Weather in Phuket in October

How October compares

October is the 12th warmest month of the year in Phuket and ranks 36th of 134 destinations we compare for October - see where else is hot in October. Within Thailand it is 6th of 6 (Thailand in October). Against London's average high of 14.6°C in October, Phuket is 13.2°C warmer by day and 16.8°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in October

The typical October day in Phuket peaks at 27.8°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 29.0°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and 1 in 40 pass 30°C. Nights average 25.2°C; one night in ten drops to 24.0°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest October day here reached 31.0°C (2017-10-19) and the coldest night 22.3°C (2018-10-20).

Rain in October

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 28 days with 1 mm or more, 298 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest October was 1998 with 489 mm, the driest 2015 with 130 mm. Humidity averages 84%.

Sea temperature in October

The sea averages 28.9°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 28.4°C to 29.5°C. For the warmest sea here, come in April (30.2°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 1.6 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.8 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:14 and sets about 18:11 local time in mid-October. Average cloud cover is 86%.

Is October a good time to visit Phuket?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Phuket on our scoring are February, January, March; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Warm days, humid air and little cooling overnight

October is Phuket's coolest month by average daytime temperature, but that is relative: it still feels hot compared with autumn at home. Humidity averages 84%, so breathable clothes are more useful than heavy layers, and it makes sense to keep strenuous activity away from midday. Night-time lows average about 25°C, offering little cooling for evening walks or sleep; air conditioning is a sensible accommodation priority. Pack light clothes that dry readily, plus something to keep rain off without trapping too much heat. The warm sea makes swimming appealing on suitable days, but check local conditions and warnings rather than treating its temperature as a safety signal.

Rain is the main compromise

With rain on about 28 days, October is a poor fit if you want to organise each day around staying outdoors. That does not mean every rainy day is wet throughout, but you should not count on a dependable dry slot either. Keep plans movable and have indoor alternatives you would genuinely enjoy. Sunshine averages only about 1.6 hours within 11.8 hours of daylight, so long daylight hours do not translate into long spells of sun. A waterproof bag for your phone and spare dry clothing are practical additions. For a UK traveller making a long-haul trip chiefly for sunny beach days, this is a substantial weather compromise rather than a minor packing issue.