What to know before you go to Phuket in March

Traveloka Team

3 min read

If you’re after sun, sea, and easy beach days, Phuket in March delivers. It’s one of the last dry-season months before the wet weather rolls in. Days are hot, nights are warm, and the sea feels like a bath. You’ll get more tourists and higher prices than in low season, but the trade-off is clear skies and calm water that’s perfect for swimming and boat tours. You’ll need to plan for the heat, especially around midday, but outside of that, it’s smooth sailing. March hits the sweet spot before things get too sweaty in April.

Is March a good time to visit Phuket?

It’s one of the best months to go. March sits smack bang at the end of Phuket's dry season, which gives you mostly blue skies, gentle waters, and the odd light shower that'll be over before you finish your Chang beer. It's textbook beach holiday weather. The sea is calm and clear, brilliant for boat trips to places like Phi Phi and the Similan Islands.

Daytime temps hover around 31 - 34°C, so yeah, it's hot. But that heat comes with reliable sunshine and perfect conditions for all your water activities. Tourist numbers are still up there from peak season, though they start to thin out as the month rolls on. Want guaranteed beach weather with glassy seas? March's your month.

Is March a cheap or expensive time to visit Phuket?

We’re not gonna sugarcoat it: March isn't bargain basement territory. It's still peak season, so flights and hotels sit on the pricier side compared to the monsoon months. December through March pulls the biggest crowds, which keeps costs up.

Late March might score you slightly better deals than the December to February rush, but you're still not in budget mode. If you can wait until April, prices start to drop as the heat cranks up and the rains creep in.

Weather in Phuket in March

Expect some warm days and slightly cooler nights. Daytime temps hit 31 - 34°C, and nights cool down to a balmy 23 - 26°C, so there's no real escape from the tropical warmth. You'll see about 6 to 8 rainy days across the month, but these are quick showers rather than day-long washouts. Total rainfall sits around 40 - 75 mm, which is pretty minimal. Humidity hangs at 70 - 75%, so it can feel a bit sticky when you're away from the sea breeze. The ocean sits at a bathwater-warm 29 - 30°C with calm, clear conditions.

Where to go in Phuket in March

Kata and Nai Harn: Gentle waves make these spots great for families and swimmers, with way less chaos than Patong and excellent snorkelling right off the beach.

Freedom Beach: Only accessible by boat, this little gem in Karon offers calm waters and white sand without the tourist hordes. Bring a picnic and pretend you've discovered paradise.

Chalong: Home to the island's biggest temple and a massive hilltop Buddha statue with sweeping views and a solid dose of culture.

Phuket Old Town: Those Sino-Portuguese shophouses and local markets are best explored in March's heat (which is actually quite pleasant when you're not trudging through monsoon mud).

Similan Islands: These stunners only open from November to April, so March is one of your last shots before they close for the season.

Festivals and events in Phuket in March

Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon Festival (13 March): Phuket honours its local heroines with colourful parades, cultural performances, and community fairs.

Makha Bucha Day (usually February/March): One of Thailand's most sacred Buddhist holidays. Temples light up with candlelit processions, and locals gather for prayer and meditation. Expect a quieter, more spiritual vibe across the island.

National Thai Elephant Day (13 March): Celebrates Thailand's beloved national animal with special events at elephant sanctuaries and conservation centres.

National Muay Thai Day (17 March): Honours Thailand's ancient martial art with demonstrations, ceremonies, and bouts across the island. Catch some live fights or watch pros train at local gyms.

Best things to do in Phuket in March

Island hop to Phi Phi, Similan, or James Bond Island: Calm seas and clear skies mean smooth boat rides and epic scenery. The Similans close after April, so grab this chance while you can.

Visit waterfalls at Khao Phra Thaeo National Park: Quick jungle walks to refreshing waterfalls, with just enough rain to keep everything lush without turning trails into mud pits.

Snorkel and dive: Warm waters and prime visibility mean you might spot whale sharks. Conditions are at their absolute peak before the monsoon season kicks in.

Take a Thai cooking class: Dodge the midday heat and learn to nail pad thai and green curry. You get to eat your homework, which is always a win.

Zipline through the rainforest: Launch yourself through the jungle canopy at one of the island's zipline courses. The odd shower makes it even more fun, and you'll dry off in minutes anyway.

Explore night markets: Once the sun drops and the heat backs off, Phuket's food and shopping markets come alive. Perfect for grabbing dinner and some bargain souvenirs.

Ready to explore Phuket? Here’s all the basics you need to know before booking your trip.

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