Best time to visit · Koh Samui · Thailand
The best time to visit Koh Samui
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Gunther Dihlmann, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best time to visit Koh Samui is February to August, when the weather is mostly dry and the sea calm, with the hottest weeks in April and May. July and August are good months while the Andaman coast is in monsoon. October and November are the wettest, with heavy rain and rough seas.
Key facts
- Best months
- February–April and June–August
- Shoulder season
- May, 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 (~21 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- November
Seasons
Samui is warm all year, around 29–33°C by day. Its rainiest months are October to December, when the north-east monsoon brings heavy downpours and rough seas; February to August is mostly dry and sunny, with only short showers.
February–April
Dry season
Sunny, calm and warm, turning very hot in April; peak prices in February.
May–August
Hot, mostly dry season
Warm seas and short showers; busy in July and August with summer holidays, good value in May and June.
September
Transition
More frequent showers and fewer visitors; a quiet month with lower rates.
October–January
Monsoon
Heavy rain peaks in November, with rough seas and cancelled boat trips; conditions improve through January.
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 | 10 | 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 | 25°C | 6 | 29°C | 12.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| May | 33°C | 25°C | 12 | 30°C | 12.6 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 32°C | 25°C | 11 | 29°C | 12.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 32°C | 25°C | 12 | 29°C | 12.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| August | 32°C | 25°C | 12 | 29°C | 12.4 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| September | 32°C | 24°C | 14 | 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 | 21 | 28°C | 11.7 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| December | 28°C | 24°C | 15 | 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 | Chinese New Year in Nathon (January or February) |
| April | Songkran — Thai New Year water festival (13–15 April) |
| October | Ok Phansa — end of Buddhist Lent (usually October) |
| November | Loy Krathong — floating offerings on the sea (usually November full moon) |
| December | Christmas and New Year beach parties |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in November, and the sights are quietest in November. Many visitors avoid October–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 |
| Hot, mostly dry season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Transition | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Monsoon | 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 Samui?
The best time to visit Koh Samui is February to August, when the weather is mostly dry and the sea calm, with the hottest weeks in April and May. July and August are good months while the Andaman coast is in monsoon. October and November are the wettest, with heavy rain and rough seas.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Koh Samui?
Usually in November. The wettest month, with long downpours, rough seas and occasional flooding on low roads.
+What is the rainiest month in Koh Samui?
November, with about 21 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Koh Samui get?
The warmest month, April, averages highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 25°C (77°F).