Best time to visit Koh Samui

Thailand is beautiful & Koh Samui is one of the best islands to enjoy. Today we share the best time to visit Koh Samui for the perfect trip to Thailand.

When is the typhoon season in Koh Samui?

The rainy season in Koh Samui starts around late May and ends at the beginning of November. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t visit Koh Samui for nearly five months out of a year. September, October, and November are the wettest time of the year in Koh Samui, which are the months you probably shouldn’t plan a trip here. During this time, typhoon after typhoon looms over the island.

You best avoid these months because flights and boat tours get canceled due to bad weather. You won’t be able to enjoy the beach, water activities, or even hiking. However, checking the weather forecast before you visit is still recommended since the time that typhoons come can vary yearly.

Is spring the best time to visit Koh Samui?

Springtime in Koh Samui is between February and April. In general, it’s sunny in Koh Samui during those months. In February, the temperature is excellent with sunny days, around 24°C (75°F) to 28°C (82°F). However, as the island approaches April, the temperature rises quickly which is about 30°C (86°F) to 34°C (93°F).

The island doesn’t have a lot of action going on in springtime, such as blooming trees or flowers with unique colors; it is a romantic place in Thailand. However, this season is an excellent month to do hiking when the trees are popping green, some exotic plants are coming out, and fruits are in the harvest season. These are the months when the forest is dry, making the trek much more comfortable.

The top places you should consider hiking are Khun Si Waterfall, Tan Rua Waterfall, Hin Lat Waterfall, and Na Mueang Waterfall.

Is summer the best time to visit Koh Samui?

March to May is the summer in Koh Samui. During this time, it’s hot in this part of Thailand, with high temperatures hitting up to 34°C (93°F). The good thing about these months is the relatively low chance of rain, making it the ideal time to go to the beach, go diving, and sign up for some snorkeling excursions.

Summertime in Koh Samui is another hectic season. International visitors enjoy the beach, and many locals will spend their school break and annual vacation on the island. If you plan to come to Koh Samui in the summer, it’s recommended that you book your accommodation at least 3 months in advance to avoid having few options while paying for more.

If you’re not into underwater fun, how about enjoying beach hopping? The most popular beaches in Koh Samui are W Beach, Lipa Noi Beach, Chaweng Beach, and Bo Phut Beach. But if you want to avoid the crowd, go to Natien Beach, Bang Por Beach, and Laem Yai, which is also the best spot for the golden hour.

Is fall the best time to visit Koh Samui?

The fall season is a time of the year when it’s better to avoid Koh Samui. These months are the high season for typhoons. This is not an ideal time to sunbathe on the beach or book a boat tour. If the weather is awful, the coast guard is most likely to cancel any boats from coming out to the sea.

Some people might think it’s an ideal time to visit due to the low season and perhaps do some hiking since the temperature plays around 24°C (75°F) to 26°C (79°F). Unfortunately, that’s also not a very good idea.

The forests in Thailand are very dense. During the rainy season, the trails are muddy, and the soil is soft, making hiking pretty much an impossible feat, if not dangerous.

If you are in Koh Samui at the end of the fall or typhoon season, it’s the best time to visit the waterfalls due to the amount of water coming down. Add Na Mueang Waterfall and Mountain Waterfall to your waterfall adventure list in Koh Samui.

Is winter the best time to visit Koh Samui?

Since Koh Samui is located in Thailand, a tropical country, it doesn’t experience four seasons or winter. However, during December and January, the temperature is mild and dry. This is a fantastic time to visit Koh Samui because the temperature and lack of rain allow you to enjoy and do all the activities with no weather interruptions.

But keep in mind that it is a busy season for Koh Samui. Although Christmas was not a big deal in Thailand before, it has become a norm to celebrate over the years. Stroll along Chaweng Beach Road, where many restaurants and bars have a party for that event.

But most importantly, celebrating New Year in Koh Samui is very special. Make sure to get in the popular bars a few hours before the countdown to reserve yourself a seat and order some drinks. Old school Bar, Pocahontas, Legends Bar, and The OutBack Bar and Grill are one of the best bars in Koh Samui.

When is the best time to visit Koh Samui?

For those who want to enjoy the beach and other water activities, the best time to go to Koh Samui is between November and March, when the temperature is much more relaxed, and the chance of rain is much lower. The temperature during these months plays between 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F).

However, these months are also the peak season in Koh Samui, driving hotel prices and flight costs to soar. There are also significantly more people on the beach, and boat tours get fully booked. The best way to avoid this is to visit Koh Samui at the beginning of November and around the end of February. 

Specifically, November and April are the best time to snorkel and dive in Koh Samui since the sun will shine and the water is much calmer. This will allow you to enjoy all the vibrant colors under the water.

Which month is best to celebrate the Full Moon Party?

Finally, the Full Moon Party is a not-to-miss for those who love to have fun. It doesn’t matter which month you visit Koh Samui for the infamous Full Moon party. What’s more important is where you celebrate it. 

This event happens every month, whenever it’s a full moon. Meaning the date day of the full moon changes every month. It’s better to look up the correct full moon date online before booking your flight if this is the event you’re chasing.

The most popular location to celebrate the Full Moon party in Koh Samui is The Lamai Samui and Silavadee Resort. However, that means that you must be staying in those accommodations. If you don’t want that, there are still fantastic spots, such as Sang’s Bar and Rock Bar, or simply head to Lamai Beach or Chaweng Beach. There will always be incredible parties out there.