Seasonal· Koh Similan (#8)· Thailand

SW Monsoon on the Similan–Surin Coast (May–Oct)

8° 39.9′ N · 97° 38.7′ E · approximate

From May to October the southwest monsoon brings heavy swell, squalls and few safe anchorages to the offshore islands and the west-facing Khao Lak coast.

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

Practical

Approx: shown at the Koh Similan anchorage. The Southeast Asia Pilot advises against cruising to and among the Similans in the SW monsoon. It says anchoring anywhere along the Khao Lak coast is appropriate only in the NE-monsoon high season, and that Thap Lamu's enclosed estuary is the all-weather refuge. The parks close about 16 May to 15 October. Sea Bees gives December to April as the best diving, and Wikivoyage names March as the calmest, clearest month.

Best for

Deciding when not to go

Season

May to October

Nearby