Koh Samui in February: Weather, Season and What to Do

Is Koh Samui worth visiting in February? Few months are more reliable: February is statistically the driest month of the year, with calm seas and great underwater visibility. The trade-off is that it's also the most in-demand month of peak season — book late and you'll pay for it.

At a glance

Weather in February

With an average of only around 4 rain days and roughly 60mm of rainfall, February is the driest month of the year on Koh Samui — noticeably drier than January and sunnier too, with around 8 hours of sunshine a day. The sea around the island is usually calm, with wind rarely a factor. That makes it the most reliable month for boat trips and the best time for clear visibility while snorkelling and diving. For more on the overall climate pattern, see our article Koh Samui weather and the truth about the rainy season.

What you can do in February – and what you can't

Few months suit a snorkelling trip to Pig Island (Koh Madsum) and the neighbouring reef at Koh Tan better — calm seas mean good visibility and little swell:

from 1,450 THBPig Island Snorkeling Koh Madsum & Koh Tan Speed Boat Economy Tour★★★★★4.79 from 283 reviews

Valentine's Day, 14 February, falls on a Sunday in 2027 — exactly one of the two days the romantic sunset sailing tour with dinner buffet runs:

from 2,150 THBRomantic sunset sailing boat tour - Coastline Koh Samui with Buffet★★★★★5.00 from 5 reviews

Ang Thong National Park is also open throughout February and runs especially reliably thanks to the calm sea — cancellations for wind or swell are the exception this month. If a shower does get in the way, a temple visit, a shopping mall or a night market are good backup plans — more ideas in our Top 10 rainy day activities.

Because February is the most in-demand month of peak season, it's worth booking boat trips and restaurant tables before you arrive rather than on the island — popular slots like the morning Ang Thong tour or window seats on the sunset cruise sell out early on good days. If you want to dodge the biggest crowds, plan excursions on weekdays rather than weekends, when day-trippers from Bangkok and the neighbouring islands add to the numbers.

Festivals and events in February

Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, 6 February 2027. On Koh Samui, the Chinese temple in Maenam in the north of the island is a good spot, with a parade, traditional dance and food stalls; the Guan Yu shrine in Hua Thanon also turns into a colourful street festival. Book accommodation for this period early, as the island fills up.

On 21 February 2027 comes Makha Bucha Day, one of the most important Buddhist holidays — a nationwide 24-hour alcohol sales ban applies at supermarkets, convenience stores and most shops, with a substitute holiday on Monday, 22 February. Oddly enough, the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan is also calculated to fall on that exact Sunday in 2027; since organisers sometimes shift the date by a day around religious holidays, double-check the exact date closer to your trip. More on both dates and other festivals in our Top 10 events in Thailand.

Fruit in season

February marks the start of mango season, which runs through July and really picks up in March. Watermelon also enters its main season now, lasting until May, and the larger summer pineapple harvest begins. If you're still after cantaloupe melon from January's main harvest, it's also still around on the markets. More in our Top 10 fruits in Thailand.

Frequently asked questions

Does it rain a lot on Koh Samui in February?

No, less than in any other month: on average only around 4 rain days and about 60mm of rainfall. Most of the time it stays sunny and dry.

Is February a good time to visit Koh Samui?

Yes, climate-wise it's the most reliable month of the year — dry, sunny, calm seas. The downside is that it's also the most in-demand month of peak season, so book early.

Why is there no alcohol on Chinese New Year and Makha Bucha?

Makha Bucha Day (21 February in 2027) is a nationwide Buddhist holiday with a legal 24-hour alcohol sales ban in shops; hotel bars and restaurants are usually exempt. Chinese New Year itself carries no such ban, but on Koh Samui it's mainly celebrated as a family and temple festival.

How warm is the sea on Koh Samui in February?

Around 28°C on average — comfortable for swimming, and among the best visibility of the year for snorkelling and diving.

See what comes next in March, the warmest month of peak season; before that, the sea was already calm in January. For the full-year overview, read The best time to visit Koh Samui, and for every festival across the year, see our Top 10 events in Thailand.