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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Bangkok and Chiang Mai
In Bangkok, our guide Ann and driver "Mr. Ot" (I don't know how to spell his name) were very friendly and professional. You simply can't underestimate the value of having an English speaking guide to show you around, and a driver with a comfortable, sizeable, air-conditioned van take you from place to place. Ann taught us so much about Thailand's history, food, and religion. Mr. Ot always opened our door with a smile, and had cool towels and ice-cold bottled water for us. More
, Apr 2024
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Very great experience our driver D was…
Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More
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Excellent guide in Siem Reap
Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More
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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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