The Weather & Climate
by WSH80
Phuket has a tropical monsoon climate. It's warm all year 'round, but the two periods of April-May and September-October are the hottest. The September-October period is also the wettest.
The best time to visit Phuket is during the cool North-East monsoon season, from November though March, when it isn't so humid, and the cool breezes keep things comfortable. The average temperature is around 75ºF to 89ºF (24ºC to 32ºC).
The hottest time is from April through May, with temperatures ranging from 80ºF to 95ºF (27ºC to 36ºC). There are frequent short heavy thundery showers, offering welcome relief from the temperature and humidity. The Thai New Year occurs on April 13th and everyone sprinkles (or throws) cool water on each other. No wonder!
Locals enjoy June, July and August, since the weather is usually fine and the favourite haunts remain uncrowded. The usual pattern is brief but heavy showers, with plenty of sunshine between downpours. Everything is a little less expensive at this time of year, as well. Temperatures range between 70ºF and 90ºF (20ºC to 33ºC).
During September and early October, locals start to remember their umbrellas. This makes an ideal time to visit abroad. One consolation for those who remain is that the beaches, outdoor restaurants and streets are relatively uncluttered by visitors. And even at this time, Phuket still gets long intervals of sunshine between the heavy showers. Anyway, plenty of lowseason activities, both water- and land-based, still offer themselves on Phuket during this wettest part of the summer season. I miss the beach, the massage, the people and Phuket FantaSea! I will definitely come here again. :-)
Forget bringing shave gel or foam
by genie47
I cannot stress this enough. Avoid bringing cotton Ts. They soak, become heavy and takes a long time to dry in humid climates like Phuket. Bring along light 100% synthetic material sportswear Ts. These are not cheap but they are so much lighter, packs tighter, don't weigh a ton when soaked, dries faster and dries even in rainy weather. Depending on where you come from, Dry-Tech Ts are more affordable compared to Nike's Dri-Fit and Addidas' Climatech. All my travel Ts are Dry-Tech 100% polyester jacquard T mesh. If you use blades like I do, don't even bring any cans of shave foam, gel or cream. Use the resort/hotel supplied hair conditioner. Works just as well. Visit Badger and Blade and search the forums for "hair conditioner". I used it as preshave but now use it exclusively. Save heaps and you can eliminate one more item from your toiletries. Get a dry bag for your photo equipment if you go for canoe tours
Waterfalls in Phuket
by STRATOS79
Located about 21 kilometers north of Phuket town (on your way to Phuket airport) in the area of Khao Phra there are two small waterfalls Ton Sai (close to Thalang) and Bang Pae which are surrounded by palm trees and hills (there are parking lots and small restaurants inside)
Convenience Heaven!
by lindyz about 7-Eleven
Where would Phuket be without the chain of 7-Eleven shops??? They are absolutely everywhere and are indeed a blessing as they seem to sell almost anything you would need to buy there! We were very lucky at the Burasari as there was a 7-Eleven shop right outside the main entrance!!! You can even buy alcohol there, and at great prices. I think a 700ml bottle of Smirnoff vodka was only 599bt which is about $20AUD!
When I say that there is a 7-Eleven shop on every street corner, I am literally not exagerrating as Im sure there are dozens of them just in central Patong alone!
Place for wathin at Bangla Road
by hash09
This is favourite people watching area. This bar played house or dance type of music (i forgot the name of the bar) but the location just next to tiger club, the visitor are not that interested to dance on the podiume, but they prefer to have a drinks and watch the lady boy dancin on the podiume with nice clothing or in half naked (bikini type)