Phuket, Thailand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Phuket, Thailand? If you're planning to go to Phuket, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Phuket
- Important essentials for Phuket
- Activities for Phuket
- Phuket in January: weather and what to pack
- Phuket in February: weather and what to pack
- Phuket in March: weather and what to pack
- Phuket in April: weather and what to pack
- Phuket in May: weather and what to pack
- Phuket in June: weather and what to pack
- Phuket in July: weather and what to pack
- Phuket in August: weather and what to pack
- Phuket in September: weather and what to pack
- Phuket in October: weather and what to pack
- Phuket in November: weather and what to pack
- Phuket in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Phuket, Thailand
Based on the climate and weather in Phuket, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for Phuket, Thailand
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Phuket, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear away. An unreadable vaccination card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly product.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good choice.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Phuket. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
-
For families with young children
-
Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and O. This one should be sufficient for most countries, but you may want to check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Phuket, Thailand by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January for Phuket is extremely hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
February
February for Phuket is extremely hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
March
Traveling to Phuket in March, you will notice that it is consistently hot. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also cleans contaminants:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
April
April in Phuket is constantly hot and somewhat stormy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
May
If you vacation in Phuket during May, you may find that it can be very hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also filters contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
June
June in Phuket is consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
July
If you visit Phuket during July, you will probably notice that it can be sweltering. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
August
If you vacation in Phuket during August, you might see that it can be sweltering. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
September
Traveling to Phuket in September, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
October
October is constantly hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also filters contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
November
Traveling to Phuket in November, you will notice that it can be very hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
December
December in Phuket can be very hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also removes contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
Activities for Phuket, Thailand
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Phuket.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Chioggia, Italy, Durness, Scotland, United Kingdom, Cape Ashizuri, Japan, Globe, Arizona, United States of America, North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia, Kelsterbach, Germany, San Ignacio, Belize, Saint Helena, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, Tawau, Malaysia, Lorsch, Germany, and Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica.