What you need to know about living in Phuket

Two seasons, not four

The island has roughly two seasons. The dry season runs from about November to April: sunshine, calm sea, lots of tourists. The rainy season lasts from about May to October: downpours, waves on the west-coast beaches, quieter and cheaper. It rarely rains all day — usually it's a heavy shower for an hour or two, and then the sun comes out again.

In practice, plan big projects — renovation, moving, building on your plot — around the season. Interior work can go on all year, while exterior work (roofing, facades, terraces) is easier in the dry season.

Humidity is your home's main "tenant"

High humidity is normal in Phuket, and your home feels it first:

• Mould appears in wardrobes, on bathroom walls and behind furniture against outside walls. Ventilation, a dehumidifier or an air conditioner with a dry mode all help.
• Metal rusts faster than usual, especially near the sea. Choose stainless fittings and taps.
• Wood suffers from moisture and termites, so it needs treatment — or sometimes a different material.
• Waterproofing of bathrooms, terraces and roofs decides whether your downstairs neighbours will see stains on their ceiling in a year.

If you're buying or renting long-term, check corners, ceilings and the areas under windows: damp marks tell you more about future costs than fresh paint does.

Neighbourhoods: the island is very diverse

• South: Rawai, Nai Harn, Chalong. Many permanent residents and Russian speakers, schools, kindergartens and shops. Comfortable all year round.
• West: Kata, Karon, Patong. Tourist beaches. Patong is the noisy nightlife centre; Kata and Karon are calmer.
• North: Bang Tao, Layan, Nai Yang. Villas, resorts and the Laguna complex, close to the airport.
• Phuket Town. The business and administrative centre with hospitals, government offices and the Old Town. No beaches, but life goes on all year.

Transport

Public transport is limited, so almost everyone gets around by scooter or car. You need a licence for the right category and insurance. Helmets are mandatory on scooters, and police checks are regular. Taxis and ride-hailing apps exist, but they get expensive for everyday use.

Housing: renting and buying

Most newcomers rent first. Long-term rentals are much cheaper than daily rates, and prices are easier to negotiate in the rainy season. Before buying, understand the rules: as a general rule foreigners cannot own land directly, but they can own a condominium unit within the foreign ownership quota. It's best to go through the deal with a lawyer. As of 2026 the foreign quota is 49% of a building's floor area; proposals to raise it have not been enacted.

Healthcare

The island has public and private hospitals; the large private ones speak English and sometimes Russian. Private healthcare is expensive, so health insurance is a must for long-term residents.

Visas and documents

Thailand's entry rules and visa types change regularly. Check current requirements on official websites rather than relying on advice from chat groups. If anything is unclear, talk to a visa agent or a lawyer.