Thailand and Phuket in particular are a popular tourist destination. But, of course, everyone has heard about the peculiar subequatorial climate. It is known that in Thailand there are only two seasons: wet and dry. In accordance with this, there is a tourist season when those who have the means to travel to the equatorial countries (Philippines, Cuba, Dominican Republic), and the so-called rainy season. The latter continues throughout the summer months and ends in November. But it so happens that people simply can’t visit Thailand during the high season - there are no funds. And so I want to taste the southeast exotic! And the prices for tours to Thailand are very attractive. But it will be a shame if you spend the money and spend the whole vacation in the room. So tourists think: what does Phuket look like in September? Is it worth the ride? Reviews from tourists will help us solve this problem and make the right choice.
A little about climate in subequatorial latitudes
Why is it that when it is hot in Thailand and in neighboring countries it rains continuously? It's all about the prevailing winds. In winter, north - east monsoon blows over Thailand. It brings dry air masses from tropical deserts. In the summer, this wind replaces the southwest monsoon. It was as if someone had decided that it was time to wash away all the dust and dirt from the face of the earth, to nourish the tropical jungle with moisture and to open the abyss of heaven. Moreover, it rains not for forty days, but for almost six months. But, of course, intermittently. It also happens that in a week a drop will not fall to the ground. The southwest monsoon reaches its highest activity in September. This month is the wettest in Thailand. And the coldest! Sounds ominous? But let's study the climatic conditions on the island of Phuket in September. Is it worth the ride? Reviews on this issue diverge diametrically. It also happens that heavy rains and related floods occurred in Phuket during the dry season (as, for example, in March 2011). So is it worth paying more?
Phuket in September. Is it worth the ride?
Responses claim that in relation to the first autumn month in Thailand, the “epitome” is “stuck”. Say, this is the coldest time of the year, and rainy and windy ... And the number of storms is increasing! And the days when it rains, meteorologists counted as many as twenty-one to three weeks in a month! At the same time, air humidity also increases. Her figure is eighty-five percent. But is everything so sad on the island of Phuket in September? A photo taken in the midst of this month shows us a calm expanse of the sea, a white sand beach flooded with sunshine. True, heavy clouds go through the sky, but the equatorial sun is capable of burning the skin of a European and through them. What is the coldest month of the year in Phuket? Thirty-three-degree heat of the high season is replaced by quite comfortable weather - + 28 ° . Temperature at night drops to twenty-four plus. Heavy rainfall in no way affects the state of the sea. Sometimes the temperature of the water is higher than the air - + 29 ° C.
The undoubted plus of the rainy season
If about Phuket in September (is it worth going?) The reviews say differently, then they are unanimous on the issue of prices. What touches travelers who visited Thailand in the “off season” is the low cost of absolutely everything. Even a flight to the Kingdom of Smiles will cost you less than in the winter months. True, charters do not fly to Phuket, and will get to get to the island through Bangkok. Thailand is a country where the tourism industry plays a paramount role in the economy. Therefore, “out of season” every visitor is treated with great reverence. To lure a client to themselves, hoteliers offer rooms in five-star hotels at the price of "three rubles". Excursions generally cost a penny. And exotic fruits, seafood and fish are offered at a price half as low as in December. In addition to all this charm, branded clothing and footwear stores, tired of waiting for buyers, announce the season of mass sales. In short, September in Phuket is the best time for shopaholics and those who like to save money.
Rainy season: is the devil so terrible as he is painted?
As we have already said, the first month of autumn is characterized by statistics as the time with the highest rainfall. Especially dampens tourists in the desire to go to Phuket in September, an indicator of the number of rainy days - twenty-one out of thirty! But let's study this phenomenon, the rainy season in the tropics, more closely. The rainfall in September in Phuket is from 400 to 410 millimeters. Considering that the rains here are not drizzling, but are carried by showers, it turns out that this is not much. Reviews of tourists confirm: it pours literally an hour in the morning or evening, in ten minutes the equatorial sun dries the sand, in the next half hour it glows. In the afternoon, torn clouds crawl across the sky, which is perceived by many as a plus: it does not get so hot. The jungle, freshened by a shower, is fragrant in a special way. There are reviews of such tourists who in two weeks survived in Phuket only one ten-minute rainfall. Predicting weather in the tropics is difficult. Is it worth it to go to Phuket in September - you decide.
Sea in the rainy season
We dealt with the moisture of heaven. You need to take a strong umbrella with you to Thailand, and even better - a raincoat, and the problem will be solved. But what about the sea? We are going to swim off the coast of Phuket in September! Reviews of tourists about the weather indicate that the sea is worried, even if there is no rain at the moment. This circumstance attracts surfers from various countries of the world to Phuket. And on the Kata beach even international competitions in this sport are organized. A beginner should not copy professionals - the waves go under two or three meters high. Nevertheless, you will be able to swim if you go to the eastern coast of Phuket. The island itself will protect you from the monsoon winds. You can swim at Cape Panwa and Nai Yang Beach all year round, because from the sea they are surrounded by a coral reef breaking large waves. It will also be comfortable in the Nai Harn lagoon. Layan Beach, although located in the west of the island, is fenced off by storms from islands.
Events in Phuket in September
Under the word "off-season," many imagine a sad picture that can be observed here in the winter at the resorts of the Azov and Black Seas: boarded up stalls, closed restaurants, and tour agencies that do not work. But this is not so in Thailand. There life continues to be in full swing, despite the rainy season. Excursion bureaus, in addition to the standard set of services, offer rafting on inflatable or bamboo rafts along rivers that have become turbulent. A surge of adrenaline in your blood is definitely guaranteed! Traveler reviews recommend surfing fans to go to Phuket in September. The program of international competitions also includes fireworks, concerts and fairs. But the most memorable event of September will be the Vegetarian Festival for you. It is dedicated ... No, not the propaganda of the rejection of meat food, but mystical self-torture. Thais introduce themselves into trance by special spiritual practices, after which they begin to pierce their cheeks, tongues and other places with various, sometimes unexpected, objects. The sight is not for the faint of heart!
Should I go to Phuket in September: the pros
Low prices for holidays - this is the main argument in favor of taking a chance and getting to the largest island of Thailand at the beginning of the calendar autumn. The temperature in Phuket is the most comfortable, the European does not need acclimatization. Nights are also not stuffy - + 22-24 degrees. Showers, of course, sweep, but they are short-lived. If it turned out to be a rainy day, you can pass it around in the spa salon, in massages, in the shopping center at sales, in the Jungle Extreme Adventure water park. Or go on an excursion to the Suwan Kuh Monkey Temple, which is located in limestone caves. It will be interesting to visit the national parks of Khao Sok and Khao Lak, as well as the historical center of Phuket Town. And for the sake of a safe and comfortable swimming, you need to move to the eastern part of the island.
Cons
Going to Phuket in September, reviews strongly do not recommend lovers to lie on the beach from dawn to dusk. No matter how lucky you are with the weather, short-term showers will still catch you. And if you want to turn into a seal on a rookery during your vacation, September will not be the most comfortable time for this. Also, do not take risks and go to Thailand in early autumn with small children. Kata Noi beach, which is famous for its soft sand and shallow bottom, is replete with ebb tides in September. You should protect your child, and so that his vacation is not overshadowed by the vagaries of the sea elements, book a hotel with a pool. Reviews also warn that an umbrella doesn’t help much from tropical showers, because a heavy wind breaks it right away. Low clouds and heat make staying in Thailand uncomfortable for people with high blood pressure and cores.
Summary
So whether to go to Phuket in September? Reviews of tourists about the weather are very different. One was lucky, and they enjoyed the sun all their holidays, while others spent all the time in the room. As a summary, we can say the following. If you are focused exclusively on beach holidays, spend September in Gelendzhik and Anapa - the temperature conditions are similar there, but there is less rainfall and storms. Or come to Phuket in late November. But if you like the exotic of Thailand, you want to try tropical fruits, go on excursions, and all this is for little money, feel free to go to the Kingdom of Smiles in the low season!