Plan your trip
Phi Phi in May
May marks the switch to the southwest monsoon. It is a month of contrasts: blue mornings, dramatic afternoon storms and an island that suddenly has room to breathe.
Average daily high and monthly rainfall. Source: WMO climate normals 1991-2020 for Phuket, the nearest long-term weather station (about 45 km away). Sea temperature is a rounded long-term average. Click a month for details.
What the weather is like
Rainfall jumps to around 240 mm and there are rain showers on about half the days. Many days still have several hours of sunshine. Temperatures remain around 33 °C. Wind and waves increase, especially later in the month, and some speedboat trips are cancelled on rough days.
Crowds and prices
The island empties noticeably. Many hotels cut prices sharply and some smaller businesses close for a holiday. A good month for budget travellers who can be flexible.
Tips for May
- Book boat trips for the morning, when the sea is usually calmer.
- Prefer larger ferries over speedboats for transfers.
- Bring a light rain jacket and a dry bag.