Hey fellow travelers! Thinking about heading to the stunning Phi Phi Islands during monsoon season but not sure if it’s a good idea? I’ve got you covered! After spending several rainy (and surprisingly sunny) days exploring these gorgeous islands during the wet season, I’m sharing everything you need to know about visiting Phi Phi when most tourists stay away.
When is Monsoon Season in Phi Phi?
Monsoon season hits the Phi Phi Islands from mid-May to October, bringing the southwest monsoon that transforms these paradise islands. But don’t cross them off your travel list just yet! There’s a lot to love about visiting during this “green season” if you know what to expect.
During my visit last June, I discovered that mornings often greeted us with beautiful clear skies, while afternoons typically brought dramatic (but often brief) downpours. The local boat captains told me that Phi Phi actually gets less rain than mainland Phuket during this time – a little insider tip that proved true during my stay!
Why You Might LOVE Visiting During Monsoon Season
Those Incredible Deals! 💰
Let’s talk about what made me choose monsoon season in the first place – the prices! I paid about 60% less for my beachfront bungalow than high-season rates. Almost every restaurant had special deals, and tour operators were practically competing for my business with discounted rates.
Where Did Everybody Go?
Remember those iconic photos of Maya Bay packed with tourists? Not during monsoon season! I had stretches of beautiful beaches almost entirely to myself. I took photos at the famous Phi Phi Viewpoint with nobody photobombing my shots, and snorkeling spots were blissfully uncrowded.
The Islands Turn Emerald Green
The regular rainfall transforms Phi Phi into a lush paradise. The vegetation covering those famous limestone cliffs becomes vibrant and verdant. If you’re a photographer, the dramatic skies create incredible backdrops for your photos that you simply won’t get during the dry season.
Keeping It Real: The Challenges of Monsoon Travel
I’m all about honest travel advice, so here are the downsides you should know about:
Weather Wildcards 🌧️
The biggest challenge? Unpredictability. Some days brought sunshine until late afternoon, while others had on-and-off showers throughout the day. You’ve got to embrace flexibility and have backup plans ready.
During my week-long stay, we had two days where boat tours were canceled due to rough seas. Not ideal if you’re only visiting for a few days and have your heart set on visiting specific spots!
Activity Limitations
Some of the most popular Phi Phi activities might be restricted:
- Long-tail boat tours sometimes cancel when seas get rough
- Visibility for snorkeling can be reduced after heavy rainfall
- Some smaller tour operators close completely during the low season
I found that diving was still possible most days (often with better prices and smaller groups!), but some sites were inaccessible when the seas were choppy.
Staying Safe: My Top Monsoon Safety Tips
Safety first, always! Here’s what helped me stay safe during my monsoon adventure:
For Water Activities:
- I downloaded the Thai weather app for daily forecasts (much more accurate than generic weather apps)
- Only swam at beaches with lifeguards present (Loh Dalum Bay was great for this)
- Always wore a life jacket during boat trips, even for short journeys
- Avoided any boat captains who seemed to be overloading their vessels
Health Precautions:
- The mosquitoes were REAL! I brought heavy-duty repellent with 50% DEET
- Kept a small first-aid kit with anti-diarrhea meds (just in case)
- Drank bottled water only (even when brushing teeth)
- Had travel insurance that specifically covered monsoon-related cancellations
What to Do When It Rains: My Favorite Activities
Don’t worry about being bored if it rains! Some of my best Phi Phi memories happened during rainy afternoons:
Indoor Awesomeness:
- Treated myself to an amazing 2-hour Thai massage for just 700 baht (about $20)
- Learned to make authentic Pad Thai and Tom Yum soup at a cooking class
- Explored the cute shops in Tonsai Village and found unique souvenirs
- Enjoyed the island’s nightlife and met other travelers braving the monsoon
Between Showers:
- Hiked to Phi Phi Viewpoint early morning before the day’s rain (breathtaking!)
- Went scuba diving at sheltered sites when seas permitted
- Took a boat tour to Viking Cave when we had a clear weather window
- Practiced Muay Thai at an indoor gym with a hilarious trainer
Packing Essentials: What I’m Glad I Brought
Pack smart for monsoon success! My must-haves included:
- A lightweight, packable rain jacket that didn’t make me sweat in the humidity
- Quick-dry clothes (jeans are a terrible idea – they NEVER dry!)
- Waterproof phone case that let me take photos even in the rain
- Sturdy sandals with good grip (the streets get slippery!)
- Extra power bank for my phone (power outages happened twice)
- Kindle loaded with books for rainy afternoons
- Anti-fungal powder (trust me on this one – humidity is no joke)
Real Talk from a Monsoon Veteran
After chatting with other travelers and locals during my trip, here’s the unfiltered truth about monsoon in Phi Phi:
Some people LOVED it. The budget travelers and photographers I met were thrilled with the value and unique lighting conditions. A couple from Germany told me they visit specifically during monsoon season every few years because they prefer the laid-back vibe.
Others struggled. I met a family with young kids who found it challenging to keep everyone entertained during rainy spells. And a honeymooning couple was disappointed when their “romantic sunset cruise” got canceled three days in a row.
Is Monsoon Season Right for YOUR Phi Phi Adventure?
You might LOVE visiting during monsoon if:
- You’re a budget-conscious traveler looking for amazing deals
- You hate crowds and want more authentic experiences
- You’re flexible with your plans and go-with-the-flow
- You appreciate lush landscapes and dramatic skies for photography
- You have enough time to wait out bad weather days
Maybe skip monsoon season if:
- You only have 2-3 days for your visit (weather might not cooperate)
- You’re set on specific activities that depend on perfect weather
- You’re traveling with people who get grumpy when plans change
- Perfect beach weather is your #1 priority
Final Thoughts: My Monsoon Memories
Would I visit Phi Phi during monsoon again? Absolutely! The combination of lower prices, fewer tourists, and that special vibrant green landscape made for an unforgettable experience. Those sudden afternoon showers gave me the perfect excuse to duck into local cafes and strike up conversations with interesting people I might never have met otherwise.
Monsoon season in Phi Phi isn’t for everyone, but for adventurous travelers willing to embrace a bit of unpredictability, it offers a unique perspective on these beautiful islands that most tourists never get to see.
Have you visited Thailand during monsoon season? Planning a trip? Drop a comment below with your questions or experiences – I’d love to hear from you!
P.S. Don’t forget to check current weather forecasts before booking. Climate patterns can vary year to year, so what I experienced might differ slightly from what you’ll encounter!