Green Season

There's been a big effort by the hotels and TAT (Tourist Authority of Thailand) to re-brand the “rainy season” as the “green season,” along the lines of similarly spectacular renamings likes “New Coke”, “pre-owned,” and “the McLean Hamburger.” Just like the rest of these dubious attempts at distortion, the “green season” is an attempt to get away from the fact that it rains during the rainy season here.

I don't think it makes sense for anyone to try and trick a person into coming half way around the world to enjoy tropical beaches and then have them figure out only on arrival that it's going to rain at least three times a day, the beaches along the west coast are too rough to swim at, and all the sun loungers have been put away because of a lack of guests.

So, if you're coming to spend your days lounging by the pool, getting a great tan, or just hanging out around the beach, don't be fooled by the green season story.
 
Having said all of that though, the “green season” is my favorite time of year. The weather is cooler, the rain showers are frequent but they are also brief, and Phuket empties of all the tourists. Yes, that's the best part of it. It goes from a crowded mess of tourists, beach towels, Speedos, and white Europeans, to something much more like a beautiful and sleepy island.
 
If you're coming here for a vacation and don't mind spending a few minutes waiting with the locals under a big tree for the rain to blow over and would like it a few degrees cooler, then really think about coming from May to November. The prices at all the hotels and villas are steeply reduced. In fact, just about all tourist related businesses are so desperate for business that you can score some really great deals on diving trips, local tours, or shows. Perhaps most importantly, you'll have the island to yourself, and that's the way a tropical island is meant to be enjoyed. So, give it a chance if a rainy day or two doesn't bother you, but don't bring too many of your friends. I won't be able to live here if rainy season becomes as hectic and crowded as high season!