The climate of Ko Samui
Ko Samui, a tropical haven located in the Gulf of
Thailand, is classified under the Köppen climate system as a tropical rainforest climate. This type of climate is characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year. This island experiences a hardly noticeable annual temperature variation, with an average high temperature ranging from 29°C (84.2°F) in
January and
November to 32.6°C (90.7°F) in
April. The average low temperature varies between 24.1°C (75.4°F) in November and 26.1°C (79°F) in April.
Relative humidity remains high throughout the year, averaging from 78% in
July,
August, and
September, to a noticeable peak of 85% in
October and November. Sea temperatures remain fairly constant from 27.8°C (82°F) in January to a slightly warmer 30.1°C (86.2°F) in
May. These warm temperatures make Ko Samui a perfect beach destination at any time of the year. Daylight hours show a slight increase from 11.6 in January and
December to a peak of 12.7 in
June.
Regarding rainfall, there is a significant difference throughout the year. Drier months like
February offer about 54mm (2.13") of rainfall, whereas November shows a stark contrast with a heavy downpour of approximately 507mm (19.96"). Correspondingly, the number of rainy days ranges from 4 to 5 days in February and
March to a high of 20 days in October and November.
The best time to visit Ko Samui
Given the climate characteristics of
Ko Samui, the best time to visit would be during the drier months of
February and
March. During this period, visitors can expect less rainfall, approximately 54mm (2.13") and 81mm (3.19") respectively, and fewer rainy days. The number of sunshine hours sits at a higher-scale of 8-9 hours per day, and the UV index reaches its top level at 12. This makes for excellent weather conditions for sunbathing and exploring the natural beauty of the island.
The worst time to visit Ko Samui
Conversely, the worst time to make a visit to
Ko Samui would be in
November due to the highest rainfall amount of 507mm (19.96") and the considerable number of rainy days reaching up to 20. Despite the warm sea temperature of 29.2°C (84.6°F), the high relative humidity of 85% combined with substantial rain might make outdoor activities and exploration less enjoyable.
Spring weather in Ko Samui
Spring in
Ko Samui, constitutes of the months from
March to
May, and exhibits increasing temperatures. Average high temperatures climb from 30.6°C (87.1°F) to 32.6°C (90.7°F), while the average low hovers between 25.6°C (78.1°F) and 25.7°C (78.3°F). March records less rainfall of 81mm (3.19"), whilst May sees a significant increase up to 156mm (6.14"). The sea warms up gradually from 28.8°C (83.8°F) to 30.1°C (86.2°F), and daylight extends from 12.1 hours to 12.6 hours.
Summer weather in Ko Samui
The summer months of
June,
July, and
August, illustrate relatively stable temperatures, with the average highs oscillating between 32.5°C (90.5°F) and 32.1°C (89.8°F) and average lows from 25.7°C (78.3°F) to 25.2°C (77.4°F). The monthly rainfall ranges from 124mm (4.88") in June to 111mm (4.37") in August. Sea temperature remains steady at 29.8°C (85.6°F), with a slight reduction in the hours of daylight from 12.7 in June to 12.4 in August.
Autumn weather in Ko Samui
In autumn, encompassing
September to
November, temperatures slightly decrease, averaging from 30.5°C (86.9°F) to 29.2°C (84.6°F) for highs and 24.8°C (76.6°F) to 24.1°C (75.4°F) for lows. Rainfall soars, especially in November when it reaches a whopping 507mm (19.96"). Correspondingly, the number of rainy days increases to 20 in
October and November. Despite this, the sea temperature remains quite stable at around 29.2°C (84.6°F) to 29.3°C (84.7°F).
Winter weather in Ko Samui
Winter in
Ko Samui is from
December to
February and is generally warmer with average high temperatures ranging from 32°C (89.6°F) in December to 29.4°C (84.9°F) in February. The lowest temperature averages around 24°C (75.2°F) throughout this period. Rainfall decreases dramatically during winter, with December recording 210mm (8.27") descending to 54mm (2.13") in February. Simultaneously, the sea temperature drops slightly to 28.2°C (82.8°F) in December, though it measures up to 28.1°C (82.6°F) by February.
Weather in January
January receives 86mm (3.39") of rain, making it one of the driest months in the year for
Ko Samui,
Thailand. With these weather conditions, tourists find this month perfect for their travel plans. The cool sea breeze adds a layer of comfort to the prevailing weather.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Ko Samui,
Thailand, marks a transition between the drier months and the upcoming wetter period. Relative to
January, it is a bit drier with 54mm (2.13") of rain. Visitors can enjoy the beach under sunshine for a longer duration, a trait that carries over to the following month.
Weather in February » Weather in March
In
Ko Samui,
Thailand, the arrival of
March brings a significant shift in the weather. Although similar to
February, more rainfall can be observed with an accumulation of 81mm (3.19") over the month. Although there's an increase in rainfall, the quantity of sunny days remains fairly constant.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Weather in
Ko Samui,
Thailand, during
April is characterized by a drastic increase in rainfall from 81mm (3.19") to 83mm (3.27") compared to
March. This is a month where the region transitions into monsoon season. Despite the mounting rainfall, the number of sunny days remains unaffected, keeping the beach a popular attraction.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Ko Samui,
Thailand, sees
May as a month featuring the year's first significant jump in rainfall to 156mm (6.14"). The pre-monsoon showers lead to a more comfortable and enjoyable climate in the region. The sea remains warm and inviting despite the uptick in rainfall.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June's weather in
Ko Samui,
Thailand, fluctuates noticeably from
May. A decrease in rain from 156mm (6.14") to 124mm (4.88") means that showers are still frequent but not as heavy. The temperature peaks to its highest, which blends with unique summer rainfall.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Ko Samui,
Thailand, remains reasonably stable with no drastic changes. The rainfall stays relatively constant around 116mm (4.57"), slightly less than
June. Despite the monsoon, an equal amount of sunny and rainy days persists.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Ko Samui,
Thailand, mirrors the weather patterns of
July. With the drop in rainfall to 111mm (4.37"), it is one of the more moderate months during monsoon. The sea temperature begins to drop, yet it remains comfortable for beachgoers.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The weather in
Ko Samui,
Thailand, in
September can be characterized by a slight rise in rainfall to 122mm (4.8") relative to
August. This month acts as a link between the rainy season and the impending drier period. Beaches retain their charm with sea temperature and daylight hours holding steady.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Ko Samui,
Thailand, stands out as the month with the most rainfall at 310mm (12.2"). This massive increase in rainfall signifies the height of the monsoon season. Despite the heavy showers, the city's beauty remains undiluted.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Ko Samui,
Thailand, in
November experiences the year's highest amount of rainfall measuring 507mm (19.96"). This exceptional volume of rain signifies the peak of the monsoon season. The main highlights are the lush greenery and fresh atmosphere that these showers bring along.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Ko Samui,
Thailand, explains a significant decrease in rainfall to 210mm (8.27") from
November. The dense monsoon clouds start to clear up spelling out a shift towards drier months. Temperatures remain steady, promising comfortable holiday weather.
Weather in December » [Resources]