When is the best time to cruise Tropical Thailand?

Thailand is back as a must-visit superyacht destination thanks to its idyllic island cruising, modern well-equipped marinas and a welcoming professional superyacht community.
The flat seas, warm temperatures and spectacular scenery makes the ‘Land of Smiles’ an ideal option for superyachts & yachts when planning a visit to South East Asia.
This is where you can explore stunning island cruising, friendly people, unusual luxury, spicy cuisine and outstanding pristine beaches. You can visit Thailand throughout the year, exploring many uninhabited islands and a unique culture.
ANDAMAN SEAS & PHUKET
Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta, Koh Kood, Koh Chang, Khao Sok National Park
Thailand enjoys the reputation as one of the top boating destinations in the world, with Phuket famed as the ‘Superyacht Hub of Asia Pacific’. “Now springing back post-Covid as a favored yachting destination, we’re thrilled to welcome an increasing number of world-class visiting superyachts”, reports Asia Pacific Superyachts co-founder and based in Phuket, Gordon Fernandes, adding: “With four world-class marinas and a superyacht marina in the making, Phuket is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular yachting playgrounds and a key connector for the Asia Pacific region”.
Thailand’s west coast has three defined seasons: from November to March, with a cooling wind making the daytime more comfortable (average daily temperature of 26°C -32°C). Thanks to the breeze, the humidity levels are lower than later in the year. From March through to May the temperatures rise (average daily temperature of 30°C-36°C) as the cooling winds depart and the humidity rises.
Come late May, monsoonal weather will usually have arrived, which is expected to last through to October. Peak rainfall levels are usually experienced between mid-September and mid-October. Outside of these months, the rain will often come in a short, heavy downpour, usually in the afternoon.
Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand follows the same weather patterns as the Andaman Sea coastline, experiencing most rainfall between May and October, although being one of the wettest areas of the country, rain showers can be expected year round. Wet season is actually a good time of year to visit the National Park as average temperatures are a comfortable 25-26°C, the rainforest is green and lush, and offers more chance of spotting wildlife.
GULF OF THAILAND
Koh Samui, Koh Phan Ngan, Koh Tao, Ang Thong National Marine Park, Khanom
In the eastern Gulf of Thailand APS co-founder based on Koh Samui, Captain Charlie Dwyer reports, “Koh Samui is the hub of the Gulf and the best and easiest port of entry. Returning to the island I’m reminded each time of what brings the owners and captains and crew to Thailand… the beauty of her islands and the culture and people with their welcoming smiles and gracious nature. You won’t find this in many other international destinations superyachts visit”.
A round up of Thailand’s ‘Top 10 yachting destinations’ in Luxury Island Magazine lists Koh Samui Number 1 in yachting destinations in Thailand, enthusing, “Setting sail for an adventure like no other. From the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea, there’s really no better place to experience life on a yacht than the Land of Smiles”.
Koh Samui has three defined seasons. From December to February you can expect good weather with little if any rain and refreshing winds helping to keep temperatures more moderate. Because of the winds, the sea can be a little ‘dynamic’ creating ideal conditions for water sports enthusiasts. From March, temperatures will start to rise (average daily temperature of 29°C – 35°C), usually reaching peak levels in April and May.
Whilst initially rainfall remains unlikely, by June a little rain becomes is expected, usually in the form of an hour-long afternoon downpour, clearing the way for more blue skies and bright sunshine. In late-August/September the monsoon is expected, bringing with it plenty of rainfall and a rise in humidity. Temperatures are still in the 30ºC’s however and you can expect sunny spells interspersed with rainy periods. Rainfall usually peaks between October and November.
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