7 Best Things to Do in Phuket When It Rains
You’ve probably clicked on this article as it’s either currently raining in Phuket or you are travelling to Phuket Thailand soon during rainy season!
When most people think of Thailand, they picture bright blue skies, crystal clear seas, and the sun shining down endlessly. And while that is a big part of what makes Thailand so magical, there’s another side to it which is the rainy season!
In places like Phuket, the rainy season usually runs from May to October, however this can vary from year to year!
We landed in Phuket during peak rainy season and have been utterly spoilt by the beautiful sunshine with the occasional rain. In a day you might get short burst of rain intensely for an hour followed by clear skies and intense humidity.
Some days there might be a dark overcast where you are hit with sporadic rain but the sun always makes an experience one way or another.
But when writing this article (09.08.2025) It has been raining everyday for 9 days straight & we have hardly had any sun in Rawai!
So here are a few things to do in Phuket on a rainy day (make sure to pack a poncho!)
1. Get a massage
This is a great way to let off some steam, relax those tense muscles and what better way to enjoy a rainy cloudy day than to get a great massage of your choice.
You can find a massage parlour almost anywhere you go, you will even find a few down the same street – you’re spoilt for choice!
I would recommend reading the google reviews before and always read the latest reviews to get an idea if it is worth the visit or not.
For a 1 hour full body oil massage that will usually cost you 350-400 baht which is £8.08-£9.06 / $10.92-$12.20.
If you want a full body massage with coconut oil/lemongrass or any other scented oils you’ll usually pay around 500 baht which is £11.32 / $15.25.
You can also mix & match if you don’t want just a full body massage: you can try out a neck&foot massage or even request your own combo!
Make sure you pick a traditional oil massage base as if you do pick a traditional Thai massage that will be a whole other experience (it can be very intense!)
My favourite massage parlours here in Rawai are Phagamast Massage and Green Inn Massage
2. Visit Central Phuket and Jungceylon shopping centres
Central Phuket is the biggest shopping centre in Phuket and it has everything you may need. From high street brands like Zara and Mango to luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior.
There are so many restaurants to choose from Western foods like Pizza Hut and KFC to a range of local delicious Thai foods too. There is something there for everyone.
I would highly recommend getting the Thai Coconut Pancakes they are delicious and you can pick from a variety of flavours too (get the banana and chocolate ones!)
Jungceylon is another shopping centre in Patong which is smaller than Central Festival but still great to walk around and shelter from the rain.
You will also find a vast range of food places to choose from – you definitely won’t go hungry!
3. Go see the Siam Niramit Show
The Siam Niramit show is a magical world-class stage production which combines Thailand’s history, myths and traditions. Think 100 dancers, music and captivating special effects! The show runs for 70-80 minutes with no break too.
I would recommend the option that includes the hotel round trip & transfer from your hotel! For the show and the round trip transfer it will cost you £46 per person. There is the option to get a buffet too which will cost you £54 per person.
Before the Siam Niramit show begins, there is a 100 year old traditional village that you can walk through which is like you’re stepping back in time – you’ll see replicas of rural homes from different regions of Thailand that make great picture moments.
There are also activities you can do like silk weaving, rice pounding or enjoy some local snacks before you head in.
I would say the whole experience with the show, dinner and exploring the village beforehand, you can expect to spend 3-4 hours at the venue.
4. Visit the SF cinema
On a rainy day we went to the SF Cinema in Central Phuket (they have one in Patong too). This was such a fun experience!
The cinema itself is hugeee showing the latest movies in English with Thai subtitles. You can book your tickets online or at the cinema too. They have a great range of seats which are Premium, Prime, Suite (2 seater) and they also have first class experiences with comfy seats as well as a buffet option before your viewing (fancy!)
Prices for the first class experience are 1,000 Baht per person (£23.28/$31.50) which includes a food and drink buffet 1 hour before your film time. A Prime standard seat will only cost you 190 Baht (£4.42/$5.99).
We ordered a large popcorn and drink which came to 265 Baht which is £6.17/$8.35 which was a great snack during the movie. The seats are recliner and so comfy too! They have showings at all times of the day so this is a perfect activity to do when it rains in Phuket
5. Go on a Phuket Food Tour🍴
Instead of hiding away from the rain why not go on a food tour around Phuket Old Town where you get to try new dishes and roam around local markets?
That is what the The Southern Flavours Phuket Food Tour is all about and I would highly recommend it! The experience lasts for around 4 hours and you have a guide with you during your experience that takes you around explaining stories behind the food you try – making the experience so much more personal.
So grab an umbrella and enjoy this experience where you can taste new foods that will tickle your tastebuds and have you leaving with a full stomach!
6. Cosy Up in a Café
I love going to different cafés on a rainy day as you can bring your laptop along and have a lovely hot or cold drink and a little sweet treat (who doesn’t love one?!)
My favourite is the Coffee Club which you can find dotted around Phuket in Bang Tao, Kata, Karon, Phuket Old Town and Patong. They are fully air conditioned inside and have a range of seating for you to choose from. They also have a great range of food and drinks to choose from – I’ve never been disappointed with anything I’ve ordered from there.
I’d recommend the healthy bowls, chicken avocado & cheese sandwich & the Chunky Monkey milshake!
You could also do a mini café tour in Phuket Old Town as there are so many cafés everywhere you go. I would recommend The Neighbour’s Café and The Graph Coffee Co too!
7. Join a Muay Thai class
If you’re looking for something fun (and a little different) why not give Muay Thai a try? It’s Thailand’s national sport and there are so many Muay Thai gyms all over Phuket that welcome beginners!
It’s fun, intense, challenging but a great experience all round. Make sure to wear something comfy and be ready to move.
You’ll be guided by a trainer to show you the basics, from how to wrap your hands to throwing your first kicks and punches. It’s surprisingly a good working, and honestly, a lot of fun!
In Rawai there are a few Muay Thai gyms including Powerhouse Phuket, Phuket Muay Thai and Sinbi Muay Thai. Day passes range from 500-600 Baht which is £11.62-£13.94/$15.76-$18,91
Rainy season in Phuket FAQs
Is it worth visiting Phuket during Rainy season?
Yes! While it might be raining, it rarely rains all day. Rainy season is also great as you’ll find fewer crowds everywhere you go, cheaper hotel prices and a more relaxed vibe overall.
When is rainy season in Phuket?
Rainy season is usually from May to October but every year can differ. This year there’s hardly been a consistent rainy period up until recently! For the past 2 weeks it has been raining and more of an overcast throughout the day. But the sun still makes an appearance and it doesn’t rain all day!
What should I pack for Phuket in the rainy season?
Bring a lightweight rain jacket or poncho. But don’t worry if you forgot to pack them! You can find reusable ponchos everywhere from 7/11 to your local market or you can order a poncho from Lazada for £2-£3.
Can you still go to the beach during rainy season?
Yes, but I wouldn’t recommend swimming as the currents and waves are very strong. You will find signs that say ‘no swimming’ along the beaches. So stick to the beach walks or relax at a cosy cafe.
