Penang vs Phuket

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.

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

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

Penang reaches an average high of 30°C (86°F) and drops to 26°C (79°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 4°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Phuket averages 29°C (84°F) for the high and 27°C (81°F) for the low, with a daily range of 2°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.

Penang receives approximately 237 mm of rainfall across 27 rain days during May. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.

Phuket sees 258 mm over 25 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%.