Heat, Sun and Air Quality in Phuket: Heatstroke, Haze and Staying Comfortable

Heat and the heat index

The Thai Meteorological Department and health officials use a heat index, which combines temperature and humidity and is closer to what the body feels than the air temperature. Phuket has been reported at red-level heat index warnings, and officials note that long exposure can cause heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Older people, people with chronic illnesses and people who drink alcohol regularly are named as higher risk.

The hottest months are usually March to May, but humid heat is present most of the year. One local guide says the sun is strongest between about 11:00 and 17:00.

Staying safe in the heat

• Drink water regularly and avoid long exposure at midday. The drinking water guide covers safe water.
• Wear a hat, light clothing and high-factor sunscreen, and reapply after swimming.
• Exercise early in the morning or in the evening. See the running and cycling guide.
• Know the signs of heatstroke: confusion, very hot dry skin, fainting, vomiting. Call 1669 and see the emergencies guide.
• Never leave children, pets or elderly people in parked cars.
• Keep the home cool. The electricity guide explains aircon costs and mould.

Haze and PM2.5

Phuket's worst air quality tends to come in the dry season, often from February to April, when smoke from burning in the region and local fires raises PM2.5. Phuket has recorded unhealthy readings, and local officials have issued dry-season burning bans, with permission from the local headman needed for agricultural burning. Levels vary by station and day, and different websites can show different numbers.

• Check a live index such as IQAir, AQICN or the Pollution Control Department's Air4Thai.
• On bad days, limit outdoor exercise, keep windows closed and use an air purifier if you have one.
• Well-fitted N95 or equivalent masks help, but ordinary cloth masks do not.
• People with asthma, heart or lung conditions, pregnant women and children should take extra care. See the health and insurance guide.

Rainy season comfort

The wet season is cooler on average but very humid, and mould can build. See the heavy rain and floods guide and the things to do when it is rainy or hot guide for ideas.