The climate of Koh Chang
Koh Chang,
Thailand displays a characteristic Am or Tropical monsoon climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This climate type signifies rainfall during all months of the year, with a short dry season. Koh Chang is located in the eastern Gulf of Thailand and its proximity to the sea profoundly influences its climate.
Throughout the year, the temperatures on this tropical island range from lows of 20°C (68°F) during
January and
December to a warmer 24°C (75.2°F) in the month of
May. High temperatures display a similar pattern, consistently hovering around 31-32°C (-25.6°F) during the year. The degree of fluctuation in temperatures is quite minimal as is characteristic of tropical regions.
Rainfall however shows significant disparity, with drier periods experienced in the early months of the year and particularly from January to
April. The true monsoon effect is evident as the rain starts to increase from May onwards, reaching peak levels between
June and
October. The heaviest rainfall comes in
August with 687mm (27.05"), followed by 598mm (23.54") in June.
Daylight hours extend from a shorter 11.4 hours in December to the longest day length in June and
July of 12.8 hours. Correspondingly, sunshine hours follow a relatively cyclical pattern oscillating from 5 hours daily during the monsoon months to peak sunshine duration of 9 hours during January,
February and December.
Sea temperatures in Koh Chang follow a subtle fluctuating yearly cycle from 27.7°C (81.9°F) in January to a peak of 30.3°C (86.5°F) in May. The Ultraviolet (UV) index remains consistently high at 12 from February to October in spite of rainfall, posing a year-round moderate to high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
The best time to visit Koh Chang
Considering the climate patterns,
November to
February emerges as the best time to visit
Koh Chang. Though temperatures remain steady around 20-30°C (-22°F), rainfall considerably decreases from November onwards providing ideal weather conditions for outdoor activities. The sea temperature during this period is a comfortable 28.6°C (83.5°F) to 29.3°C (84.7°F) making it suitable for water activities.
The worst time to visit Koh Chang
The period from
June to
October presents a considerable challenge for travelers due to the heavy monsoon rainfalls. The heavy rain, combined with high temperatures, could make this period less hospitable for visitors. In particular, the month of
August, receiving the highest rainfall at 687mm (27.05"), could disrupt travel plans and outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Koh Chang
Spring in
Koh Chang from
March to
May sees a gradual rise in rainfall, starting from 59mm (2.32") in March to a significant 351mm (13.82") in May. Temperatures remain warm with highs of around 32°C (89.6°F) and lows of 21-24°C (-11.2°F).
Summer weather in Koh Chang
Summer, which runs from
June to
August, is characterized by the highest rainfall levels of the year. Despite the rain, the temperatures remain steadily high, around 30°C (86°F). The sea temperature peaks around this time too, averaging 29.9°C (85.8°F) to 30.3°C (86.5°F).
Autumn weather in Koh Chang
Autumn, from
September to
November, is a transitional period. Rainfall levels decline from the summer highs, yet temperatures retain the warmth of the preceding months.
Winter weather in Koh Chang
Winter, particularly from
December to
February, sees a drop in rainfall to below 60mm (2.36") and comparatively lower temperatures with lows around 21°C (69.8°F). The sunshine hours increase to 9 hours per day making it an ideal time to visit.
Weather in January
A fresh start to the New Year begins with a blend of warmth and drizzle in
Koh Chang,
Thailand.
January is a mild month with few rainfall days, thus making outdoor activities enjoyable without too many weather disruptions. The curious traveler will note the gradual increase in daytime temperature compared to the month prior, ushering in the steadily advancing warmth.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the year eases into the second month, the climate of
Koh Chang syncs rhythmically with this transition.
February presents a slightly warmer, drier weather spell, where travelers can lounge under the sun for a little longer than in
January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The advent of
March unveils a fluctuation in
Koh Chang's climatic symphony. The air is perceptibly getting hotter compared to the preceding month, but the pleasures of beach activities continue to remain at their peak. The excellent balance of sunlight and rain from
February progress into this month with minor variations.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
When
April makes its mark on the calendar,
Koh Chang embraces the most heated season of the year. Compared to
March, the change in temperature becomes more apparent, indicating the peak of the hot season. The levels of heat do not deter water-based activities, thanks to the warm sea temperature that persists from the previous month.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May rings in the bells for the rainy season in
Koh Chang. Compared to the preceding month, a drastic increase in rainfall takes center stage, indicating the wet season's full swing. With the heat persisting from
April, May ensures a natural sauna effect, suitable for visitors who enjoy high humidity.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June asserts a steady continuation on the weather patterns formed in
Koh Chang during
May. While the temperature remains relatively constant, the shift into Koh Chang's wettest month is simple to perceive. The sea, sustaining warmth from May, stays inviting to water enthusiasts.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Despite the calendar's progress,
July's climate in
Koh Chang seems to mirror the traits of
June. As the prior mid-year trends continue, Koh Chang experiences a dominant rainy scenario that doesn't fluctuate greatly in temperature.
Weather in July »Weather in August
While the calendar rolls into
August,
Koh Chang's weather continues to follow the
July pattern. The prominence of rainfall endured from July registers minor changes in temperature. The sea temperature starts its gradual descent after the peak in
May, but water-based activities remain unaffected.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September witnesses a subtle change in the weather patterns in
Koh Chang. While the rainfall days stay consistently high, there is a slight decline in rainfall from
August, signifying the gradual transition to the dry season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
October steps in,
Koh Chang starts breaking away from the robust rainy patterns dominant since
May. Temperature differences become more noticeable, as October starts edging into a cooler climate compared to
September. Sunshine hours increase, inviting more outdoor activities and explorations.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November signals a prominent shift in
Koh Chang's climatic patterns. With temperatures continuing their cooling trend from
October, rainfall significantly decreases, indicating the dry season's onset. The lengthening daylight hours invite longer outdoor experiences.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings a festive mood, complemented by the pleasant weather in
Koh Chang. It signifies a transition into comfortable temperatures from
November and a welcoming reduction in rainfall. Sunshine dominates the scene as daylight hours lengthen, making outdoor activities even more appealing.
Weather in December » [Resources]