Koh Samui Guide

When is the best time to visit Koh Samui for your favourite activities?

Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Weather conditions may vary extensively even in tropical destinations, and while there are situations you can’t plan for, it doesn’t hurt to get an understanding of Koh Samui’s weather seasons so you can better plan for your holiday. Below, we’ll share what you need to know when it comes to the island’s weather seasons and water activities so you can decide the best time to visit Koh Samui for your trip!

Samui has three distinct weather seasons

Rainy season: September – November

The rainy season in Koh Samui occurs during the months of September till November, with October and November having the heaviest rainfall.

Dry season: December – February

The dry season lasts between the months of December to February. This is the best time of the year to visit Samui as the weather is dry and it doesn’t get too hot. The Christmas and New Year holidays make this period one of the most popular time for vacationers to visit. As such, it’s recommended that you plan ahead and make reservations for accommodations and activities well in advance if you’re planning to visit Samui during the year-end.

Note: Since it’s the high season, prices will be high and the minimum stay in a Koh Samui villa is also a lot longer.

Hot season: March – August 

As its name suggests, the hot season in Samui brings soaring temperatures. Between the months of March till August, temperatures may average at about 32°C, with April being the hottest month. Rainfall starts to increase around May, with occasional thunderstorms in the afternoons as the monsoon transition begins.

Time your trip right to enjoy your favourite activities and attractions

Best time for snorkeling and diving

best time to go to samui
credit: kohtaodivers on Instagram

March till September have the best conditions for snorkeling with underwater visibility reaching up to 30 – 35 metres, while the months of March, April and May are best for seeing whale sharks. Diving conditions aren’t ideal between October till November as the monsoon season can bring about a drop in visibility.

Best time for kite surfing

when to go to koh samui
Credit: kiteboardingasia.com

The best time to go kite surfing in Samui is during the months of November till February, where the wind speed ranges from eight to 20 knots. The wind and weather conditions may vary, so we recommend checking in with the kite surfing school or provider before you make a booking.

Best time to visit Ang Thong National Marine Park

best time to visit koh samui
Credit: ryan harvey on Flickr

Ang Thong National Marine Park, an archipelago of 42 islands is a popular day trip destination for vacationers in Samui. There are myriad attractions and activities to enjoy – from cascading waterfalls and mysterious coves to snorkeling, kayaking, hiking and more.

The months of March to October are ideal for visiting the attraction, as the seas are calmer during this period. The park is closed from November till December or January each year, and the exact dates may vary depending on weather conditions.

Additional tips: Holidays + Budget concerns

Take into account holidays and local celebrations

Weather aside, you’ll also need to take into account the holidays and local celebrations when planning for your Samui vacation.There will be a surge in tourists during the Christmas and New Year period – so you’ll want to avoid making last-minute bookings and expect peak prices.

celebrations in koh samui

Then there’s Songkran, where water fights abound  the island in celebration of the Thai new year. The holiday falls on the 13th of April every year, but the celebration typically extends till 15th or 16th April. Depending on your personal preference, you may want to plan your vacation such that you experience the festivities first hand. If not, skip over this period altogether if you prefer to avoid the crowds and possible traffic interruptions.

Time your trip strategically if budget is a concern

The cost of your trip can vary considerably depending on when you travel to Samui. In addition to rising prices during the high season (December – February, July – August), you’ll need to keep in mind most vacation rentals will increase their minimum length of stay. This will vary across different villas but may range from a minimum stay of five to 10 nights.

Budget-conscious travellers may want to plan their trip for the rainy season or shoulder season to take advantage of the lower prices during these periods. The latter refers to periods that fall between the peak and off-peak seasons, such as late February – March, April – June and early December. Cheaper prices aside, Samui vacationers will also get to enjoy favourable weather conditions and fewer crowds during the shoulder season.

Please follow and like us:

Comments are closed.