Khao Lak monthly weather and climate
Khao Lak · Andaman coast, west coast
Sea conditions around Khao Lak change considerably between the dry and rainy seasons. Rough waves make swimming dangerous in the rainy season, and the Similan and Surin islands also close for part of the year. If you want to visit the islands, your dates need to fit their opening period as well as the weather.
Before choosing your travel dates
The opening and closure periods for the Similan and Surin islands come from existing seasonal guidance. They do not mean the islands open on the same dates every year. Match your intended visit with the opening announcement for that year.
The recommended travel period is November to April, but the monthly table rates November as not recommended and April as average. The dry season does not mean consistently low rainfall and favourable travel weather.
When are the dry and rainy seasons?
- Best time to visit
- Nov–Apr
- Dry season
- Nov–Apr
- Rainy season
- May–Oct
- Hottest month
- Mar (34°C)
- Wettest month
- Sep (465 mm)
Monthly weather and climate
Use the table below to compare hotter and wetter months. These are historical climate averages, so they do not give a forecast for your travel dates or tell you whether you will be able to swim.
| Month | Travel rating | Temperature | Rainfall | Rainy days | Humidity | Sunshine | Sea conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | ++ Very good | 22~32°C | 42 mm | 5 days | 76% | 9 hours | Calm |
| February | ++ Very good | 22~33°C | 30 mm | 4 days | 72% | 10 hours | Calm |
| March | + Good | 23~34°C | 70 mm | 6 days | 74% | 9 hours | Calm |
| April | ± Average | 24~34°C | 155 mm | 14 days | 78% | 8 hours | Calm |
| May | - Not recommended | 24~32°C | 345 mm | 22 days | 83% | 6 hours | Moderate |
| June | - Not recommended | 24~31°C | 340 mm | 21 days | 84% | 5 hours | Rough |
| July | - Not recommended | 24~31°C | 365 mm | 20 days | 84% | 6 hours | Rough |
| August | - Not recommended | 24~31°C | 400 mm | 22 days | 84% | 6 hours | Rough |
| September | - Not recommended | 24~30°C | 465 mm | 23 days | 86% | 5 hours | Rough |
| October | - Not recommended | 23~31°C | 370 mm | 22 days | 87% | 5 hours | Moderate |
| November | - Not recommended | 23~31°C | 210 mm | 15 days | 84% | 6 hours | Moderate |
| December | + Good | 22~31°C | 65 mm | 7 days | 78% | 8 hours | Calm |
| Month | Weather and travel advice |
|---|---|
| January | The dry season is in full swing. Pleasant north-easterly monsoon winds make this a good time for a beach holiday. |
| February | This is the driest month, with long sunshine hours. Humidity is at its lowest, giving good diving conditions. |
| March | Temperatures rise, but it stays mostly dry. Occasional short showers are possible. |
| April | The change of season brings stronger heat and more frequent thunderstorms. The existing seasonal opening guidance says the Similan Islands can still be visited in April. |
| May | The south-west monsoon begins, bringing heavy rain and rough seas. The existing guidance places the closure of the Similan and Surin islands in this period. |
| June | The rainy season brings frequent heavy rain and rough waves. Red flags are also flown on beaches at this time of year. |
| July | The rainy season reaches its peak. Heavy rain and rough waves continue, making swimming dangerous. |
| August | Humidity is high, with heavy rain and rough seas. The surrounding landscape becomes lush and green as the rain continues. |
| September | This is the wettest month of the year. Heavy rain and very rough seas bring a risk of flooding. |
| October | This is the later part of the rainy season, with rain easing towards the end of the month. Humidity is at its highest, however. |
| November | Rain eases as the dry season approaches. The existing guidance says the Similan Islands reopen in mid-November. |
| December | Dry-season weather continues, with pleasant temperatures and calmer seas. The peak tourist season begins. |