Seasonal· Koh Samui· Thailand

Southwest Monsoon Sailing Season (May–Oct)

9° 30.0′ N · 100° 0.0′ E · approximate

While the Andaman coast takes the southwest monsoon head-on, Samui sits in its lee: the SW season here is calmer and drier, and July to September often brings the island's finest days.

Phuket & Phang Nga BayKoh Lanta to Koh LipeKoh Samui & the Gulf of Thailand

Practical

Southeast Asia Pilot: the SW monsoon (roughly May to October) is calmer in the Gulf than on the Andaman coast, with less rain, and July to September are often Samui's finest days. Expect afternoon squalls. West-facing anchorages (Nathon, Nasai, Taling Ngam) become exposed, so favour the north and east coasts and the east sides of the Ang Thong islands. The Gulf tide is mainly diurnal, with one high water a day. The Samui Regatta is held in late May.

Best for

Picking the season to cruise the Gulf

Season

May-Oct, best Jul-Sep

Nearby