Month guide · Koh Samui · Thailand
Koh Samui in January
What January is really like in Koh Samui: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Gunther Dihlmann, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
January is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 29°C (84°F), lows of 24°C (75°F), about 10 rainy days and roughly 11.6 hours of daylight. The rains ease through the month and it becomes breezy and pleasant; seas can still be choppy early on.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 29°C (84°F) / 24°C (75°F)
- Rainy days
- About 10
- 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 Samui: 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 10 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 18:18
- Daylight
- About 11.6 hours
- Sea
- 27°C (81°F)
Monsoon (October–January). Heavy rain peaks in November, with rough seas and cancelled boat trips; conditions improve through January.
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
- Chinese New Year in Nathon (January or February)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in January
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Experience · Chaweng
Thai cooking class
Book a morning class with a market visit so you learn about southern Thai ingredients such as fresh turmeric.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Food
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Couples
Experience · Chaweng
Muay Thai fight night
Stadiums in Chaweng and Lamai stage regular bouts of Thailand's national sport, with traditional music and pre-fight rituals, from local youngsters to experienced fighters.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- After dark
- Rainy day
- Active
Religious site · Bang Rak (Big Buddha Beach)
Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
Go at sunrise or late afternoon for softer light; cover shoulders and knees, and wraps are available at the entrance.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Photo spot
- 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
The sea averages 27°C (81°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Koh Samui.
What to pack
For highs near 29°C, lows near 24°C and 10 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 Samui?
A shoulder-season month, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, February–April and June–August are better overall. Compare every month.
Koh Samui in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Koh Samui?
It is a shoulder-season month. The rains ease through the month and it becomes breezy and pleasant; seas can still be choppy early on.
+How warm is Koh Samui in January?
Average highs are around 29°C (84°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Koh Samui in January?
Expect rain on about 10 days of the month.