Phu Quoc in the rainy season

Phu Quoc has a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October, by the national tourism authority's definition. Other sources draw the line differently: one puts the dry season at December to March, an agency at late October to mid-May. What they agree on is that the wet months bring rougher seas and short, heavy showers rather than constant rain.

For a slow stay, three things change. The west coast, where the quiet bays are, gets bigger waves and murkier water. The east coast, around Bai Sao and Bai Khem, becomes the calmer side. And rooms get cheaper: one 2026 survey says September and October rates can drop 40 to 50 percent.

In the dry season the north-east monsoon brings sun, and the west coast, from Duong Dong and Bai Truong up to Ong Lang, Cua Can and Ganh Dau, is calm and clear. In the rainy season the south-west monsoon reverses that. Waves build on the west coast and the water clouds, while east-coast beaches such as Bai Sao and Bai Khem become calm.

One agency guide claims west-coast stays can feel more sheltered in the south-west monsoon. Two other sources say the opposite, and so does the behaviour of the resorts: one Ong Lang resort suspends its free non-motorised water sports from May to October. We plan on the west coast being rough.

That is why our rainy-season stay splits the nights. The west side keeps its value for sunsets, spa afternoons and covered terraces to watch the weather from; the east side gives you a sea you can swim in. Bai Sao is about 25 km from Duong Dong, has calm water and is the island's most popular beach, so go before 09:00 on weekdays.

• Island boat days in September and October. From May, afternoons get choppier and operators move departures earlier; some routes are suspended in September, and An Thoi island-hopping is often unreliable in September and October.
• West-coast sea swimming on rough days. Swim where the property says it is safe, which may be the pool.
• Long scooter rides. Heavy showers on wet roads are a poor mix; use Grab or a car.
• Fixed outdoor appointments. Anything that must happen outdoors on a specific day and hour is a gamble from July to September.

Island trips from An Thoi are running again after a suspension in July 2026, with stricter checks since then: registered vessels, life jackets worn and no overloading. In the wet months, the captain and the port authorities decide on the day whether a boat sails. Agencies advise checking the weather one to two days ahead from May to October, as tours may be cancelled in rough seas.

For a slow stay, often yes, especially in May, June and October. Rooms cost less, and a holiday built on reading, massages and long lunches does not need a cloudless sky. It is less worth it if the sea is the main reason you are coming and you can only travel in August or September, the two wettest months.

For what a day costs in any month, see daily costs for a long stay. For areas, see the area pages.