Month guide · Koh Samui · Thailand
Koh Samui in October
What October is really like in Koh Samui: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Abrget47j, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
October is a month many travellers avoid. Expect average highs of 31°C (88°F), lows of 24°C (75°F), about 19 rainy days and roughly 11.9 hours of daylight. The monsoon arrives; heavy rain and stronger winds, and boat trips may be cancelled.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 31°C (88°F) / 24°C (75°F)
- Rainy days
- About 19
- Daylight
- About 11.9 hours
- Sea temperature
- 28°C (82°F)
- Crowds
- Quiet
- Hotel prices
- Low
Weather in October
October is the 8th-warmest month in Koh Samui: days average 31°C (88°F) against a yearly average high of 31°C (88°F), and nights fall to about 24°C (75°F). Rain falls on roughly 19 of its 31 days. Compared with September (32°C (90°F)), October is about as warm; by November highs drop to around 29°C (84°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 06:08
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 18:03
- Daylight
- About 11.9 hours
- Sea
- 28°C (82°F)
Transition (September). More frequent showers and fewer visitors; a quiet month with lower rates.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, October rates 2 for crowds (the peak is February at 5) and 2 for hotel prices (highest in February). That makes October one of the better-value months to book.
Events in October
- Ok Phansa — end of Buddhist Lent (usually October)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in October
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Experience · Chaweng
Thai cooking class
Several cooking schools in Chaweng, Lamai and Bophut run half-day classes covering curries, tom yum, pad thai and desserts, often starting with a visit to a local market.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Food
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Couples
Experience · Chaweng
Muay Thai fight night
Ringside seats are pricier but give a much better view of the rituals before each bout.
- 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)
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
Beach · Chaweng
Chaweng Beach
Walk the north end in the early morning, when the sand is empty and the water is clearest.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Outdoors
- Kids
- After dark
The sea averages 28°C (82°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Koh Samui.
What to pack
For highs near 31°C, lows near 24°C and 19 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is October a good time to visit Koh Samui?
A month many travellers avoid, 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 October a good time to visit Koh Samui?
It is a month many travellers avoid. The monsoon arrives; heavy rain and stronger winds, and boat trips may be cancelled.
+How warm is Koh Samui in October?
Average highs are around 31°C (88°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Koh Samui in October?
Expect rain on about 19 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.