High Season: November to April
Calm seas, reliable sunshine, and blue skies across Phuket's west and east coasts. All destinations are accessible including the Similan Islands (open October to May). This is when the island colours are most vivid and underwater visibility peaks at 20–30 metres around Racha and Phi Phi. Prices run 10–20% higher than green season but the conditions justify it. Book at least 4–6 weeks ahead for weekends.
Green Season: May to October
Lower prices, dramatically fewer tourists, lush jungle-green landscapes, and rain that typically arrives in short afternoon bursts rather than all-day downpours. Phang Nga Bay is excellent year-round and is one of the best destinations in green season — sheltered water and moody limestone scenery in the rain can be genuinely spectacular. Seas on the west coast can be rougher May to September; catamarans handle this better than monohulls.
Peak Pricing Periods to Know
20 December to 10 January commands the highest demand across the fleet — expect 25–40% surcharges and availability constraints. Book 2–3 months ahead minimum for Christmas and New Year dates. Chinese New Year and Songkran (mid-April) also see moderate surcharges and faster booking windows. If your dates are flexible, early November and early May hit the sweet spot between good conditions and low pricing.
Our Honest Recommendation
Best value: May and early November. Best conditions: January through March. Best all-round balance: November and late April. Worst time to leave it to the last minute: any date between 22 December and 3 January.
