Best time to visit · Koh Phangan · Thailand
The best time to visit Koh Phangan
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: joestump https://www.flickr.com/photos/joestump/, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
The best time to visit Koh Phangan is February to April, when the weather is dry, sunny and calm, and July to August, which are usually mostly dry on the Gulf side even while western Thailand has its monsoon. October and especially November bring the heaviest rain. December and January are good but busy around the holidays.
Key facts
- Best months
- February–April and July–August
- Shoulder season
- May–June, September and December–January
- Warmest month
- April (avg high 33°C (91°F))
- Coldest month
- December (avg high 28°C (82°F))
- Rainiest month
- November (~20 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- May and September–November
Seasons
Koh Phangan is hot all year. Because it sits on the Gulf side of Thailand, its main rainy season comes late, from about October to December, while January to August are mostly dry or showery, with the clearest, calmest weather from February to April.
January–April
Dry season
Sunny, dry and calm, with the best snorkelling and boat trips; April is very hot and lively with Songkran.
May–June
Early wet season
Hot with occasional showers and fewer visitors; a good-value time.
July–September
Summer
Mostly fine weather with short showers, busy with summer holidaymakers, while the Andaman coast is in monsoon.
October–December
Rainy season
Heavy rain and wind peaking in November, with rough seas and occasional ferry cancellations; crowds return for Christmas and New Year.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C | 24°C | 9 | 27°C | 11.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| February | 30°C | 24°C | 5 | 27°C | 11.8 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| March | 31°C | 25°C | 5 | 28°C | 12 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| April | 33°C | 26°C | 7 | 29°C | 12.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| May | 33°C | 26°C | 13 | 30°C | 12.6 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| June | 32°C | 26°C | 12 | 29°C | 12.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 32°C | 25°C | 13 | 29°C | 12.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| August | 32°C | 25°C | 13 | 29°C | 12.4 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| September | 32°C | 25°C | 15 | 29°C | 12.2 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| October | 31°C | 24°C | 19 | 28°C | 11.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| November | 29°C | 24°C | 20 | 28°C | 11.7 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 28°C | 24°C | 14 | 27°C | 11.6 h | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | New Year celebrations (1 January) |
| February | Lunar New Year (late January or February); Makha Bucha — Buddhist holiday, alcohol sales restricted (usually February or March) |
| April | Songkran — Thai New Year water festival (13–15 April) |
| May | Visakha Bucha — Buddhist holiday (usually May or June) |
| July | Asahna Bucha and Khao Phansa — Buddhist holidays (usually July) |
| November | Loy Krathong — floating candle offerings on the full moon (usually November) |
| December | New Year's Eve parties in Haad Rin (31 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in May and September–November, and the sights are quietest in May and September–November. Many visitors avoid November.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Dry season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Early wet season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Rainy season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Koh Phangan?
The best time to visit Koh Phangan is February to April, when the weather is dry, sunny and calm, and July to August, which are usually mostly dry on the Gulf side even while western Thailand has its monsoon. October and especially November bring the heaviest rain. December and January are good but busy around the holidays.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Koh Phangan?
Usually in May and September–November. Very hot and humid with occasional showers; quieter and cheaper as the high season ends.
+What is the rainiest month in Koh Phangan?
November, with about 20 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Koh Phangan get?
The warmest month, April, averages highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 26°C (79°F).