What to know before you go to Phuket in October

Janet Guan

3 min read

Warm weather and relaxed vibes infiltrates Phuket in October. As it is the tail end of wet season in October, after a few months of rain fall the island is green, vibrant, and incredily lush. While it’s considered part of the low season due to the rainy weather in October, it’s an excellent time to explore the island with fewer crowds coupled with that true island laid-back charm. Plus, you’ll also get to take advantage of cheaper flights, accommodation and tours — it’s a win-win in our books. Ready to explore what Phuket has to offer in October? Read on for everything you need to know before you go.

Is October a good time to visit Phuket?

October is a good time to visit Phuket if you’re flexible with your travel plans and you’re prepared for a bit of rain. Afternoon showers are inevitable during this time, and sometimes you may even experience full days of rain. While it is the wet season, Phuket is still warm and inviting in October, making it a great time for travellers who prefer to explore the island with fewer crowds.

Is October a cheap or expensive time to visit Phuket?

Compared to peak tourist seasons in November - March, October is definitely cheaper to visit Phuket. There are fewer tourists in the area as it’s still part of the rainy season. However, you’re likely to find better deals on flights, hotels, and experiences as demands are a bit lower at this time.

Weather in Phuket in October

Don’t let the rainy weather fool you, October in Phuket is still warm. And you’re likely to enjoy plenty of sunshine between the bursts of afternoon showers, too. Temperatures sit around 24-31°C and humidity is high thanks to it being at the tail end of rainy season.

Festivals and events in Phuket in October

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival (Nine Emperor Gods Festival): A sacred tradition that occurs annually on the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar (usually around end of September, early October) to honour the Nine Emperor Gods who are believed to bring good health, prosperity, and protection to the community. During this festival you’ll experience vibrant Chinese culture in Phuket with processions, sacred rituals, music, and traditional vegetarian foods.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Day (13 Oct): A public holiday that may see some closures or shortened hours around Phuket along with memorial ceremonies.

Chulalongkorn Day (23 Oct): A public holiday commemorating the death of King Chulalongkorn, where banks and government offices close.

Best things to do in Phuket in October

As mentioned, October is wet season in Phuket. Frequent showers (or some full rain days) may be on the agenda. Further, beaches on the west coast like Patong or Kata have strong waves and rip currents, so swimming isn’t recommended during this time. So, if your goal is perfect beach days you probably want to avoid going in October.

Instead, below are some of the best things to do in Phuket in October instead:

Experience the Phuket Vegetarian Festival: A truly one-of-a-kind cultural event in Phuket. Think fire walking, body piercing rituals, parades, and delicious vegetarian dishes. It’s important to note that some sacred rituals can be graphic and/or extreme (for kids and adults). These rituals generally occur in early morning processions or around specific shrines like Jui Tui temple or Bang Neow shrine.

Have a Spa Day: Rainy weather calls for indoor wellness. Try a traditional Thai massage, herbal steam, or oil treatments at your nearest day spa. Plus, with some spas offering shoulder season pricing, you’ll have the chance to experience luxury at an even cheaper price.

Lard Yai Market: Also known as the Walking Street Market, this vibrant weekly market is held every Sunday from 4pm to 10pm in Old Phuket Town. Have a taste of authentic street food, grab some handmade souvenirs to bring home, and indulge in live entertainment from local musicians and traditional dance groups.

Visit an Elephant Sanctuary: Believe it or not, elephants actually love the rain. So, heading to an elephant sanctuary like Hidden Forest or Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the perfect time to see elephants enjoy the cooler weather while playing in puddles or mud baths. There’s plenty of covered viewing platforms and canopy walkways, but be sure to bring a rain jacket and some waterproof shoes (with good grip) for the full experience

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Written by: Janet Guan

Armed with a Bachelor of Arts and Commerce, Janet's words and musings can be found in premium Australian travel, home, fashion and lifestyle publications and platforms like Traveloka, Sitchu, Home Beautiful, Better Homes & Gardens, ELLE, Marie Claire, Gourmet Traveller, and more. You’ll most likely find her daydreaming about her next international trip to yet another Southeast Asian destination.