Phuket

Phuket is an island connected by bridges to southern Thailand's Andaman Sea coast, in the Indian Ocean, lying between 7'45" and 8'15" north latitude, and from 98'15" to 98'40" west longitude on the map.

Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is surrounded by 32 smaller islands that form part of the same administration, with a total area of 570 square km. Measured at its widest point, Phuket is 21.3 km; at its longest, 48.7 km.
It is bounded thus:

North: lies the Pak Prah Strait, spanned by two bridges running side-by-side, the older Sarasin Bridge, and the newer Thao Thepkrasatri Bridge.
South: is the Andaman Sea.
East: is Phangnga Bay
(In the jurisdiction mainly of Phangnga Province).
West: is the Andaman Sea.

Geography

About 70 percent of Phuket is mountainous; a western range runs from north to south from which smaller branches derive.

The highest peak is Mai Thao Sip Song, or Twelve Canes, at 529 meters, which lies within the boundaries of Tambon Patong, Kathu District.

The remaining 30 percent of the island, mainly in the center and south, is formed by low plains. Streams include the Khlong Bang Yai, Tha Jin, Khlong Tha Rua, and Khlong Bang Rong, none of which is large.

Climate

Phuket's weather conditions are dominated by monsoon winds that blow year round. It is therefore always warm and humid. There are two distinct seasons, rainy and dry.

The rainy season begins in May and lasts till October, during which the monsoon blows from the southwest.

The dry season is from November through April, when the monsoon comes from the northeast.

Highest average temperatures, at 33.4°C, prevail during March. Lowest averages occur in January, when nightly lows dip to 22°C.

Phuket has a tropical monsoon climate. It's warm all year 'round, but the two periods of April-May and September-October are the hottest. The September-October period is also the wettest.

The best time to visit Phuket is during the cool NE monsoon season, from November though March, when it isn't so humid, and the cool breezes keep things comfortable. The average temperature is around 75บF to 89บF (24°C to 32°C).

The hottest time is from April through May, with temperatures ranging from 80บF to 95°F (27°C to 36°C). There are frequent short heavy thundery showers, offering welcome relief from the temperature and humidity. The Thai New Year occurs on April 13th and everyone sprinkles (or throws) cool water on each other. No wonder!

Locals enjoy June, July and August, since the weather is usually fine and our favourite haunts remain uncrowded. The usual pattern is brief but heavy showers, with plenty of sunshine between downpours. Everything is a little less expensive at this time of year, as well. Temperatures range between 70°F and 90°F (20°C to 33°C).

During September and early October locals start to remember their umbrellas. This makes an ideal time to visit abroad. One consolation for those who remain is that the beaches, outdoor restaurants and streets are relatively uncluttered by visitors.

And even at this time, we still get long intervals of sunshine between the heavy showers. Plenty of low season activities, both water- and land-based, are still available on Phuket during this wettest part of the summer season.

Population

Official population, as of April, 2002, was 264,800. However, this figure only covers those people who are registered as living in Phuket.

Phuket' s attraction as a center of economic activity has resulted in many living on the island whose registration is elsewhere.

The total population of Phuket varies considerably depending on the time of year, though it is never less than the figure given above.