tours are reliable in the rainy season, what to do on wet days and how to plan a flexible week.

What the Weather Is Like in June

Phuket has two broad seasons: the dry season, roughly November to April, and the southwest monsoon, roughly May to October. By June the monsoon has usually set in.

• Temperature: highs usually around 30 to 32°C, nights around 24 to 26°C. A little cooler than April and May, but still humid.
• Rain: rain on many days, often in heavy bursts that last an hour or two and then clear. Some days are grey with steady rain; others are almost dry.
• Wind and sea: the southwest wind pushes swell from the open Andaman Sea onto Phuket's west coast. The east coast and Phang Nga Bay, sheltered by the mainland, are usually much calmer. The water is warm all year, usually around 28 to 30°C.

West coast beaches such as Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala and Surin can have big waves and dangerous rip currents in June. Only swim where there are lifeguards, between the flags, and never when red flags are up. On rough days, a pool or a sheltered east coast beach is the safer choice.

Crowds and Prices in June

June is one of the quietest months of the year. Hotels usually offer some of their lowest rates, famous stops such as James Bond Island are far less crowded than in the high season, and you can often book a tour the day before.Some beach bars and smaller businesses reduce their hours in the low season.

Which Tours Run in June

All our tours run in June, but how often they go ahead depends on how exposed the route is.

James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay: most reliable

Phang Nga Bay is enclosed by the mainland and dozens of islands, so the water inside usually stays calm when the west coast is rough. It runs on far more days than open-sea trips, and the karst islands look dramatic under clouds. The James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay tour (3,500 THB per adult, 2,200 THB per child) includes a sea canoe at Hong Island or Talu Island, lunch at Koh Panyee and a swim at Naka Island. The national park fee is paid on the day. See our Phang Nga Bay guide.

Jet Ski 7 Islands: good on most days

The Jet Ski 7 Islands tour (7,500 THB per jet ski for 1 or 2 riders) stays on the sheltered east coast, around the Naka Islands and into a mangrove channel. Strong wind or a storm can still stop it on some days, but it is one of the better sea activities in the monsoon.

White water rafting: the rain helps

The river in the Phang Nga jungle usually carries more water in the rainy season. The white water rafting, flying fox and waterfall tour (2,500 THB per adult, 2,200 THB per child under 12) is the natural plan B when the sea looks rough. The guide decides on safety on the day, and after very heavy rain the program can change.

Raya and Coral Island: many days, not all

Coral Island is close to Phuket and fairly sheltered; Racha lies in more open water further south. The Raya and Coral Island tour (2,400 THB per adult, 1,700 THB per child) runs on many June days, and the guide chooses the calmest snorkeling bay at Racha. Some days the crossing is too rough and the trip is cancelled for safety, and the water is usually less clear than in the dry season.

Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island: most weather dependent

Phi Phi trips run on many days, but the crossing is the longest and most exposed of our trips, so it is the most likely to be bumpy or cancelled. If Phi Phi matters to you, book it early in your stay. Maya Bay is usually open in June; its yearly closure normally falls around August and September. The Similan Islands are closed from around mid-May to mid-October.

What to Do on a Rainy Day

• Walk the old shophouse streets, cafes and shrines of Phuket Old Town between showers.
• Take a Thai cooking class.
• Book a long Thai massage or a spa treatment.
• Visit Wat Chalong, and the Big Buddha viewpoint when the cloud lifts.
• Go rafting. You will be wet anyway.

How to Plan a June Week

• Put the open-water trip first. Schedule Phi Phi or Racha early so there is time to move it.
• Keep at least one buffer day between boat trips.
• Favor mornings. On many monsoon days the sea is calmer early and storms build later.
• Know the weather terms. If we cancel a tour for unsafe weather, you get a full refund or a new date at no extra cost, and we let you know as early as possible. See our booking terms and what happens if it rains.

Sample 5 day plan

1. Day 1: arrive, pool and dinner.
2. Day 2: Raya and Coral Island if the forecast is good, otherwise James Bond Island.
3. Day 3: Phuket Old Town and a cooking class, or the spare day for a moved trip.
4. Day 4: James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay, or the jet ski tour.
5. Day 5: white water rafting, or Phi Phi if the sea has settled.

Check dates on our June tours page. For the months either side, read Phuket in May and Phuket in July.

What to Pack for June

• A light rain jacket or poncho. Umbrellas are little use in wind.
• A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch for boat days and sudden showers.
• Quick-dry clothes and sandals with grip for wet piers and landings.
• Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat. The sun is strong between showers, and you can burn under cloud.
• Insect repellent for the evenings.
• Seasickness tablets if you are prone to it.

Frequently asked questions

Is June a good time to visit Phuket?

It can be, if you want low prices and quiet beaches and do not mind some rain. Plan around sheltered trips and keep your schedule flexible.

Does it rain all day in June?

Usually not. Rain often comes in heavy bursts with sunny spells in between, although some days are grey and wet from morning to evening.

Which tour is most reliable in June?

James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay. The bay is sheltered, so it runs on far more days than open-sea trips. The jet ski tour and rafting are also good choices.

Is it safe to swim in the sea in June?

On west coast beaches, only swim between the flags where lifeguards are present and never when red flags are up. Beach stops on island tours are chosen by the guide for safer conditions. Browse all tours to see what runs on your dates.