Where to swim in Phuket during the rainy season: safe beaches and tips
Phuket is a great place to relax all year round. But from May to October, the island enters the rainy season (aka "low season" or "green season"), and many tourists are concerned about the question: is it possible to swim at this time and where is it safe to do so? In this article, we will tell you which beaches are suitable for swimming during the rainy season, what to pay attention to, and how to avoid dangers in strong waves.
Why can swimming during the rainy season be dangerous?
The rainy season in Thailand is accompanied by the southwest monsoons. On the west coast of Phuket (where most of the popular beaches are located) at this time of year there are often high waves and rip currents, which are especially dangerous for those who cannot swim well.
Beaches that seem calm during the dry season may be unsuitable for swimming during the rainy months. Therefore, it is important to choose the right places and take precautions.
What are rip currents?
Rip currents are strong and fast currents of water that carry a swimmer away from the shore into the open sea. They are almost invisible visually, but extremely dangerous. The main mistake tourists make is to try to swim back to the shore "through the cracks", against the current. The correct tactic is to move parallel to the shore, leave the current zone and only then return to land.
Safe Beaches for Swimming During the Rainy Season
Below is a list of beaches where you can swim in the summer, provided that all safety precautions are taken:
Beaches of the East Coast
Beaches of Cape Panwa
- Located in the southeastern part of Phuket
- The waves here are minimal even in summer.
- Well suited for holidays with children
- There are cafes, massage parlors and hotels nearby.
Ao Yon
- A quiet beach, hidden from the waves by a bay
- An excellent choice for sailing even in stormy weather
- Locals prefer it for its quietness and clean water.
- There is the necessary infrastructure and hotels
Beaches with breakwaters and natural protection
Nai Yang Beach
- Situated in the northern part of the island, next to the airport
- Often protected from large waves by a reef
- There are areas with shallow water - convenient for children
Tri Trang Beach
- Situated on the west coast of the island near Patong
- Due to its location it is reliably protected from the waves
- At low tide the water recedes far and swimming becomes impossible
- There is no infrastructure (except for a small cafe that rents out sun loungers)
Paradise Beach
- Situated on the west coast of the island near Patong and Tri Trang
- Great for beach holidays and snorkeling at high tide
- There is an entrance fee, as there is a beach club on the shore.
Beaches where there are waves, but you can swim if you follow the rules
Kata (Kata Beach)
- A popular surfing beach during the rainy season
- There are often waves, but in areas with red and yellow flags, swimming is permitted.
- Rescuers are working
Safety tips:
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Always look at the flags:
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Yellow and red flags - you can swim in the area between them
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Yellow - swimming is possible with caution, preferably only for those who are confident in the water
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Red - swimming is STRICTLY prohibited!
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Do not leave children unattended even on quiet beaches
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Avoid swimming alone
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Do not enter the water while intoxicated.
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Pay close attention to warning signs and lifeguard instructions.
Things to do during the rainy season
If the sea is rough, it doesn't mean your holiday is ruined:
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Book hotels with swimming pools
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Check out the list of recommended excursions for the summer period - these are specially selected places that you can visit regardless of the season and get new impressions
- Rent a car and explore the island on your own
The rainy season in Phuket is not a reason to give up on a seaside holiday. It is enough to choose the right beach, follow safety rules and be attentive to signs and lifeguard advice. In this case, your holiday will be safe and comfortable.
