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From November to mid-April: dry season, calm sea, optimal underwater visibility. The golden months are January and February (clear skies, little rain, manageable crowds). Please note: Maya Bay closes every year from August 1 to September 30 for the regeneration of the national park, and October remains in full monsoon. The rest of the year, occasional closures of a few days are possible in the event of strong swells.
Short answer
Period
Note
For what
January-February
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ideal: sun, 0 rain, flat sea, 28°C
March-April
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very hot (33-35°C), always dry, calm sea
November-December
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Season starting, very good
May-June
⭐⭐⭐
Early monsoon, short rains, cheaper hotels
July
⭐⭐
Monsoon confirmed, swell possible
August-October
⭐
Rough seas, possible closures, to avoid
Season by season detail
Dry season (November → April) — recommended
Weather: 0 to 3 rainy days/month, dominant sun, 28-33°C
Sea: almost flat, underwater visibility 15-25 m
Affluence: high (January, February = peak) but absorbed by quotas
Price: high season = hotels 20-40% more expensive than in May
Maya Bay access: open almost every day
This is the season when 90% of our excursions take place. If you have a choice, come here. For details of the 2026 access rules (quota, price, swimming, closure), see our complete guide to the reopening of Maya Bay.
Hot-dry (March-April)
Weather: 34-36°C, high humidity, rarely rain
Sea: still very calm
Affluence: Chinese New Year (February-early March) then Songkran (mid-April) = peaks
Nuance: avoid Songkran week (April 13-15) if you don't like national water fights
Off-season (May-June)
Weather: 1 day of rain in 3, short thunderstorms (30 min), then sunshine
Sea: still passable, slight swell possible in the afternoon
Crowd: hollow, few people, good vibe
Price: hotels -30 to -40%
Advantage: the best quality-price/peace ratio
We like this period for savvy travelers who are willing to miss 1-2 days out of 10.
Monsoon (July-October) — not recommended for Maya Bay
Weather: 1 day of rain in 2, frequent storms
Sea: significant swell, up to 2-3 m
Maya Bay access: completely closed from August 1 to September 30 (annual conservation closure); frequent closed days also in July and October depending on the swell
Our recommendations: avoid Maya Bay this period, or allow 4-5 buffer days to try again
If you come in the European summer and want the islands, opt for Koh Samui / Koh Tao (Gulf of Thailand, reversed season).
The trap of false advice
❌ “Come in September to avoid the crowds” → Yes but you risk never seeing Maya Bay.
❌ “August is the right time!” → This is THE worst for the Andaman Sea.
✅ “November to early April” → Solid advice.
Our Verdict
January if you want the perfect combo and accept the crowds.
Mid-November or mid-April if you want the happy medium (price OK, fewer crowds, very good weather).
May-June if you are flexible and looking for a good deal.
Avoid August-October if Maya Bay is a priority (total closure from August 1 to September 30).
We can recommend a specific date according to your priorities — tell her your budget, your profile, your dreams, she'll arrange that for you.
In pictures
Everything you want to know
It is open, but with an annual closure from August 1 to September 30 (conservation, national park). It was also closed continuously from 2018 to 2022 for regeneration; since 2022 access has been regulated (no anchorage, quota of 300 visitors, compulsory entry fee). No permanent re-closure is planned.
