Month guide · Koh Phangan · Thailand
Koh Phangan in January
What January is really like in Koh Phangan: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: joestump https://www.flickr.com/photos/joestump/, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
January is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 29°C (84°F), lows of 24°C (75°F), about 9 rainy days and roughly 11.6 hours of daylight. The rains fade and sunny days return, with breezy weather and some rough sea on east-facing beaches early in the month.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 29°C (84°F) / 24°C (75°F)
- Rainy days
- About 9
- Daylight
- About 11.6 hours
- Sea temperature
- 27°C (81°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in January
January is the 10th-warmest month in Koh Phangan: days average 29°C (84°F) against a yearly average high of 31°C (88°F), and nights fall to about 24°C (75°F). Rain falls on roughly 9 of its 31 days. Compared with December (28°C (82°F)), January is about as warm; by February highs stay near 30°C (86°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 06:40
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 18:17
- Daylight
- About 11.6 hours
- Sea
- 27°C (81°F)
Rainy season (October–December). Heavy rain and wind peaking in November, with rough seas and occasional ferry cancellations; crowds return for Christmas and New Year.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 4 for crowds (the peak is February at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in February). Book accommodation early: January is one of the pricier months.
Events in January
- New Year celebrations (1 January)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Beach · Bottle Beach
Bottle Beach
Take the long-tail from Chaloklum in the morning and agree the pick-up time; hikers can climb to the viewpoint above the beach for a photo of the whole bay.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Outdoors
- Views
- Couples
- Photo spot
Beach · Thong Nai Pan
Thong Nai Pan Noi and Yai
Two horseshoe bays on the north-east coast with soft sand, clear water and a backdrop of steep jungle.
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Couples
Nature · East coast
Than Sadet waterfall and beach
Combine it with Thong Nai Pan, and come after rain when the pools are fuller; in the dry months the falls slow to a trickle.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- History
- Outdoors
Nature · Central highlands
Phaeng Waterfall and Domsila viewpoint
Inside Than Sadet–Ko Pha-ngan National Park, a short trail leads to Phaeng Waterfall, then climbs through the forest for about 30 minutes to the Domsila viewpoint, a rocky outcrop with views over the west coast and towards Koh Samui.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Active
- Views
- Outdoors
The sea averages 27°C (81°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Koh Phangan.
What to pack
For highs near 29°C, lows near 24°C and 9 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit Koh Phangan?
A shoulder-season month, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, February–April and July–August are better overall. Compare every month.
Koh Phangan in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Koh Phangan?
It is a shoulder-season month. The rains fade and sunny days return, with breezy weather and some rough sea on east-facing beaches early in the month.
+How warm is Koh Phangan in January?
Average highs are around 29°C (84°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Koh Phangan in January?
Expect rain on about 9 days of the month.