Season by season
Cool & dry season
From roughly November to February the north-east monsoon brings dry air, blue skies and flat seas to the Andaman coast. This is peak season for island-hopping and climbing, with the highest prices and the busiest beaches around Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year.
Hot season
March and April are still mostly dry but hot and humid, with afternoon temperatures in the mid-30s. The sea is at its calmest and clearest; climb early or late and choose shaded walls. Thai New Year (Songkran) in mid-April is a lively time to be in town.
Rainy season & sea conditions
The south-west monsoon arrives around May and lasts until October, with September and October usually the wettest. Expect heavy showers, rougher crossings, occasional cancellations and seasonal closures such as Maya Bay. Mangrove kayaking, inland trips and sheltered climbing carry on.
Month by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°C | 24°C | 35 mm | Very busy |
| February | 33°C | 24°C | 25 mm | Very busy |
| March | 33°C | 25°C | 70 mm | Very busy |
| April | 33°C | 25°C | 150 mm | Busy |
| May | 32°C | 25°C | 290 mm | Quiet |
| June | 32°C | 25°C | 260 mm | Quiet |
| July | 31°C | 25°C | 260 mm | Busy |
| August | 31°C | 25°C | 290 mm | Busy |
| September | 31°C | 24°C | 380 mm | Quiet |
| October | 31°C | 24°C | 320 mm | Quiet |
| November | 31°C | 24°C | 180 mm | Busy |
| December | 31°C | 24°C | 70 mm | Very busy |
Temperatures and rainfall are approximate long-term averages for the nearest weather station; individual years vary, and mountain areas are cooler than the figures shown.
Festivals & events
- February: Chinese New Year brings lion dances and crowds; book boats and rooms early.
- April: Songkran, Thai New Year, is celebrated with water fights in Ao Nang and Krabi Town around 13–15 April.
- October: The Vegetarian Festival is observed at Chinese shrines in Krabi Town with processions and meat-free food stalls.
- November: Loy Krathong, when candle-lit floats are released on rivers and beaches at full moon.
- November–December: The Krabi Boek Fa Andaman festival traditionally opens the high season with parades and water-sports events.
Our advice
For the best balance of weather, sea conditions and prices, aim for late November to mid-December or February to early April. If you can only come between May and October, base yourself in Ao Nang rather than Railay, keep boat days flexible and build your trip around climbing, kayaking and the inland sights. Our Thailand seasons guide explains why the Gulf islands are often drier when the Andaman is wet.
