The Best Time to Visit Koh Samui Thailand And When I Would Go Again (2026)

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned the hard way is that “dry season” doesn’t mean the same thing everywhere in the country. 

It’s not like all of Thailand follows the same schedule! There are big differences between Northern Thailand, the southern islands, and the Gulf islands, which Koh Samui is a part of.

I’ve been to Thailand multiple times now, all during different times of the year, so I’ve really felt the differences between the rainy season, dry season, and shoulder season. 

On my most recent trip, I visited in December, which is the dry season in Koh Samui. In my opinion, it’s the absolute best time to visit. In this little guide on the best time to visit Koh Samui, I want to tell you all about why that is and break down the differences between the months you could pick.

The Best Time To Visit Koh Samui? My Quick Answer

I know some of you don’t love reading a whole long article (guilty!), so I’ll give you a quick summary of the different seasons here.

The dry season in Koh Samui usually runs from December to April, and the wet season is typically October and November. Then you have the summer, May until August, which is roughly the shoulder season, but also happens to be the hottest and most humid time of the year!

I was actually just in Koh Samui this past December, and even though it’s supposed to be the “dry season,” I honestly had quite a bit of rain myself. It definitely killed the vibe a little bit! So, even though December is officially the dry season, I would personally recommend aiming for a timeframe more around February until May.

You’re much more likely to get some perfect weather then, and the later in the year you go, the less tourism you’ll usually run into. 

December was honestly crazy busy andI think everyone and their mom decides to head to Thailand for the holidays (Christmas and New Years)!

Why I Loved Shoulder Season in Koh Samui the Most

I’ve been to Koh Samui twice now, and the contrast between my trips was honestly huge. I visited just recently in December, and before that, I was here about four years ago in April. Even though that first trip was a while ago, I still remember April being much better and after my last experience, I’m sticking to that!

On my most recent trip with my family, we stayed for almost two weeks, and we actually had quite a few rainy days. I think out of the 14 days, we had about 4 or 5 that were pretty rainy, which was such a bummer for a beach vacation. On top of the weather not cooperating, the island was so busy and pretty expensive too, since everyone flocks to Thailand for the December holidays.

When I visited in April, though, which is the shoulder season, it was a completely different vibe:

• Better for the budget: Hotels were way cheaper.
• More breathing room: There were far fewer tourists.
• Better weather: It was actually sunnier and drier than my “dry season” December trip!

Honestly, when it comes to Samui, I will most likely come back in the shoulder season (around springtime) over December any day. 

I know I’ve seen a lot of people on the internet recommending February as a great time to visit, and I’m sure the weather is good then, too. But from what I’ve seen, February is still a massive tourist magnet. For me, that’s why April is probably my favorite time to visit Koh Samui, it’s that perfect sweet spot of great weather and actual peace and quiet.

Dry Season in Koh Samui (December until March)

The dry season (peak season or high season) in Koh Samui officially runs from December until roughly March, but as I learned the hard way, mother nature doesn’t always check the calendar! 

This can definitely change from year to year. For instance, I visited this past December and the monsoon season definitely dragged its feet, which meant I had quite a few rainy days. It didn’t ruin my family vacation, but to be honest, it was a bit of a bummer.

If you’re asking me, I honestly wouldn’t recommend a holiday here around Christmas at all. Even if the weather decides to play nice, it is so expensive. I think I almost paid double the price for the same hotel room I could’ve got in March or April!

On top of the prices, it’s super crowded. It felt like every Australian and Russian tourist had the same idea to spend their Christmas holidays on the island. I

If I had to pick a time to visit during the “official” dry season, I would definitely go for February or March. The chances of actual sunshine are way higher, and most of the holiday crowds have finally cleared out.

Rainy Season or Wet Season in Koh Samui (I Would Never Visit At This Time Of The Year)

The wet season in Koh Samui, or the monsoon season, as most call it, happens right before the dry season starts. It’s roughly October and November, but like I’ve mentioned, it can definitely drag into December. That’s exactly what happened to me on my last trip!

Unfortunately, there isn’t much to do in Koh Samui when it rains. Even just an overcast day kinda killed the vibe for me. Everything I wanted to do, sipping cocktails with a view, lounging by the beach or the pool, renting a jet ski, those are all “sunshine activities.” 

I’m just going to be super direct here: don’t even think about visiting during this time of year. I personally would never visit Koh Samui during the monsoon; there’s just no reason for it. 

But, if you really want to visit Thailand during those months, I’d tell you to head to Northern Thailand instead of the islands. It’s way more cultural with all the temples and amazing food, and the weather is usually much better there at that time.

I honestly loved Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and I feel like I could still enjoy them even without perfect beach weather.

Shoulder Season in Koh Samui Thailand (This is When I Would Visit Again)

The shoulder season in Koh Samui, and the other Gulf islands like Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, runs from roughly April until the monsoon season starts picking up, usually in late August or September.

I personally think the beginning of the shoulder season is the absolute best time to visit. I’m talking about March, April, or May. I always try to visit outside of the major school holidays, so as to avoid the Christmas rush or the Easter/Spring break madness, just because the crowds are so much thinner.

During the shoulder season, Koh Samui is also significantly cheaper than in high season. And I mean everything: hotels, flights, the lot. It’s way more affordable, and the best part is that the weather at this time of year is usually still great! It gets a bit more humid, sure, but overall I think it’s worth it.

I’ve actually been thinking about heading back to Thailand again next year, and if I do, it will definitely be during the springtime. I just don’t see the point in paying double for the same hotel room just to lay on a beach with ten times as many people, it makes zero sense to me!

FAQs About When to Visit Koh Samui Thailand

Is Koh Samui Expensive? 

I have to say, my recent visit to Koh Samui was definitely much more expensive than what I paid four years ago. It’s clearly gotten pricier over time, and I also felt like Koh Samui was more expensive than many other parts of Thailand. So yes, I’d definitely say Koh Samui has become quite a bit more expensive!

Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting? 

Honestly, it depends on what you’re after. If you want an authentic backpacking adventure or a “castaway” type island experience, then no, this probably isn’t the spot for you. 

However, I personally went there recently for a fun family resort vacation, and for that, it was absolutely perfect.

Should I visit Koh Samui in November? 

I would never visit Koh Samui in November. It’s peak monsoon season, and if you get unlucky, it could literally rain the entire time you’re there. It’s just too much of a gamble for a beach holiday.

What is the best month to visit Koh Samui? 

I’d say anywhere between February and May, which covers the late dry season and the start of the shoulder season. Whenever I come back to Koh Samui, that’s exactly when I’ll be visiting. I’ll also make sure to go outside of any school holidays to keep hotel prices down and avoid the massive crowds.

Final Thoughts on Koh Samui Best Time To Visit

I’ll wrap this up quickly: as I’ve mentioned a few times now, I think the sweet spot is that window between the late dry season and early shoulder season. For me, February to May is the perfect time to visit.

I totally get that some of you have to travel during school holidays because you have kids, I see you! 

But if I were choosing for myself again, I’d be aiming for that springtime window and avoiding the holiday rushes. From what I’ve seen, flight and hotel prices change drastically depending on the month, and I’d much rather spend that extra money on a few more cocktails by the pool!

Check Out My Other Koh Samui Guides

Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

How to Get to Koh Samui: The Easiest Ways to get there

Best Time to Visit Koh Samui: When I Would Come Again

Koh Tao vs Koh Samui: Which One Do I Like Better