By Ivica Srncevic 
Southern Thailand is a tropical paradise — but with two coastlines, two monsoon seasons, and two totally different weather patterns, it’s also the place where tourists most often get confused.
(You know… the classic “I booked Phuket in October and now it rains sideways” situation.)
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, coast by coast, month by month, so you can plan your trip like a pro — and avoid the monsoon traps.
Quick Overview: Two Coasts, Two Realities
Southern Thailand is split into:
1. West Coast (Andaman Sea)
Includes:
Phuket
Krabi
Koh Phi Phi
Khao Lak
Trang
Peak season: December–March
Rainy monsoon: May–October
2. East Coast (Gulf of Thailand)
Includes:
Koh Samui
Koh Phangan
Koh Tao
Surat Thani
Peak season: January–August
Rainy monsoon: October–December
Yes — when one side is sunny, the other might be taking a shower. Tropical logic.
WEST COAST (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi) – Weather Overview
☀️ Best Months: December to March
Dry, sunny, blue skies. The ocean is calm. Picture-perfect weather.
These months have the classic “postcard Thailand” vibe.
Temp: 28–32°C
Rain: Low
Sea: Perfect for snorkeling & boat trips
👌 Good Shoulder Months: November & April
November: Rain stops, everything becomes green, humidity drops. Great month.
April: Hot, but still dry. Good beach weather if you don’t mind melting slightly.
🌧 Heavy Monsoon Season: May to October
West side gets the Indian Ocean monsoon.
Expect:
Bigger waves
Short but intense tropical storms
Red flags on beaches
Cheaper hotels (the silver lining!)
Still, it’s not 24/7 rain. You often get a few sunny hours each day — but sea conditions can be rough.
WEST COAST: Month-by-Month Weather
January–March:
Peak season. Dry, sunny, busy, beautiful.
April:
Hot season. Good weather, just bring hydration (lots).
May–June:
Monsoon begins. Rain increases, waves get stronger.
July–August:
Unpredictable mix: some sunny days, some storms. Good for budget travelers.
September–October:
Rainiest period. If you love dramatic skies, great. If you love boats, maybe not.
November:
Transition month — rain stops, sunshine returns.
EAST COAST (Koh Samui, Phangan, Tao) – Weather Overview
The Gulf of Thailand has a different weather pattern — making this side the best choice during the West Coast monsoon.
☀️ Best Months: January to August
Long dry season, stable sunshine, calm sea, perfect for island hopping.
Temp: 28–33°C
Rain: Low
Sea: Calm, clear, perfect for diving
🌧 Rainy Monsoon: October to December
This monsoon comes from the other direction, so Samui rains exactly when Phuket is perfect.
Expect:
Heavy but usually short tropical showers
Humidity
Occasional flooding in November
But still warm (always warm in Thailand)
EAST COAST: Month-by-Month Weather
January–April:
Dry, sunny, peak season, amazing beach weather.
May–August:
Still good! Occasional quick rains, but overall stable.
September:
Transitional, more clouds, but still OK for travel.
October–December:
Wet monsoon. The most rain falls in November.
Which Coast Should You Choose? (Simple Version)
November–March → West Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi)
April–October → East Coast (Koh Samui, Phangan, Tao)
If you remember this simple rule, you’re already ahead of 80% of tourists.
Tips for Travelers (and SEO-Friendly Extras)
✓ Don’t fear the monsoon
Even in rainy season, it rarely rains all day. Morning sun + afternoon showers is common.
✓ Sea conditions matter
West Coast waves in low season can be dangerous — always respect the red flags.
✓ Diving?
Best on West Coast: December–April
Best on East Coast: May–September (especially Koh Tao)
✓ Want guaranteed sunshine?
There’s no such thing in the tropics…
…but March, April, and July are statistically very reliable depending on the coast.
Summary Table
| Region | Best Months | Rainiest Months | Sea Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast (Phuket, Krabi) | Dec–Mar | May–Oct | Rough during monsoon |
| East Coast (Samui, Phangan) | Jan–Aug | Oct–Dec | Usually calm most of the year |