Phuket in May – Top 6 Beaches, Weather and Prominent Festivals

Phuket, a rainforested, mountainous island in the Andaman Sea, is home to some of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, mostly along the western shore’s pristine waters. Many high-end beach resorts, spas, and restaurants can be found on the island. Old shophouses and bustling markets may be seen in Phuket town. We’ve created a list of the Top 6 beaches to visit in Phuket in May, as well as the weather, and prominent festivals in Phuket.

Weather in Phuket in May

May is similar to April, but rainfall increases to 350 mm in 18 days. So if you plan to come here this month, expect it to rain. The high night temperatures (25 °C to 29 °C) and the high average humidity of 85 ° C make it quite uncomfortable at night, but you can book resorts that have air conditioning and other things. There are fans to keep you cool. Near the end of May, the humidity will rise to 90% and at the peak of the monsoon season. As always, pack items made of light clothing, natural materials such as cotton, or wicking materials. Long and light trousers and long-sleeved shirts help prevent mosquitoes from feasting on you.

Also Read: Best Time to Visit Thailand – A Detailed All Season Guide

Top 6 Beaches to visit in Phuket in May

1. Freedom Beach

Freedom Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket, blessed with incredibly soft white sands and bathing in clear blue waters. Surprisingly, it’s right next to the crowded Patong beach, it’s a bit of a paradise, but it’s relatively quiet. The reason is simple. There are only two ways to get there. During the high season, you can either go by boat or go through a very steep slope from the top of the hill. It is still worth it.

2. Kata beach

Kata Beach is the second most popular beach in Phuket after Patong. It is popular with families as it has white sandy beaches with incredibly blue waters during the high season. Kata is less crowded than Paton and offers a variety of restaurants, shopping and a decent nightlife. There are plenty of hotels that fit all your budget, but only a handful are on the beachfront. 

Also Read: Karon Beach in Phuket, Thailand

3. Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn is a beautiful and prime beach surrounded by green hills and small islands. The sand is incredibly soft and the water in the high season (November-April) is bright blue. It is very different from the tourist attractions on the west coast such as Paton and Kata Noi. The park that surrounds the bay is somewhat protected and hasn’t changed much, but there is plenty of Thai restaurants and street food just behind the trees. With only a handful of hotels, Nai Harn retains the original local atmosphere very well. The beach is located in a protected bay where sailing and fishing boats anchor in calm waters. 

4. Ya Nui Beach

Ya Nui is small but has all the charm of a small beach quietly nestled in a cove between  Karon Viewpoint and the famous Promthep Cape at the southernmost tip of Phuket Island. It looks like a secret beach, but it’s not, and many people will enjoy it, especially snorkelling and even shore diving. Unless you have a lot of cars parked on the street, it’s easy to miss it. 

5. Patong Beach

Patong is the main beach on the west coast of Phuket, where the decision to book a hotel is personal. It’s a big area full of restaurants, shops, markets, bars and go-go bars, but it’s no longer Thailand. The middle of the beach may be busy, but the northern end is still nice and relatively quiet. You can choose from thousands of hotels, but only a few luxury hotels and the beach itself has only three. If you’re attending a party, Patong is the best choice. 

Also Read: Patong Beach in Phuket: Visiting the Real Heart of Phuket Nightlife

6. Kata Noi Beach

Kata Noi Beach is close to Kata and is the perfect cove if you want to stay away from the crowds of tourists. This beautiful sandy beach was once named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with its clear blue waters during the high season. Thankfully, it was relatively quiet given its remote location, and if you don’t know it, you’ll probably miss it.

Also Read: Shopping In Phuket: A Complete Guide to Places to Shop in Phuket

Prominent Festivals in Phuket in May

Coronation Day

May 5th is  Wan Chatr Mongkol, the anniversary of the country’s current Coronation Day of  King Rama IX. Government offices will be closed, but certain shops and restaurants remain open. Many Phuket citizens pay homage to the statue of the king with flowers.

Visakha Bucha

The most sacred of all Buddhist holidays are celebrated on the full moon day of the lunar month, which is usually May. This festival is to celebrate Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. During this period, Thai Buddhists visit temples to bring benefits and make additional efforts to uphold the five precepts of Buddhist teachings. 

 Some worshipers from a procession of candlelight at dusk around all the temples and monasteries in Thailand and Phuket. Visitors are sincerely invited to participate. 

Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day

This highly ceremonial event, held annually at the Sanam Luang ceremonial site in Bangkok, marks the lucky start of a  new planting season. The main ceremony, run by a member of the royal family, follows a strict schedule, with monks dressed in court ceremonies guiding two sacred cows and sowing rice seeds on the ground in a cultivating ceremony around the royal family. Celebration is held nationwide while ceremonies are taking place in the capital. You can watch the procession and other special events of the day in Phuket.

Also Read: 5 Upcoming Fabulous Festivals in Thailand

Frequently Asked Questions about Phuket in May

Phuket has something for everyone. If you visit these amazing places listed above in Phuket, you won’t be stranded in any place you don’t want to be. Whether you’re looking for a loud and active environment, a high-end luxurious experience, or a calm coastal getaway. Pickyourtrail can help you customise your Thailand itinerary and book the best Phuket holiday packages. For additional information, go to the Pickyourtrail website.