Rainy season in Phuket: precautionary measures
Heavy rain, gusty winds, floods, and landslides – nature can be relentless, and natural disasters do occur during the low season in Phuket. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, we have prepared a special guide to help you understand what to do in Phuket during the rainy season.
- Avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary. This will help you steer clear of unwanted risks.
- Stock up on food and drinking water, and if possible, a stove and a gas cylinder. Bad weather can strike at any moment, so during the rainy season in Thailand, you should be ready for anything.
- If you live in a flood or landslide-prone area – especially near canal banks or hillside slopes – remain vigilant and keep an eye on your surroundings. Follow the news and pay close attention to updates from Thai authorities. If you live in a villa, scout out nearby taller buildings in advance where you could take shelter in an emergency.
- Be cautious on the roads. Thailand ranks in the top ten countries for road fatalities. The situation worsens considerably when the roads are wet, especially if you’re riding a motorbike. Therefore, we strongly advise against traveling on two-wheeled vehicles during the rain in Phuket – it’s truly dangerous.
- Do not wade through murky water. There could be anything floating in these currents, and hidden pits may also be present. Try to find alternative routes.
- Avoid standing under trees or unstable structures. Wind gusts can be strong enough to cause fragile branches or old roofs to fall.
- Choose appropriate clothing and footwear. Non-slip rubber shoes are essential for getting around the island. Invest in a raincoat, which can be found at 7/11 supermarkets and various street stalls.
- Bring a change of clothes and a small towel with you, packed in a zip bag or a waterproof backpack. Walking around in wet clothes, especially in air-conditioned rooms, can easily lead to a cold.
- Use waterproof covers for your devices or simply wrap them in a plastic bag. Otherwise, you might have to say goodbye to them quickly. This also applies to documents.
And remember: no matter how gloomy the view outside may seem, when the rainy season in Phuket ends, the sun will surely shine!