Question

Which beaches in Phuket have no waves?

Insider's Response

This is a relevant question during the low season, which lasts from May to October. During this time, the island is affected by monsoons, bringing short but heavy rains and large waves (sometimes reaching 2–3 meters in height), due to winds coming in from the sea. That’s why it’s important to choose protected bays and know in advance which beaches in Phuket have no waves.

Popular tourist beaches like Karon or Bang Tao are not suitable for swimming during this period. Because of their long, open shorelines, they are more exposed to the sea and waves often form. It’s better to choose small beaches protected by rocks, where waves don’t have a chance to develop. Here are the beaches with calm water year-round: Ao Yon, Cape Panwa Beach, Merlin Snorkel Beach, Coral Beach, Nai Yang, Tri Trang, Hua Beach, and Paradise Beach. These beaches are tucked into small coves, and some are shielded by headlands that block the waves. Their small size and hidden locations make them suitable even in the off-season.

Now you know which beaches in Phuket are suitable for swimming during the low season — but there’s one detail to be aware of: tides. All these beaches have noticeable tidal shifts. Swimming is best during high tide, when the rocks are covered and you can enter the water comfortably.

Another risk to be aware of is rip currents. During low tide, the chance of rip currents is higher than at high tide. Water pulls back from the shore and can drag you into the sea. These currents form right near the shore, making them particularly dangerous. We’ve covered how to recognize and escape a rip current in this article.

You can also check sea conditions by watching the flags set by lifeguards on the beaches. If you see a red flag, it means the water is dangerous — possibly due to rip currents. We explain all the beach flag meanings in this material.

Checklist for safe beach time during the low season:

● Choose a safe beach with calm water all year round. See the beach list here.
● Check water conditions, for example, using the “Tides” app.
● Pay attention to warning flags that indicate water safety.

During the low season, we recommend swimming only at organized beaches, where lifeguards are on duty. Decide which no-wave beach in Phuket you want to visit first. Wild beaches are beautiful, but it’s better to admire them from the shore rather than swim in unsafe conditions. See our guide: Wave-Free Beaches During the Low Season. Stay safe and take care of yourself!

Popular questions
Join Insider on Social Media
We share the best places in Phuket and provide useful tips to make your stay on the island brighter and your life more comfortable. Subscribe to stay updated.