10 Tips for Coping with Extreme Heat in Phuket

The high season in Phuket is always marked by hot weather. Air temperatures can reach up to 40°C, and the island’s high humidity intensifies the effect.

Many visitors arriving in Phuket find themselves unprepared for such conditions and end up spending most of their vacation in their hotel under the air conditioner. We’ve put together a handy guide with simple yet effective tips to help you cope with the intense heat in Phuket.

1. Drink plenty of water. Aim for at least 2–3 liters a day, depending on your body type and activity level. Minimize coffee and alcohol intake, as these beverages can lead to dehydration.
2. Eat more salty and spicy foods. Sweating causes the body to lose essential salts, which need to be replenished. Thai cuisine is naturally salty and spicy, aiding in the body’s thermoregulation.
3. Use sunscreen. Phuket is close to the equator, and the sun here is relentless — you can get sunburned in just 10 minutes. Apply sunscreen with high SPF before going outside and reapply every 2–3 hours.
4. Take cool showers often. This simple method helps your body cool down effectively.
5. Get cooling wipes and sprays. Available at 7/11 stores, these are great for wiping your face, neck, and wrists to quickly lower your body temperature. Cooling sprays are also excellent for refreshing and hydrating your skin.
6. Wear a hat and loose clothing made of natural fabrics. Light-colored outfits made of cotton or linen are the best choice for hot weather.
7. Invest in a portable fan. This small but powerful gadget can make a big difference in the heat, especially during tours and excursions.
8. Exercise early in the morning or late in the evening. This is especially important for cardio workouts. Unless you’re a professional athlete, avoid running under the blazing sun.
9. Don’t overuse air conditioning. While it’s the quickest way to cool a room, air conditioning can dry out your skin and respiratory system. Plus, sudden temperature changes can cause colds. Run the air conditioner for an hour before bedtime and use a fan while you sleep.
10. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Even with all these tips, sun exposure can still lead to heatstroke if you’re outside for too long. The most intense sun is between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM. You’ll notice that during this time, locals tend to stay indoors — they know the risks.

What to Do If You Suffer a Heatstroke?

Heatstroke occurs when you’ve been exposed to the sun for too long, and your body fails to regulate its temperature. Heatstroke is dangerous for everyone, but particularly for children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions.

Key symptoms of heatstroke: headache, elevated body temperature, reddened skin, increased heart rate, nausea, hallucinations or delirium. The severity of symptoms depends on the extent of the heatstroke.

Immediate steps to take:

• Move out of the sun into a shaded, cool, and ventilated area.
• Lie down in a horizontal position.
• Wash your face with cool water.
• Drink plenty of clean, non-carbonated water.
• Apply a cool compress, such as a damp towel, to your forehead.
• Avoid physical activity and prioritize rest.

If your condition worsens, seek medical attention immediately! You can find a list of the best hospitals in Phuket here.

Stay safe! If you don’t handle the heat well, plan your activities in Phuket during the cooler evening hours, such as visiting the Night Markets. Alternatively, explore indoor attractions like Museums, Temples, Water Parks, and Shopping Malls.