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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). Note that Maya Bay closes every year from August 1 to September 30 for national park recovery, and October is still peak monsoon. The rest of the year, short closures of a few days remain possible during heavy swell.
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.
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: 10-30% of days closed
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.
We can recommend a specific date according to your priorities — tell her your budget, your profile, your dreams, she'll arrange it for you.
In pictures
Everything you want to know
No. Maya Bay was closed from 2018 to 2022 for regeneration. Since 2022, it has been open with regulated access (no anchorage, limited number of visitors, compulsory entry fee). It is not planned to close again.
