Koh Lipe is a beautiful island in Thailand that is well worth a visit on your next trip. The idyllic beaches offer crystal clear and warm waters whilst the locals are friendly; it is no wonder that Koh Lipe is known as the Maldives of Thailand. Today we will be sharing the best time to visit Koh Lipe.
Koh Lipe is just one of the most beautiful places in Thailand so make sure you plan to include a few of these destinations on your next visit.
The best time to visit Koh Lipe
There are 2 seasons in Koh Lipe:
- High Season – November to April. You can expect warm weather and very little rainfall during this time, however December and January is peak season, meaning hotels are more expensive than usual.
- Low Season – May to October. You can still expect warm weather however this is monsoon season, meaning you will experience rainy days too. Businesses also close during this season but it is possible to get cheaper resorts.
The best times to visit Koh Lipe is during the shoulder seasons; Late October to November or late April to June. You will still experience warm weather with little to no rain but there won’t be loads of tourists too.
Cheapest time to visit Koh Lipe
The cheapest time to visit Koh Lipe is the low season – May to October. Yes, not all restaurants will be open and you may experience some rainy days but generally, we find that rain never lasts for long. The main reason to visit Koh Lipe is to enjoy the stunning crystal waters, so visiting in low season is perfect for those looking for beach walks and relaxation.
To save even more money, make sure to book your hotel in advance and compare prices on websites such as Kayak, Agoda and booking.com.
Visiting Koh Lipe during the high season
Pros:
The weather is perfect during the high season. The sun is bright, skies and blue and it is very rare wet or windy. The sea is also calmer, perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving trips. You can also join a speedboat tour which will whizz you to the nearby islands to enjoy even quieter beaches and colourful reefs.
Plus, bars and restaurants are open. During high season, Koh Lipe offers a vibrant mix of restaurants, with food from all over the world. You will never have to eat at the same place twice (unless you want to) and can dance the night away and the lively bars and parties.
Cons:
The biggest downside to visiting in the high season is the price. Hotel and resort prices are often double, with decent rooms starting at 6000B a night.
You will also find that the island is busy too. Restaurants, bars and hotels fill up fast, as do tours and day trips. You will have to get up early to experience a quiet beach too.
Visiting Koh Lipe during the low season
Pros:
As we mentioned above, the low season runs from May to October. The island is quieter and peaceful, perfect for those looking to relax. If you are looking for deserted beaches and quite nightlife, this is the time for you.
Hotels are cheaper, you can get a great sea view room for as little as 1500B or eve beach bungalow from 3000B.
May is the start of low season and is an ideal time to visit the island; rooms are cheaper but the weather is warm and it rains less than later in the low season. May and June are great times to visit Koh Lipe if you are looking for a quieter, calmer experience and are happy to a meal and few drinks in a local restaurant.
Cons:
The biggest downside to visiting Koh Lipe in the low season is the rain. During this season, rain is hit or miss; sometimes you will find it only rains in the afternoon, sometimes you may have 3-4 days of rain all day whilst other days offer clear skies and warm weather. The heaviest rainfall occurs from September to October but begins to calm by the end of October into November.
At least half the bars, restaurants, shops and tour companies are closed during low season whilst hotels often use this time for repair work and construction. Having building work going on can be frustrating whilst you are trying to relax and unwind, so double check with your hotel before booking.
There are also a lot less bars open with very few bars playing live music. Also, most bars close around 11pm during the low season too. If you don’t mind this, then this is fine but if you are looking for a party and vibrant nightlife, avoid visiting during low season.
One more downside is the day trips. Many of the surrounding islands are closed for snorkel and scuba diving trips during the low seasons, meaning tours and day trips are limited.
What is the weather like in Koh Lipe?
| Month | High/Low (°C) | Rain |
| January | 30°/ 26° | 3 days |
| February | 31°/ 26° | 3 days |
| March | 31°/ 27° | 9 days |
| April | 31°/ 27° | 21 days |
| May | 31°/ 28° | 22 days |
| June | 31°/ 28° | 18 days |
| July | 31°/ 28° | 9 days |
| August | 30°/ 28° | 21 days |
| September | 30°/ 27° | 17 days |
| October | 30°/ 26° | 30 days |
| November | 30°/ 27° | 25 days |
| December | 30°/ 26° | 7 days |
Summary
The best time to visit Koh Lipe depends on what you are looking for:
- Vibrant nightlife, lots of activities and clear skies = November to May.
- Cheap hotel prices with quieter crowds but a chance of rain and limited nightlife = June to October
- Best of both worlds = affordable prices, mostly good weather and quieter island life = October, May or June.
High season
| Pros: |
| Good weather |
| Day trips available |
| Lots of nightlife options |
| Diving and snorkelling options |
| Cons: |
| Higher prices |
| Busy crowds |
| Reserve hotel in advance |
| Book transport and day trips in advance |
Low Season
| Pros: |
| Low prices |
| Quieter |
| Do not need to book too far in advance |
| Cons: |
| High chance of rain |
| Not everywhere is open |
| Limited nightlife |
Koh Lipe FAQ
- Which month is best for Koh Lipe?
May, June and November offers warm weather, less crowds and cheaper hotel prices.
- Is Koh Lipe Crowded?
Visiting in the high season, Koh Lipe will be busy. However, visiting in the low season to a quieter experience with a much higher chance of deserted beaches.
- How many days do you need in Koh Lipe?
5 days in Koh Lipe is the perfect length of time to enjoy the three major beaches and to take a day trip to a nearby island or try some scuba diving or snorkelling.
- Is Koh Lipe expensive?
Koh Lipe is more expensive than other Thai islands but you can save a lot of money if you visit during the low season from April to November.
- Is Koh Lipe worth a visit?
Koh Lipe is gorgeous and definitely worth visiting whilst you are in Thailand. Many regard Koh Lipe as the best island to visit in Thailand because of its stunning, crystal clear beaches, lush scenery and picture perfect view points.
- Is Koh Lipe touristy?
The island is less touristy than other islands especially when visiting in the low season.
