Thailand (Koh Chang)
Thailand · Asia
The best time to visit Thailand (Koh Chang) is January, February, November, and December. In summer, daytime highs average 33°C (91°F), with peaks around 35°C (95°F); in winter, nights average 23°C (73°F), dropping to around 18°C (64°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 9 hours per day — ideal for beach and outdoor activities.
Thailand (Koh Chang) – What you should know
Koh Chang lies in the Gulf of Thailand near the Cambodian border, around five to six hours from Bangkok by road and ferry, and is part of a marine national park. The island has a pronounced monsoon climate: from November to February is the dry season, with daytime highs averaging around 32°C (90°F), 2 to 8 rain days a month and 7 to 8 hours of sunshine. December has the least rain at about 15 mm (0.6 in), and the coldest nights bring around 18°C (64°F).
From May to October is the rainy season, and here it is markedly heavier than on Koh Samui or Phuket. About 765 mm (30.1 in) falls on 26 days in July and 745 mm (29.3 in) in September, with the sun breaking through for only 4 to 5 hours a day. The sea is still bath-warm at 29–31°C (84–88°F), but waves and rain make beaches and boat trips unpredictable. Some bungalow resorts and restaurants close during this time, and the ferries from Laem Ngop run less often.
Because of the different monsoon direction, Koh Chang has a different season from Koh Samui (main rains October to December) and is closer to Phuket with its summer monsoon — just considerably wetter. The island has dense jungle, waterfalls such as Than Mayom and Klong Plu, sunset beaches such as White Sand Beach and Kai Bae, and snorkelling around Koh Rang and Koh Wai. March and April are the hottest at 32–33°C (90–91°F), but rain days are already increasing, to around 13 in April.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 32° (90°)28– (82–)34 (93) | 32° (90°)28– (82–)34 (93) | 32° (90°)29– (84–)34 (93) | 33° (91°)30– (86–)35 (95) | 32° (90°)28– (82–)34 (93) | 31° (88°)27– (81–)33 (91) | 31° (88°)27– (81–)32 (90) | 31° (88°)28– (82–)32 (90) | 31° (88°)27– (81–)33 (91) | 32° (90°)28– (82–)34 (93) | 33° (91°)29– (84–)34 (93) | 32° (90°)27– (81–)35 (95) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 23° (73°)18– (64–)25 (77) | 24° (75°)21– (70–)25 (77) | 25° (77°)22– (72–)26 (79) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)27 (81) | 26° (79°)24– (75–)27 (81) | 26° (79°)24– (75–)27 (81) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)27 (81) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)27 (81) | 25° (77°)23– (73–)26 (79) | 25° (77°)23– (73–)26 (79) | 25° (77°)21– (70–)26 (79) | 23° (73°)18– (64–)25 (77) |
☀️Sunshine | 9h UV 8 | 9h UV 9 | 9h UV 9 | 9h UV 9 | 7h UV 8 | 5h UV 7 | 5h UV 7 | 5h UV 7 | 5h UV 7 | 6h UV 7 | 8h UV 8 | 8h UV 8 |
🌊Water Temp | 28° (82°) | 29° (84°) | 30° (86°) | 31° (88°) | 31° (88°) | 31° (88°) | 30° (86°) | 30° (86°) | 30° (86°) | 30° (86°) | 30° (86°) | 28° (82°) |
🌧Rain Days | 4d38mm (1.5") | 4d65mm (2.6") | 9d125mm (4.9") | 13d171mm (6.7") | 22d412mm (16.2") | 24d592mm (23.3") | 26d766mm (30.2") | 24d548mm (21.6") | 25d744mm (29.3") | 20d368mm (14.5") | 8d93mm (3.6") | 2d16mm (0.6") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
Thailand (Koh Chang) has a pronounced rainy season: July and September bring significantly more rainfall than the rest of the year — not ideal for a beach holiday.
From February to April, UV levels in Thailand (Koh Chang) reach 9 — very high on the WHO scale. High-SPF sunscreen and shade around midday are essential.
March offers great weather in Thailand (Koh Chang) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Thailand (Koh Chang)
November – February
The dry season turns Koh Chang into a postcard: the sky is blue, the air is clear and highs sit around 32°C (90°F). The sea is calm, the waterfalls still carry water and the beaches fill up. December in particular stays dry for a long time.
March – April
The hottest time of the year: the water reaches almost 31°C (88°F), the heat is noticeable and the first showers herald the monsoon. It is quieter than in winter and prices fall. In April Thailand celebrates the Songkran festival with water fights.
May – October
The monsoon season: it rains on most days, often for hours, and the sun rarely shows itself. The jungle is steamy green and the waterfalls thunder, but the sea is rough and boat trips are often cancelled. Many resorts and restaurants close, and the island belongs to the rain.
Events & Festivals
April
- Songkran (Thai New Year)· 13–15 April
The Thai New Year is the country's most important festival and UNESCO intangible heritage. For three days the whole country celebrates with water, Koh Chang's beaches included.
November
- Loy Krathong· variable (usually November, full moon of the twelfth lunar month)
At the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, Thais float small banana-leaf rafts with candles and incense on the water to let go of misfortune. On Koh Chang the krathongs drift in the bays and canals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Thailand (Koh Chang)?
- The best time to visit Thailand (Koh Chang) is January, February, November, and December. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Thailand (Koh Chang)?
- In summer, daytime highs in Thailand (Koh Chang) average 33°C (91°F), with peaks around 35°C (95°F); in winter, nights average 23°C (73°F), dropping to around 18°C (64°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Thailand (Koh Chang) get?
- Thailand (Koh Chang) has a pronounced rainy season: July and September bring significantly more rain than the rest of the year. During the best travel period (January, February, November, and December), rainfall is much lower.
- How warm is the water in Thailand (Koh Chang)?
- Water temperature in Thailand (Koh Chang) ranges from 28°C (82°F) (January) to 31°C (88°F) (May). During the best travel months (January, February, November, and December), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
JanFebDec
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JanFebDec
