Phuket vs Penang

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Phuket edges ahead as the better destination in May. Phuket offers 10 hours of daily sunshine with only 25 rain days, while Penang sees 10 sunshine hours and 27 rain days.

Phuket can feel quite hot at 29°C, so plan for heat. Penang runs hot at 30°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Phuket is the stronger choice in May.

Phuket reaches an average high of 29°C (84°F) and drops to 27°C (81°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 2°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Penang averages 30°C (86°F) for the high and 26°C (79°F) for the low, with a daily range of 4°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in May.

Phuket receives approximately 258 mm of rainfall across 25 rain days during May. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.

Penang sees 237 mm over 27 rain days. That makes Phuket the drier option by 2 rain days and 21 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.