Khao Lak monthly weather and climate
Khao Lak · Western Andaman coast
Sea conditions in Khao Lak differ greatly between the dry and rainy seasons. Rough waves make swimming dangerous in the rainy season, and the Similan and Surin islands have seasonal closures. If you want to visit the islands, your dates need to fit their opening periods 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 island visit to the opening announcement for the relevant year.
The recommended 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 or 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
Compare hotter and wetter months in the table below. These are historical climate averages: they are not a forecast for your travel dates and do not tell you whether swimming will be possible.
| Month | Travel rating | Temperature | Rainfall | Rainy days | Humidity | Sunshine | Sea conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | ++ Very good | 22~32°C | 42 mm | 5 d | 76% | 9 h | Calm |
| February | ++ Very good | 22~33°C | 30 mm | 4 d | 72% | 10 h | Calm |
| March | + Good | 23~34°C | 70 mm | 6 d | 74% | 9 h | Calm |
| April | ± Average | 24~34°C | 155 mm | 14 d | 78% | 8 h | Calm |
| May | - Not recommended | 24~32°C | 345 mm | 22 d | 83% | 6 h | Moderate |
| June | - Not recommended | 24~31°C | 340 mm | 21 d | 84% | 5 h | Rough |
| July | - Not recommended | 24~31°C | 365 mm | 20 d | 84% | 6 h | Rough |
| August | - Not recommended | 24~31°C | 400 mm | 22 d | 84% | 6 h | Rough |
| September | - Not recommended | 24~30°C | 465 mm | 23 d | 86% | 5 h | Rough |
| October | - Not recommended | 23~31°C | 370 mm | 22 d | 87% | 5 h | Moderate |
| November | - Not recommended | 23~31°C | 210 mm | 15 d | 84% | 6 h | Moderate |
| December | + Good | 22~31°C | 65 mm | 7 d | 78% | 8 h | Calm |
| Month | Weather and travel advice |
|---|---|
| January | The dry season is in full swing. Pleasant northeast monsoon breezes make this a good time for a beach holiday. |
| February | This is the driest month, with many hours of sunshine. Humidity is also at its lowest, and diving conditions are favourable. |
| March | Temperatures rise, but the weather stays mostly dry. Occasional short showers are possible. |
| April | It gets hotter as the seasons change, with more frequent thunderstorms. The existing seasonal island guidance lists the Similan Islands as accessible in April. |
| May | The southwest monsoon begins, bringing heavy rain and rough seas. The existing guidance lists this as the start of the Similan and Surin islands' closure period. |
| June | The rainy season brings frequent heavy rain and rough waves. Red flags may be displayed on beaches during this period. |
| July | The rainy season reaches its peak. Persistent heavy rain and rough waves make swimming dangerous. |
| August | High humidity and heavy rain accompany rough seas. The continuing rain turns the surrounding landscape lush and green. |
| September | This is the wettest month of the year. Heavy rain, very rough seas and a risk of flooding affect travel conditions. |
| October | Late in the rainy season, rainfall decreases towards the end of the month. Humidity, however, is at its highest. |
| November | Rain decreases as the dry season approaches. The existing guidance lists the Similan Islands as reopening in mid-November. |
| December | Dry-season weather brings pleasant temperatures and calmer seas. The tourism high season begins. |