The Gulf of Thailand has an effect on the weather in Koh Samui, and so it is slightly different from some of the other popular mainland resorts and vacation hot spots. Koh Samui is a typical tropical island, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 33°C.
It has three seasons; dry, hot and rainy, the same as in northern Thailand, though not as extreme. Nearly every day has some "summery" weather, so there are lots of things to do in Koh Samui.
Quick Facts
- In Koh Samui the climate is tropical, hot all year round, with a long rainy season, due to the monsoons of Southeast Asia, which run from May to November.
- The driest months are December to February. Some showers can still occur, however. This is the best time to visit Koh Samui
- Find some great deals on hotels and flights during May to November.
- Whatever the Samui weather is, there's always something fun to do on Koh Samui.
- Travel with Asia Highlights and enjoy the rest of your vacation hassle free!
Weather in Koh Samui
Koh Samui's seasons are divided into three: the dry, hot and rainy seasons.
The dry season runs from December to February, when temperatures are a little cooler, so you don't get that sweltering midday heat, but it's still wonderfully warm. It's the most popular of the seasons and therefore the busiest time of the year on Samui.
With quite dry, sunny and hot weather the months between March and September are called the hot season. March and April are the hottest and driest months and in May it might start to rain more often. These showers mostly do not last very long, but can be heavy, possibly thundershowers.
October and November are the rainy season, the months with the most rainy days and the biggest volume of rainfall during the year. Rainfall and thundershowers are common and there might be non-stop rain for 5-6 days.
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Great Experience
WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy More
Stephen Hollis,
Aug 2023
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Alisa has has been great to work with
Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive. More
Ana Rausch,
Aug 2023
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Using Sharon right now to book our…
Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand More
Tracy,
Aug 2023
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Thailand, Singapore, Bali
In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable! I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze. More
Cassi Thunker,
Jul 2023
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Very supportive
Very supportive ! I have received eticket for Sky Lattern Festival very fast More
Chi?n Nguy?n Ng?c,
Jul 2023
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My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. More
Richard,
Jul 2023
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A pleasure to plan with
Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans. More
Chris Williams,
Jul 2023
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Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. More
CL,
Jul 2023
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I never used a travel agent in my life
I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience. More
Antione Barry,
Jul 2023
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Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional. More
Debi Hinerfeld,
Jul 2023
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We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot I recommend asiahilights 150% The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? More
SIMO el ghobar,
Jun 2023
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Wonderful Guides and Experience
Our large group arrived in Bangkok with Tanni as our guide. She was wonderful! An absolute joy to spend time with. She is knowledgeable, kind, and extremely funny. I don’t know what we would have done without her! After Bangkok, we traveled to Chang Mai, where Indy was our tour guide. She was a delight! She is kind, knowledgeable, and so patient. Our trip to Thailand was an adventure of a lifetime and these two women helped make it memorable. I would definitely use Asia Highlights for any future travel in Asia. More
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Jun 2023
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Guide - Chai
We travelled from Vietnam to Bangkok and were blessed to have a guide named Chai. He was a superb guide and it is a pity we couldn't bottle him and take him home. He was very knowledgeable and an absolute gentleman. He could not have done enough to facilitate us and imparted so much knowledge about the Temples, Buddism and the History of Thailand in general. Not only did he give us a great overview of the past and current ways of living in Thailand but I also feel I came away a much better person having interacting with him. I will carry many of his teachings with me for the rest of my life and know that having met him was a very special blessing in my life. More
Customer,
Jun 2023
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Our guide Tanni was kind
Our guide Tanni was kind, knowledgeable, funny and beyond accommodating for our group. We felt like we'd made a friend and it enhanced our trip in the most positive way. Everything was coordinated perfectly which is not easy to do in a large traveling group. Excellent experience! More
Marissa Manson,
Jun 2023
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We are only on day 5 of our 15 day trip…
Our first stop so far was in Hanoi where our guide Trong was just so awesome! He shared about his culture and family life which showing us sites through a city tour. He was so funny making lots of jokes and always made sure we were having fun while learning about everything! He checked on us frequently even when we were no longer with him since we then went on a cruise in Halong Bay! Halong Bay and the cruise on Paradise Elegance went way above anything I expected. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was so beautiful and clean with such fresh, good food! And I can’t sing enough praise for the staff who took care of us- especially Anna and Belle! They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every aspect from eating meals with Anna to every other detail with Belle! I highly recommend Asian Highlights to help plan these extraordinary trips! This already has been a trip of a lifetime and we still have so much more to see all thanks to Cathy!! More
Diane Creitz,
Jun 2023
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Tanni for the win!
14 of my closest friends and family descended upon Bangkok ready to see the town. Asia highlights and Tanni took us on a tour that changed our lives. We experienced so much everyday. Tanni was amazing! She did all the thinking for us, so we all could just be present and enjoy the moment. I can’t recommend this company, and especially Tanni enough. More
Megan McGlynn,
Jun 2023
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This isn't my first trip with Asia…
This isn't my first trip with Asia Highlights. They are great at helping me plan, working my requests into the itinerary, and booking it all. We travel with friends and just got back from a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Albee did a great job with all the details and we had a wonderful time. We will use them for our next adventure! More
Katie Potesta,
Jun 2023
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Amazing service
Although we have not been our trip yet I wanted to still write a review based on customer service and the ease of booking. Alisa has been extremely prompt and responsive with planning our trip to Thailand. She has had great recommendations and guidance to add to our custom itinerary. Highly recommend using Asia highlights! -Alex More
Alex,
May 2023
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I have never hear of this company…
I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions. More
orge alvarez,
May 2023
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Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods More
Debbie Woods,
May 2023
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The Rainy Season in Koh Samui
As October rolls around, the monsoon season sets in. The weather is unpredictable. Short and heavy bursts of rainfall are likely, and out on the water the winds are strong and the waves are rough. Diving and other water sports are not ideal during this time, as the water will be churned up and murky.
You'll still get 7 hours of sunshine per day in this season, but when it's raining, it rains hard. Monsoon showers are very heavy, but usually don't last long. Temperatures are still warm though, averaging around 30°C. This is still a great time for a beach holiday.
If you're looking for assurance you'll get a gorgeous, sunny Thai holiday and return home with a tan, it would be better not to come during this time.
Many people deliberately head out to Koh Samui during the rainy season, because it's at this time of year that you get great deals on flights and hotels. The island's also much less busy during this season, so those who prefer a quieter holiday go in this season.
Festival and Events
Chulalongkorn Memorial Day
This is the memorial day of the passing of King Chulalongkorn, otherwise known as King Rama V. Many Thai people pay their respects to the great monarch by placing wreaths at statues of King Chulalongkorn all around the Kingdom of Thailand.
Other than the Chulalongkorn Memorial Day, you can experience Loy Krathong, a traditional festival native to Thailand and a major tourist attraction on the island.
Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong is celebrated annually. The highlight of the event is the lighting of candles in krathongs. Floating krathongs create an amazing array of lights that gives Loy Krathong the name 'festival of lights'.
This event takes place throughout the whole country and you can observe it at rivers or lakes.
The Dry Season in Koh Samui
The best time to visit Koh Samui is during the dry season, which is from December to February. Temperatures are cooler, and it is more comfortable than during other times of the year.
During the dry season, the days are warm with lots of sun and light winds. Only the occasional shower occurs, and certainly nothing to disrupt serious vacation plans.
With 7-8 hours of sunshine, it's a great time for you to hike or do other non-water-based outdoor activities. Warm seawater temperatures are another great draw to the island. So you can do anything from relaxing on the shore, swimming, or participating in extreme sports.
All of this peak-season excitement means that you'll find Koh Samui more crowded at this time than at any other, and you can also expect to see higher rates for hotels, excursions, and other activities. On the other hand, you'll get the most out of Koh Samui if you travel during this season.
Activities
For those who love water sports, the dry season boasts calmer seas, making it the perfect time for windsurfing and sailing. Check out the local wildlife on a quad bike jungle safari or grab a snorkel and explore the reefs. If you want a more relaxing vacation, this is also the best time to boost your mood.
You can explore Ang Thong Marine Park during the dry season, but it's closed during the rainy season. There are 42 islands to explore in this protected area. You can dive, snorkel, hike or even camp. This Limestone Mountain Forest consists of flora found in limestone crevices with little or no soil.
You can see some species such as dracaena loureira, malayun spurge tree euphorbia antiquarum, and morinda tinctoria.
Busiest Period of the Year in Koh Samui
Koh Samui is really pleasant most of the time, but the busiest period is in the dry season, which falls between December and February. This is when temperatures are generally a bit cooler, there is less rain, a refreshing sea breeze and quiet seas.
Endowed also with a lot of sunshine, this is a popular time of year to visit and go surfing, diving, swimming or body-boarding. Another attraction during this period is Christmas and New Year in Koh Samui.
Hotels, especially in Koh Samui, increase prices by anywhere from 30 to 100 percent during this time. It's much harder to get good deals during high season, and it's nearly impossible to get deals between the end of December and the beginning of January.
Flights are also more expensive during this period. There will be a crowd but crowds are not always unbearable, especially if you're traveling in less popular parts.
What to Pack for a Beach Holiday
- Complete clothing checklist for sightseeing, plus evening wear, and swimsuit.
- Sunscreen, and lip balm with SPF as well–lips can be sunburned, too!
- Consider packing a first aid kit with bug spray, a thermometer, aloe vera gel for sunburn, and bandages.
- Pack multipurpose items, like a pair of sandals that can be worn at the beach and at a casual restaurant.
- Think about the activities you'll want to do during your beach holiday and pack the necessary equipment.
- Pack any identification documents you might need, including passports, print-outs of reservations, and maps or directions. Don't forget money!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I wear a bikini in Koh Samui?
A: Speaking generally – in resort areas on tourist islands, yes bikinis are a common sight. Definitely cover up when you leave the beach.
Q: What should I bring to Koh Samui during the rainy season?
A: A great rain jacket. Make sure you bring the right shoes for rainy weather, umbrella, and waterproof equipment for your gadgets.
Q: Do I have to check in early at every attraction in Koh Samui?
A: At busy periods like Christmas you'll want to go earlier to avoid the crowds. The rest of the year there's more flexibility.
Q: Do I need to be on a guided tour in order to travel to Koh Samui?
A: A guided tour is always the best option to help you avoid hassle.
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