Phuket has just two seasons – the rainy season (May to October) and the hot season (November to April). Even in the rainy season you can get an excellent tan and normally the showers are short. The best time to visit is from November to February, when you’ll get clear blue sky and a fresh sea breeze in average temperatures that range between 23°C and 33°C.
Phuket is pretty well recovered from the tsunami although there are still some scars on the landscape. The island has a great variety of shopping, from open-air food markets, street stalls and local shops, to western department stores and upmarket specialist shops. Best buys include ceramics, bronze and pewter items, Thai silk, cotton, batiks, gems and pearls.
Click here for more phuket information