Season guide · Koh Samui · Thailand
Koh Samui in the dry season
February–April: weather, crowds, prices and the best things to do this time of year.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Gunther Dihlmann, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Sunny, calm and warm, turning very hot in April; peak prices in February. Expect highs up to 33°C (91°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F), with about 16 rainy days across February–April. February–April are among the best months of the year to visit.
Key facts
- Months
- February–April
- Temperatures
- 24°C (75°F) to 33°C (91°F)
- Rainy days in the season
- About 16
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | 25°C (77°F) | 6 | 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 16 of the year's roughly 142 rainy days fall in these 3 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.
- April: Songkran — Thai New Year water festival (13–15 April)
Make the most of the weather
Religious site · Bang Rak (Big Buddha Beach)
Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
A 12-metre golden seated Buddha built in 1972 stands on a small islet joined to the north-east coast by a causeway.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Photo spot
- Views
Nature · Lamai
Hin Ta and Hin Yai
Go in the early morning before tour buses, and wear shoes with grip for the slippery rocks.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Photo spot
- Nature
Nature · Lipa Noi and the west coast
Na Muang Waterfalls
Two waterfalls in the island's interior: Na Muang 1, about 18 metres high with a swimming pool at its base and a short walk from the road, and the taller Na Muang 2, reached by a steeper trail through the forest.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Active
Garden · Hills
Secret Buddha Garden
Go with a 4x4 tour or an experienced driver; the access road is too steep for most scooters.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Art
- Nature
- Off the beaten path
- Views
Beach · Chaweng
Chaweng Beach
Samui's signature beach runs for several kilometres of fine white sand and turquoise water on the east coast.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Outdoors
- Kids
- After dark
Day trips in the dry season
- Ang Thong National Marine Park (About 1–2 hours by boat) — An archipelago of more than 40 limestone islands with kayaking among the karsts, snorkelling, a steep climb to the viewpoint on Koh Wua Talab and the enclosed Emerald Lake on Koh Mae Ko.
- Koh Phangan (About 20–40 minutes by boat) — Samui's neighbour has quieter beaches such as Thong Nai Pan and Bottle Beach, jungle waterfalls and Haad Rin, home of the monthly Full Moon Party.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
Other times of year
Questions travellers ask
+Is the dry season a good time to visit Koh Samui?
Yes: February–April are among the best months. Sunny, calm and warm, turning very hot in April; peak prices in February.
+What is the weather like in Koh Samui in the dry season?
Highs of up to 33°C (91°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F), with about 16 rainy days over the season.