best time to visit
thailand

january is one of the best months to visit thailand's andaman coast. the dry season is in full swing, bringing blue skies, warm sunshine and generally calm seas around phuket and the surrounding islands. it's a brilliant time to explore koh phi phi, koh lanta and the similan islands, where conditions are excellent for boat trips, snorkelling and beach days. it's also a great choice for first-time solo gals who want reliable weather and plenty of other travellers around. the only catch? everyone else has the same idea, so expect busier beaches and higher prices. our advice? get those dates booked early!!

february is one of our favourite months for island hopping in thailand, and honestly, we can see why!! the dry season is well established, with hot, sunny days, calm seas and very little rain around phuket and the andaman islands. koh phi phi, koh lanta and the similan islands are all looking gorgeous, with excellent conditions for snorkelling, diving and boat trips. it's still a popular time to visit, although things can feel a little less hectic than the christmas and january rush. pack your favourite swimsuits and get ready for some seriously dreamy beach days!!

march is a brilliant month for thailand if you're dreaming of sunshine and island adventures. temperatures start to climb, but the andaman coast generally stays dry, making it a lovely time to explore phuket, koh phi phi, koh lanta and koh lipe. the seas are still generally good for boat trips and snorkelling, although the midday heat is starting to make itself known!! it's usually a little quieter than january and february too, which means more room on the beach and potentially better prices. our tip? get out exploring in the morning, save the hottest hours for a swim or a lazy lunch, and pack plenty of high spf.

april is one of the hottest months in thailand, with temperatures often reaching 33–35°c, but there's a pretty brilliant reason to visit: songkran!! taking place from 13–15 april, thailand's new year water festival turns the streets into one giant, joyful water fight. phuket gets involved too, with everyone from grandmas to toddlers armed with buckets and water guns. it's also generally still a good time for beach days around the andaman coast, with koh phi phi, koh lanta and koh lipe all worth considering, particularly earlier in the month. if you love a lively atmosphere and don't mind the heat, april can be a really special time to visit. just keep your phone in a waterproof pouch!!

may marks the start of the wetter season on thailand's andaman coast. showers become more frequent around phuket, koh phi phi and koh lanta, and the sea can become less predictable as the month goes on. over on the gulf coast, koh samui, koh phangan and koh tao generally enjoy better weather, making them a great alternative for beach days, diving and island adventures. you'll also find fewer crowds, greener scenery and better-value stays. it's not a guarantee of sunshine, but if you're visiting thailand in may, we'd be looking towards the gulf!!

june is a lovely time to explore thailand's gulf islands, particularly koh samui, koh phangan and koh tao. while the andaman coast, including phuket, koh phi phi and koh lanta, is into its monsoon season, the gulf generally enjoys drier weather, warm seas and plenty of opportunities for beach days. koh tao is especially worth considering if diving and snorkelling are on your wish list. it's also a quieter time to visit than the peak winter months, so you can enjoy a slower island pace. if you're dreaming of thailand in june, we'd be heading towards the gulf!!

july is a great month to head to thailand's gulf islands, where koh samui, koh phangan and koh tao are generally drier than the west coast, with warm seas and plenty of sunshine between showers. it's a lovely time for beach days, diving and exploring at a slower pace, without the crowds of peak season. over on the andaman coast, including phuket, koh phi phi and koh lanta, the south-west monsoon is in full swing, bringing more frequent rain and rougher seas that can affect island hopping. that's why we don't currently schedule andaman departures this month. if you're set on thailand in july, we'd point you towards the gulf!!

august is another good month to explore thailand's gulf islands, with koh samui, koh phangan and koh tao generally enjoying better weather than the andaman coast. expect warm temperatures, sunny spells and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beaches, although the odd shower is still possible. over on the west coast, the south-west monsoon continues to bring frequent rain and rougher seas around phuket, koh phi phi and koh lanta, so it's not the best time for island hopping there. we don't currently schedule andaman departures this month, so if thailand is on your august wish list, we'd look towards the gulf. think laid-back beach days, gorgeous food and a slower island pace!!

september is generally the wettest month of the year on thailand's andaman coast, with frequent heavy rain and some of the roughest sea conditions of the year. phuket, koh phi phi, koh lanta and koh lipe aren't at their best for a trip built around boat days and island hopping. the gulf islands, particularly koh samui, koh phangan and koh tao, can still be a better option, especially earlier in the month, although showers are possible there too. the upside? fewer crowds, lower prices and beautifully green scenery. if sunshine and reliable beach weather are top of your list, we'd choose another month!!

october is a bit of a transition month in thailand, particularly around phuket, where the rainy season is gradually coming to an end. the first half can still bring plenty of showers and rough seas, but conditions generally start improving as the month goes on. towards the end of the month, phuket, koh phi phi and koh lanta start becoming more appealing for island hopping again, although the weather can still be unpredictable. it's also when phuket's famous vegetarian festival takes place, with street processions, firecrackers and some pretty striking rituals. it's fascinating, a little intense and definitely not for everyone, but it's an experience you won't forget!!

november is when the dry season starts returning to thailand's andaman coast, making it a lovely shoulder-season option. the first part of the month can still be a little showery, but conditions generally improve as the weeks go on, bringing more sunshine and calmer seas around phuket, koh phi phi and koh lanta. koh lipe is also a gorgeous option as the season gets underway, with its clear water and beautiful beaches. it's a little quieter than the christmas and new year rush, so you can enjoy the islands without quite so many people around. loy krathong usually takes place this month too, with candlelit floating baskets lighting up rivers and lagoons. if you want good beach weather before peak season prices arrive, late november is a great time to look at!!

december is one of the best months to visit thailand's andaman coast, with the dry season properly underway and conditions looking pretty dreamy. phuket, koh phi phi, koh lanta and koh lipe are all brilliant choices, with plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures and generally calmer seas. it's a fantastic time for island hopping, snorkelling and exploring the beaches, and the similan islands also reopen for the season, making this a great time to visit if diving is on your wish list. there's also a lovely festive buzz as christmas and new year approach. the only downside? it's one of the busiest and most expensive months of the year, so you'll be sharing those gorgeous beaches with plenty of other travellers. if you're dreaming of a sunny winter escape with the gals, december is a brilliant choice!!