Seasonal· Koh Samui· Thailand
Gulf Northeast Monsoon Surges (Nov–Jan)
9° 30.0′ N · 100° 0.0′ E · approximate
From about November the northeast monsoon brings Samui its wettest, roughest weather: strong storms and rough seas on the exposed east and south coasts, while the Andaman side is at its best.
Practical
Southeast Asia Pilot: the NE monsoon (roughly November to February) brings strong storms and rough seas to Samui. Wikipedia: heaviest rain from mid-October to early December, with November the wettest month (about 445 mm) and February the driest (about 64 mm). The area file notes surges blowing 20-25 kn for days, strongest at night and in the morning. In a surge, move to the north-shore bays (Bangrak, Bophut, Maenam), which the Pilot rates the best sheltered in either monsoon; Chaweng, Lamai and Choeng Mon become untenable. Coordinate is Wikipedia's centre point for Koh Samui.
Best for
Choosing anchorages from November to January
Season
Nov-Jan (rain peaks mid-Oct to early Dec)
Nearby
- Gulf Typhoon / Tropical Storm Risk (Jun–Jan)Right here
- Samui Buffalo Fighting FestivalRight here
- Southwest Monsoon Sailing Season (May–Oct)Right here
- Secret Buddha Garden1.1 NM away
- Na Muang Waterfalls2.2 NM away
- Hin Lat Waterfall2.3 NM away
- Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk)3 NM away
- Bangkok Hospital Samui3.1 NM away