Phuket in May: holidays, weather, prices and best beaches

May in Phuket marks the beginning of the rainy season, but that doesn’t mean your vacation will be ruined. This month offers lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists, making for a more comfortable trip.

In this article, we’ll cover:

✅ What’s the weather like in May?
✅ Where is the best place to stay?
✅ How much do accommodation, food, and tours cost?
✅ Is it worth visiting Phuket in May?

1. Weather in Phuket in May

May is a transitional month: the first rains begin, but they are usually short, and both air and water temperatures remain pleasant.

Air and Water Temperature

🌞 Daytime – Hot and sunny, but short showers are possible.
🌙 Evening – Comfortable temperatures, but higher humidity than in April.
🌊 Sea conditions – Can get rough, especially towards the end of the month.

💡 Tip: Early May offers calmer seas, while late May brings stronger waves.

2. Tours and Activities

Despite the rainy season starting, most tours and activities remain available.

🛶 Island Tours:

• Phi Phi Islands
• Racha Islands
• James Bond Island (cancellations possible in bad weather)

🐠 Diving & Snorkeling:

• Similan Islands (last month before seasonal closure)
• Koh Hey (Coral Island)

🏄 Active Adventures:

• Surfing (season starts on Kata and Karon beaches)
• Trips to national parks

🏯 Cultural Attractions:

• Big Buddha
• Wat Chalong Temple
• Phuket Old Town

🐘 Eco-Tours:

• Ethical elephant sanctuaries
• Jungle trekking

💡 Tip: If you want to avoid rain, choose temple or nature park tours.

3. Accommodation in Phuket in May

In May, accommodation prices drop by 20–40% compared to peak season.

Where to Stay?

🏖 For beach lovers: Bangtao, Karon, Kata
🌆 For nightlife: Patong
🏝 For privacy: Nai Harn, Kamala

📍 Renting Accommodation in Phuket
For apartments, condos, or villas without agents, check Holycowphuket.com – offering the best deals in low season.

4. Prices for a Trip to Phuket in May

May sees price drops, especially in the second half of the month.

💡 Tip: Book flights in April to save more.

5. Festivals & Events in May

🎊 Key Events:

• May 1 – Labor Day (public holiday)
• Phuket Town Food Festival (early May)
• Vesak (Visakha Bucha) Buddhist holiday (mid-May)

💡 Tip: Alcohol sales may be restricted on Buddhist holidays.

6. Best Beaches in Phuket in May

🌊 With waves increasing in May, not all beaches are suitable for swimming.

💡 Tip: Eastern beaches are calmer in May, with fewer waves.

7. Should You Visit Phuket in May?

Pros:

✔️ Lower prices for accommodation and flights
✔️ Fewer tourists
✔️ Start of the surfing season

Cons:

❌ High humidity, frequent rains
❌ Rougher seas on western beaches

💡 Conclusion: May is a transition month. If you don’t mind occasional rain and want to save money, it’s a great time to visit!

📍 Book accommodation in advance on Holycowphuket.com to get the best deals in the low season.

Conclusion

Phuket in May means lower prices, fewer tourists and the first waves for surfing. The rains are short and the water temperature remains warm.

✅ Want a bargain holiday? Book your accommodation on Holycowphuket.com and enjoy your holiday!