What is the best time to visit the island of Koh Samui? When exactly is high season and low season? The island of Koh Samui, in the Gulf of Thailand, famously has its own microclimate, and its seasons differ quite a bit from other places on Thailand's west coast, such as Phuket or Krabi.
Basically, Koh Samui is a destination you can visit all year round. The period from late December to the end of April is generally the busiest, even though April is considered the hottest month of the year! This period is referred to as high season (Peak and High Season) and, according to statistics, only sees around 5 rainy days per month. That simply means it can rain, but usually only for a few minutes before the sun comes back out in full force.
During high season, many visitors come to Koh Samui, and hotels as well as scooter rental companies raise their prices during this time. This is the perfect season if you want to spend Christmas in a tropical setting and don't mind that plenty of other visitors are doing exactly the same.
From May to July the first low season begins, and in August we get a smallhigh season, the so-called "Big Season". Since the main high season is over by these months, island life is generally calmer, but temperatures are still very warm. There are occasional rain showers, but most of the time you'll be treated to plenty of sunshine.
After August, the second low season (Very Low Season) begins and lasts from September until the end of December. During this time, to be precise from mid-October to mid-December is the rainy season, when most of the annual rainfall on Koh Samui occurs. Rain showers can last longer than the usual one-hour showers typical of Southeast Asia. But don't worry! Rainy season doesn't mean it rains the whole time, just a bit more than in the other seasons.
Bottom line: despite the rainy season, a trip to Koh Samui during this period, which travel agencies like to call the green season because the whole landscape is in bloom, is still well worth it. Accommodation prices are also much cheaper during this low season, and you can score some great one-off discounts.
The best tours on Koh Samui Explore now
