Best months
Jan-Feb
Worst month
September
Peak price
Dec-Jan
Best value
Nov + May
Rain days/Sep
18-22
Beach closures
Aug-Oct
Quick answer
Koh Phi Phi has two clear seasons:
- Dry season (November-April): blue sky, flat sea, top snorkeling, growing crowds, rising prices
- Monsoon (May-October): short rains early, longer late, sometimes rough sea, prices at lowest
Month-by-month synthesis
| Month | Score | Rains | Sea | Crowd | Prices | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5/5 | 0-2 days | Flat | Peak | More expensive | Ideal weather |
| February | 5/5 | 0-2 days | Flat | Peak + Chinese NY | More expensive | Ideal weather |
| March | 4/5 | 1-3 days | Calm | Moderate | Expensive | Very hot (33-35C) |
| April | 4/5 | 2-4 days | Calm | Moderate + Songkran | Expensive | Very hot (34-36C) |
| May | 3/5 | 5-8 days | Light swell | Low | Moderate-low | Monsoon starting |
| June | 3/5 | 8-12 days | Variable | Low | Low | Short rains |
| July | 2/5 | 12-15 days | Swell | Low | Variable | Confirmed monsoon |
| August | 2/5 | 15-18 days | Swell | Moderate (vacations) | Moderate | Closure risk |
| September | 1/5 | 18-22 days | Strong | Very low | Lowest | Avoid |
| October | 2/5 | 12-18 days | Variable | Low | Low | End of monsoon |
| November | 4/5 | 3-6 days | Calm | Growing | Moderate | Dry season returns |
| December | 5/5 | 0-3 days | Flat | Peak + Christmas/NY | Very expensive | Excellent weather but pack out |
Dry season (November-April)
Why we love it
Sky is blue 95% of the time, sea is flat, snorkeling is exceptional, no rain to dodge.
Crowd peaks
- Chinese New Year (end of January / early February)
- Christmas/New Year (December 22 - January 5)
- Songkran (April 13-15) — Thai New Year, festive but crazy boats traffic
Heat warning
March-April: temperature peaks at 36°C with high humidity. Concrete in Tonsai feels like an oven. Plan early morning excursions (7-10 AM), siesta 1-4 PM, evening swim.
Monsoon (May-October)
What "monsoon" really means
It's not rain 24/7. Even in September (the worst month), it rains 2-4 hours per day, then clears. The real issues:
- Sea swell: bigger waves = some excursions cancelled (especially Maya Bay, Bamboo Island)
- Visibility: snorkeling/diving murky compared to dry season
- Ferry cancellations: rare but possible August-October
- Hotel closures: some properties close September-October for maintenance
The hidden monsoon win
May-June and late October-early November = 40% lower prices, hotels half-empty, short rains, you have entire beaches to yourself sometimes. Worth it if you're flexible.
Visual: typical weather by month
Detailed monthly recommendations
Best for honeymoon → November or February (off Chinese NY)
Hotels still have romantic suites, weather perfect, fewer party crowds.
Best for diving → February-April
Maximum visibility, calm sea, warm water (28-29°C).
Best for budget → June or October
Hotels 30-40% cheaper, excursions discounted, you get the same beaches.
Best for families → December or January
Stable weather = no need to reschedule activities, kids enjoy without rain.
Best for solo backpackers → February or November
Vibrant beach bars, full hostels, social atmosphere.
Thai national holidays to anticipate
- Songkran: April 13-15 — water fights, lively but boats packed
- Chinese New Year: late Jan-early Feb — Chinese tourists peak
- Loy Krathong: November (variable) — beautiful but quiet
- Christmas/NY: Dec 22 - Jan 5 — peak Western tourism
Want a personalized recommendation based on YOUR dates? Write us on WhatsApp with your travel window — we tell you exactly what to expect that week.