Visiting Phi Phi Islands in Rainy Season: What to Expect
If you’re considering visiting the Phi Phi Islands during rainy season, you may be wondering whether you’ll spend your entire trip hiding from the rain.
The reality is a little more complicated.
The Phi Phi Islands sit in Thailand’s Andaman Sea, where the southwest monsoon generally affects the region from around May to October. September is typically one of the wettest periods, with long-term weather data showing around 20 days with some rainfall and roughly 30°C daytime temperatures.
That doesn’t necessarily mean rain all day, every day. Tropical showers can be intense but relatively short, with clearer periods in between. However, sea conditions are much harder to predict than the weather itself, which can affect boat trips and island-hopping plans.
We visited Phi Phi during rainy season and stayed for six nights, despite originally planning to stay for just three. Here’s what we actually experienced and what we’d recommend knowing before you go.
When Is Rainy Season in Phi Phi Islands?
The rainy season in the Phi Phi Islands generally runs from May to October, when the southwest monsoon affects Thailand’s Andaman Coast. Phi Phi, along with Krabi, Railay and Phuket, sits on the Andaman side of Thailand, so its wet season is different from islands such as Koh Samui and Koh Tao.
The wettest months are usually September and October, with September typically seeing some of the highest rainfall and most rainy days. The sea can also become rougher during this period, which can affect ferries, longtail boats and island-hopping tours.
That doesn’t mean it rains constantly throughout the rainy season, though. Tropical downpours can be heavy but relatively short, with sunny or cloudy periods in between. Your experience can therefore vary considerably from one day to the next.
Phi Phi Islands rainy season at a glance
- May: Monsoon begins; weather becomes more unpredictable
- June: More frequent showers, but plenty of usable weather
- July: Wetter, with a greater chance of rough seas
- August: Regular rainfall and changeable sea conditions
- September: Typically one of the wettest months
- October: Still wet, although conditions generally start improving towards the end of the month
- November–April: Generally drier season, with calmer conditions and more reliable beach weather
What Is the Weather Really Like in Phi Phi Islands During Rainy Season?
If you look at the weather averages, visiting the Phi Phi Islands during rainy season can sound a little daunting. September, when we visited, is one of the wettest months on the Andaman Coast, with temperatures still around 30°C but frequent rainfall and high humidity.
However, our experience was very different from what we expected.
We stayed on Phi Phi for six nights and only had one day of rain.
The rest of our stay was a mixture of sunshine, cloudy periods and hot, humid weather. We had plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beaches, explore the island and spend time outside without the rain getting in the way.
This is something worth keeping in mind when looking at rainy-season weather forecasts for Phi Phi. A forecast showing rain doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have torrential rain all day. Tropical showers can come and go, and conditions can change quickly.
Of course, our experience was just one week, and rainy-season weather is unpredictable. You could visit for six nights and have much more rain than we did. September averages around 20 days with some rainfall, so we were definitely lucky with the weather during our stay.
For us, the biggest surprise was that the weather never stopped us from enjoying Phi Phi. In fact, we originally planned to stay for just three nights but ended up extending our trip to six nights because we loved it so much.
So, if you’re considering visiting Phi Phi during rainy season, I wouldn’t automatically rule it out based on the forecast. Just go with flexible plans, accept that you might get some rain and make the most of the sunny windows when they appear.
Can You Still Do Boat Trips in Phi Phi Islands During Rainy Season?
One of the biggest questions we had before visiting Phi Phi Islands in rainy season was whether we would still be able to enjoy the famous boat trips and snorkelling.
Thankfully, we did.
During our six-night stay, we went on a boat trip and spent part of the day snorkelling, and the weather didn’t stop us from enjoying the experience. Even though the sea can be more unpredictable during the rainy season, we found that there were still plenty of opportunities to get out on the water.
The main thing to keep in mind is that conditions can change quickly. Rainy-season showers can come and go, and the sea can become rougher on some days. Boat operators will generally make decisions based on the conditions on the day, and trips may be altered or cancelled if the weather or sea conditions aren’t considered safe.
For us, though, being in Phi Phi during rainy season definitely didn’t mean staying on the island every day. We were able to get out on the water, snorkel and enjoy the scenery — and it was actually one of the highlights of our stay.
If you’re visiting Phi Phi Islands in rainy season, I’d recommend keeping your plans flexible rather than booking your entire trip around the weather forecast. You may get a few showers, but you could also get perfectly good conditions for a boat trip.
Is Phi Phi Still Beautiful in the Rain?
Absolutely. If anything, the occasional rain can make Phi Phi feel even more dramatic.
We were slightly worried that visiting Phi Phi Islands during rainy season would mean grey skies and disappointing beach days, but that really wasn’t our experience. During our six nights, we had plenty of sunshine and only one full day of rain.
Even on days when the sky was cloudy, the islands were still beautiful. The dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise water and lush greenery make Phi Phi feel tropical whatever the weather is doing. When the sun did come out, the colours were incredible.
We also found that the weather could change quickly. A cloudy morning didn’t necessarily mean we were going to lose the whole day to rain, so we tried not to let the forecast dictate our plans too much.
This was one of the reasons we ended up loving Phi Phi so much. We had originally planned to stay for just three nights, but after experiencing the island for ourselves, we decided to extend our stay to six nights.
So while rainy season does come with a greater chance of showers and less predictable weather, we wouldn’t let that put you off visiting Phi Phi. If you’re prepared to be flexible, there’s still a very good chance you’ll get plenty of sunshine — and the islands are beautiful either way.
Is Phi Phi Islands Worth Visiting in Rainy Season?
Yes — we absolutely think Phi Phi Islands are worth visiting in rainy season.
Of course, visiting during the dry season gives you the best chance of consistently sunny weather and calmer seas, but our experience in September was much better than we expected. We stayed on Phi Phi for six nights and only had one full day of rain, with plenty of sunshine and warm weather during the rest of our stay.
We were also able to enjoy the things we had come to Phi Phi for, including spending time on the beaches, exploring the island, going on a boat trip and snorkelling. The weather didn’t stop us from making the most of our time there.
The biggest downside is that rainy-season weather is unpredictable. You need to be prepared for showers, cloudy days and potentially rougher sea conditions, particularly if you’re planning boat trips or travelling by ferry. It’s also worth keeping your itinerary flexible so you can make the most of the better weather when it arrives.
For us, the possibility of rain was more than worth it. We had originally planned to stay for just three nights, but we loved Phi Phi so much that we extended our stay to six nights. That probably says more about our experience than anything else!
If you’re considering visiting Phi Phi Islands in rainy season, I wouldn’t let the forecast put you off. Just go with realistic expectations, keep your plans flexible and accept that you might get some rain. You could still end up with beautiful sunny days — and, like us, you might find yourself wishing you’d booked a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Phi Phi Islands in Rainy Season
Is Phi Phi worth visiting during rainy season?
Yes! While the weather is less predictable, Phi Phi can still be a fantastic place to visit during rainy season. We stayed for six nights and only experienced one full day of rain, and we were still able to enjoy the beaches, explore the island, take a boat trip and go snorkelling.
When is rainy season in Phi Phi Islands?
Rainy season in Phi Phi generally runs from May to October, with September and October typically among the wetter months. However, rainfall varies from year to year, and rainy season doesn’t necessarily mean rain every day.
Does it rain all day in Phi Phi during rainy season?
Not necessarily. Rain can come in short, heavy tropical showers rather than lasting throughout the entire day. During our six-night stay, we only had one full day of rain, so we still had plenty of sunshine and opportunities to explore.
Can you do boat trips in Phi Phi during rainy season?
Yes, boat trips can still operate during rainy season, provided sea and weather conditions are suitable. We went on a boat trip and went snorkelling during our stay. However, conditions can change quickly, so it’s worth keeping your plans flexible and checking with your tour operator on the day.
Is the sea rough in Phi Phi during rainy season?
The sea can be rougher and more unpredictable during the southwest monsoon, particularly on days with stronger winds or heavy rain. This can affect boat trips and ferry journeys, so allow some flexibility in your itinerary.
Is September a good time to visit Phi Phi Islands?
September is one of the wetter months, so it isn’t the best choice if your priority is guaranteed sunshine. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll have a washout. We visited Phi Phi in September and had a much better experience weather-wise than we expected.
Is Phi Phi less crowded during rainy season?
Generally, rainy season falls within Phi Phi’s lower season, so you can expect a quieter atmosphere compared with the busiest months. It can also be a good time to find better accommodation prices.
What should I pack for Phi Phi during rainy season?
I’d recommend bringing a lightweight rain jacket or poncho, waterproof protection for your phone and other valuables, quick-drying clothes and plenty of sun protection. Even during rainy season, it can still be very hot and sunny between showers.
Would we visit Phi Phi during rainy season again?
Absolutely. We originally planned to stay for just three nights but ended up extending our trip to six because we loved Phi Phi so much. Rainy season wasn’t perfect, but it definitely didn’t stop us from enjoying the island.
