Things to Do in Phuket in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Phuket

32°C (90°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

158mm (6.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Shoulder season pricing: Hotel rates drop 25-40% compared to peak months, with excellent availability at premium resorts along Kata and Karon beaches
Perfect diving conditions: Visibility reaches 25-30m (82-98 ft) at Similan Islands with calm seas and water temperatures at 28°C (82°F) before monsoon season
Fewer crowds at major attractions: Wat Chalong and Big Buddha see 50% fewer visitors than peak season, meaning better photo opportunities and shorter wait times
Local fruit season peak: Mangosteen, durian, and rambutan are at their sweetest and cheapest (฿40-60 per kg) at local markets

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms: 60% chance of heavy rain between 2-5pm lasting 45-90 minutes, which can disrupt outdoor plans and create flooding in Patong's low-lying areas
High humidity makes it feel 3-5°C warmer: 70% humidity combined with temperatures creates a 'feels like' temperature of 35-37°C (95-99°F) during midday
Some island tours may be cancelled: Rough seas on 3-4 days per month can cancel Phi Phi and James Bond Island tours with little advance notice

Best Activities in May

Similan Islands Diving and Snorkeling Tours

May offers the final month of crystal-clear visibility before monsoon season arrives. Water temperature sits at perfect 28°C (82°F) with visibility reaching 25-30m (82-98 ft). Smaller crowds mean better underwater photography opportunities and more personalized attention from dive masters. Whale shark sightings peak in late May before migration patterns shift.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead as tours operate weather-dependent schedules. Full-day tours typically cost ฿3,200-4,500 including lunch and equipment. Look for operators with speedboat transfers (90 minutes vs 3+ hours by longtail). Check current tour availability in the booking section below.

Early Morning Temple and Cultural Tours

Beat the afternoon heat and humidity by exploring Wat Chalong, Big Buddha, and Old Phuket Town between 6-11am when temperatures are most comfortable at 25-28°C (77-82°F). May's shoulder season means fewer tour groups and better interaction opportunities with monks during morning alms giving. Local markets are most active during these cooler hours.

Booking Tip: Half-day morning tours range ฿1,800-2,800 per person including transport and English-speaking guide. Private group tours offer better flexibility for weather changes. Temple dress codes require covered shoulders and long pants - some operators provide appropriate clothing.

Phang Nga Bay Kayaking Adventures

May's variable weather actually enhances kayaking through limestone caves and lagoons. Dramatic cloud formations create stunning photography conditions, while occasional light rain provides natural cooling. Tides are optimal for accessing hidden lagoons that become inaccessible during other months. Wildlife spotting improves as animals are more active in cooler, overcast conditions.

Booking Tip: Full-day kayaking tours cost ฿2,400-3,600 including hotel transfer, lunch, and equipment. Tours typically run rain or shine - light rain enhances the experience while heavy storms result in rescheduling. Waterproof camera cases essential.

Elephant Sanctuary Visits

Cooler morning temperatures in May make elephant interactions more comfortable for both visitors and animals. Elephants are more active during overcast conditions typical of May weather. Feeding times align perfectly with comfortable 25-27°C (77-81°F) morning temperatures before humidity peaks. May's fruit season means fresher, cheaper elephant treats directly from local farms.

Booking Tip: Half-day sanctuary visits range ฿2,200-3,800 depending on activities included. Morning sessions (8am-1pm) offer better weather conditions than afternoon alternatives. Book through ethical sanctuaries with no riding policies - current options available in booking section below.

Cooking Classes and Food Market Tours

May's seasonal produce creates ideal conditions for authentic Thai cooking experiences. Local markets overflow with peak-season tropical fruits, fresh herbs, and vegetables at lowest prices. Indoor cooking classes provide perfect rainy day alternatives when afternoon storms hit. Traditional recipes adapt to seasonal ingredients available only during this transition period.

Booking Tip: Half-day classes including market visits cost ฿1,600-2,400 per person with recipe booklets and ingredients to take home. Morning classes (9am-1pm) avoid afternoon rain and feature freshest market produce. Many classes offer hotel pickup and vegetarian alternatives.

Spa and Wellness Retreats

High humidity in May makes traditional Thai massage and spa treatments especially refreshing. Many resorts offer outdoor pavilion massages that are only comfortable during May's cloud cover and occasional breezes. Seasonal herbal treatments using fresh lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves are at their most potent during this harvest period.

Booking Tip: Spa packages range ฿1,200-4,500 for 2-4 hour treatments. Book spa appointments during afternoon rain periods (2-5pm) for indoor comfort while storms pass. Many spas offer rainy season discounts of 15-25% off standard rates.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Visakha Bucha Day

Buddhist holy day commemorating Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. Temples throughout Phuket host candlelight processions and special merit-making ceremonies. Wat Chalong becomes particularly atmospheric with hundreds of locals participating in evening rituals. Alcohol sales are prohibited, creating a uniquely peaceful cultural experience.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket with ventilation - afternoon storms drop 20-40mm (0.8-1.6 inches) in 45 minutes but high humidity makes waterproof clothing uncomfortable

Moisture-wicking underwear and socks - 70% humidity means cotton stays damp and causes chafing during walking tours

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index of 8 burns exposed skin in 15 minutes even on cloudy days

Lightweight long pants and shirts for temple visits - dress codes strictly enforced and rental clothing often unavailable during busy periods

Waterproof phone case - essential for kayaking tours and protecting devices during sudden downpours

Antifungal foot powder - prevents athlete's foot in constantly humid conditions typical of tropical climates

Portable phone charger/power bank - air conditioning use drains batteries faster in high humidity environments

Breathable walking shoes that dry quickly - avoid leather which develops mold in 24-48 hours of humid conditions

Electrolyte powder or tablets - sweating increases dramatically in 35-37°C (95-99°F) 'feels like' temperatures

Small daypack with waterproof liner - protects documents, electronics, and spare clothes during island transfers and market visits

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations 14-21 days ahead in May - while not peak season, the best value properties fill up as smart travelers take advantage of 25-40% lower rates compared to high season

Plan outdoor activities for 6am-11am window - locals avoid midday sun and afternoon storms, conducting business and exercise during these comfortable hours when temperature is 25-28°C (77-82°F)

Carry ฿500-1000 cash daily - many local restaurants, markets, and tuk-tuks don't accept cards, especially during rainy periods when internet connectivity becomes unreliable

Download offline maps and translation apps - May's variable weather can disrupt mobile data, and having offline access helps navigate during storms or in remote temple areas

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 2-5pm when 60% of May's rainfall occurs in heavy, flooding downpours that make roads impassable and cancel tours

Packing only cotton clothing - takes 6-12 hours to dry in 70% humidity, leaving you with damp, uncomfortable clothes for multiple days

Assuming rain means cancelled plans - light rain actually enhances many experiences like waterfall visits and creates dramatic photography conditions for temple and landscape shots