Thailand has two seas with different seasons. The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak) is dry from November to April. In the Gulf of Thailand, on Koh Samui and in Hua Hin, it’s the other way around: rain in October–December and sunshine in summer. Bangkok and the north follow their own calendar. Here is how to pick a month for your goal.
Month-by-month calendar
| Month | Phuket and the Andaman | Samui and the Gulf | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Dry, calm sea | Dry, windy | Sailfish and marlin, golf, diving |
| February | Dry, flat calm | Dry | Peak big game, golf, Chiang Mai |
| March | Hot, flat calm | Dry | Trophy fishing, diving, check-up |
| April | The hottest month | Hot | Yellowfin tuna, Songkran on April 13–15 |
| May | Monsoon begins | Dry, hot | Detox on Samui, camps, lower prices |
| June | Monsoon, swell | Dry | GT in weather windows, surfing in Phuket |
| July | Monsoon | Dry | Muay Thai without the crowds, freshwater fishing |
| August | Monsoon | Dry | Samui, Khao Sok, check-up in Bangkok |
| September | The wettest month | Dry | Best prices on camps and villas |
| October | The sea calms down | Rains begin | Wahoo, the Similans open for diving on October 15 |
| November | Season starts | Rain | Big game, Loy Krathong, Chiang Mai |
| December | Dry, peak season | Rain | Sailfish, holidays: book early |
Seasons by goal
- Trophy fishing: November–April on the Andaman. During the monsoon, Phang Nga Bay and freshwater.
- Muay Thai and camps: year-round. March–April is hot; the monsoon brings fewer people and lower prices.
- Check-up in Bangkok: year-round. Over Songkran, many departments run reduced hours.
- Detox and retreats: Samui from January to September, Chiang Mai from November to February.
- Diving: the Andaman from November to April; the Similans are open from October 15 to May 15.
- Golf: November–February, when it’s cooler. In summer, people tee off early in the morning.
- Surfing: Phuket from May to October.
Not sure when to go? Send us your goal and free dates, and the concierge will suggest the best option within your window. Find a program.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best month for a first trip?
January–February: dry, a calm sea, and not as hot as April. Everything is open, but prices are higher, so book two to three months ahead.
Is it worth going in the rainy season?
Yes, if your goal is training, detox or a check-up. The rain usually comes in short bursts, and accommodation is 30–50% cheaper. For offshore fishing in the Andaman, it’s not the best time.
When is Thailand too hot?
In April and early May: up to 35 °C with high humidity. It’s best to train early in the morning and in the evening.
Prices and rules are based on public sources as of the update date and may change. This is not medical or legal advice.