Season guide · Koh Phangan · Thailand
Koh Phangan in the dry season
January–April: weather, crowds, prices and the best things to do this time of year.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: joestump https://www.flickr.com/photos/joestump/, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
Sunny, dry and calm, with the best snorkelling and boat trips; April is very hot and lively with Songkran. Expect highs up to 33°C (91°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F), with about 26 rainy days across January–April. February–April are among the best months of the year to visit.
Key facts
- Months
- January–April
- Temperatures
- 24°C (75°F) to 33°C (91°F)
- Rainy days in the season
- About 26
- Sea
- 27°C (81°F) to 29°C (84°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in the dry season
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C (84°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 9 | 11.6 h | 4/5 |
| February | 30°C (86°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 5 | 11.8 h | 5/5 |
| March | 31°C (88°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 | 12 h | 4/5 |
| April | 33°C (91°F) | 26°C (79°F) | 7 | 12.3 h | 4/5 |
Compared with the rest of the year: average highs of 31°C (88°F) against a yearly 31°C (88°F), and 26 of the year's roughly 145 rainy days fall in these 4 months. Crowds rate 4/5 and hotel prices 4/5 on average.
What's on in the dry season
Recurring events; dates move from year to year, so confirm with the organiser.
- January: New Year celebrations (1 January)
- February: Lunar New Year (late January or February)
- February: Makha Bucha — Buddhist holiday, alcohol sales restricted (usually February or March)
- April: Songkran — Thai New Year water festival (13–15 April)
Make the most of the weather
Beach · Bottle Beach
Bottle Beach
Haad Khuad, known as Bottle Beach, is a crescent of sand on the north coast enclosed by jungle-covered hills.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Outdoors
- Views
- Couples
- Photo spot
Beach · Thong Nai Pan
Thong Nai Pan Noi and Yai
Ride or take a taxi over the hill road in daylight, as it is steep and winding, and spend a full day swimming between the two bays.
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Couples
Nature · East coast
Than Sadet waterfall and beach
A stream tumbles down a series of rocky pools to a small beach on the remote east coast.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- History
- Outdoors
Nature · Central highlands
Phaeng Waterfall and Domsila viewpoint
Go in the morning before it gets hot, wear proper shoes for the rocky climb and carry water; the falls are fullest in the rainy season.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Active
- Views
- Outdoors
Nature · Central highlands
Khao Ra hike
At around 630 metres, Khao Ra is the highest point on the island, reached by a steep jungle trail through rainforest with giant trees and, with luck, wildlife such as birds and lizards.
- Time needed
- 3–5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Active
- Nature
- Views
- Outdoors
Day trips in the dry season
- Ang Thong National Marine Park (About 1.5–2 hours by boat) — An archipelago of around 40 limestone islands west of Phangan with kayaking, snorkelling and a steep climb to a viewpoint over the emerald lagoon on Koh Mae Ko.
- Koh Tao (About 1–1.5 hours by catamaran) — A small island known for diving and snorkelling, with Koh Nang Yuan, three islets joined by a sandbar, just offshore.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen
- A packable rain jacket for showers
- Comfortable walking shoes
Other times of year
Questions travellers ask
+Is the dry season a good time to visit Koh Phangan?
Yes: February–April are among the best months. Sunny, dry and calm, with the best snorkelling and boat trips; April is very hot and lively with Songkran.
+What is the weather like in Koh Phangan in the dry season?
Highs of up to 33°C (91°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F), with about 26 rainy days over the season.