Phuket in May: Weather, Monsoon Start and Which Tours Run

May is the month Phuket changes season. It often starts like the end of the dry season, hot, humid and mostly sunny, and ends with the southwest monsoon in charge: more rain, more wind and rougher seas on the west coast. The exact timing changes every year, so May is a month for flexible plans.

It is also the start of the low season. Crowds thin out, hotel prices drop and tours are easy to book. This guide covers what May weather is usually like, which of our tours are most and least weather dependent, and how to plan a week that makes the most of the good days.

What the Weather Is Like in May

Phuket has two broad seasons: the dry season, roughly November to April, and the southwest monsoon, roughly May to October. The monsoon usually arrives at some point in May, often in the second half, but it can come earlier or later.

• Temperature: highs usually around 31 to 33°C, nights around 25 to 26°C. It stays hot and humid, with a little relief once the rain sets in.
• Rain: showers and thunderstorms become frequent, often in the afternoon or evening. As the month goes on there are more grey days with longer spells of rain, but also plenty of sunny hours.
• Sea: the swell builds on the west coast once the monsoon winds arrive. The east coast and Phang Nga Bay, sheltered by the mainland, usually stay much calmer. The water is warm all year, usually around 28 to 30°C.

Once the monsoon swell arrives, west coast beaches such as Patong, Kata and Karon can have strong waves and dangerous rip currents. Only swim where there are lifeguards, between the flags, and never when red flags are up. The same waves draw surfers, and you will often find surf lessons and board rental at Kata in the monsoon months.

Crowds and Prices in May

May is the start of Phuket's low season. There are noticeably fewer visitors than in the dry months, many hotels drop their rates, and popular stops such as James Bond Island are quieter. You can usually book tours a day or two ahead.Some beach bars and smaller businesses keep shorter hours in the low season, but Phuket stays open and lively enough to enjoy.

Which Tours Run in May

All our tours run in May, but they are not equally weather dependent. From most to least reliable:

1. James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay: sheltered water, runs on most days.
2. Jet Ski 7 Islands: sheltered east coast, good on most days.
3. White water rafting: a river trip, so rain matters less; the guide decides on safety.
4. Raya and Coral Island: short crossings, but Racha lies in open water.
5. Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island: the longest and most exposed crossing.

James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay is enclosed by the mainland and dozens of islands, so it runs in both seasons and is the safest bet in May. 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 depending on the tide, lunch at Koh Panyee and a swim at Naka Island. The national park fee is paid on the day. Our Phang Nga Bay guide explains the route.

White water rafting

As the rain returns, the river in the Phang Nga jungle usually gains water. The white water rafting, flying fox and waterfall tour (2,500 THB per adult, 2,200 THB per child under 12) is a good plan B when the sea looks rough. It is not suitable for pregnant guests or anyone with back, neck or heart problems.

Jet Ski 7 Islands and Raya

The Jet Ski 7 Islands tour (7,500 THB per jet ski for 1 or 2 riders) stays on the calmer east coast around the Naka Islands. The Raya and Coral Island tour (2,400 THB per adult, 1,700 THB per child) runs on many May days; the guide picks the calmest snorkeling bay at Racha, and on rough days the trip is cancelled for safety.

Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island

Phi Phi trips run on many days in May, especially early in the month, but this is the tour most likely to be bumpy or cancelled once the monsoon arrives. Book the Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island tour (3,100 THB per adult) early in your stay so a cancelled day can move. Maya Bay is usually open in May; its yearly closure normally falls around August and September.

The Similans close

The Similan national park usually closes around 15 May for the monsoon and reopens around 15 October. We do not sell a Similan tour; if it is on your list, go in the first half of the month. Our Similan Islands guide has the details.

Holidays in May

Visakha Bucha, one of the most important Buddhist holy days, falls on a full moon in May or early June. Temples hold candlelit processions in the evening, and alcohol sales are often restricted that day. It does not usually affect tours.

How to Plan a May Week

• Book the most weather dependent trip first. If Phi Phi or Racha matters most, schedule it early in your stay.
• Keep buffer days. Leave at least one free day between boat trips so a cancelled tour can move.
• Favor mornings. Storms are more common in the afternoon, and the sea is often calmer early.
• 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. Most tours also have free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. See our booking terms.

Sample 5 day plan

1. Day 1: arrive, pool and a first look at the beach.
2. Day 2: Phi Phi if the forecast is good, otherwise James Bond Island.
3. Day 3: a free day, 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 Raya and Coral Island if the sea is calm.

See every tour running on your dates on our May tours page, and read our rainy season tours guide for more on how the monsoon affects trips. If your trip starts in late April, see Phuket in April; if it runs into June, see Phuket in June.

What to Pack for May

• A light rain jacket or poncho rather than an umbrella.
• A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch for boat days and sudden showers.
• Quick-dry clothes and sandals with grip for wet piers.
• Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat. The sun is strong between showers.
• Insect repellent for the evenings.
• Seasickness tablets, especially for Phi Phi and Racha.

Frequently asked questions

Is May a good time to visit Phuket?

It can be, if you are flexible. You get lower prices and fewer crowds, with a mix of sunny days and storms. The second half of the month is usually wetter than the first.

When does the rainy season start in Phuket?

The southwest monsoon usually arrives during May, but the date changes every year. Some years it is noticeable early in the month, some years only towards the end.

Can you go to Phi Phi in May?

Yes, tours run on many days, but the crossing is exposed, so some days are rough or cancelled. Book it early in your stay and keep a spare day.

When do the Similan Islands close?

The park usually closes around 15 May and reopens around 15 October. The exact dates are set each year by the national park. Browse all tours for trips that run in the monsoon.