Koh Samui
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February 1, 2024

Koh Samui in February: What to expect

If you’re coming to Koh Samui this February you’ve picked the month that’s – as far as averages state – the island’s driest month of the year.

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Koh Samui in February

Mid February at Melati Beach Resort

Well done. If you’re coming to Koh Samui this February you’ve picked the month that’s – as far as averages state – the island’s driest month of the year. And the clincher? An entire extra hour of sunshine per day over January.

Is February a good time to visit Koh Samui?

Yes. Extremely. If you love sunshine and like a perfect "not too hot, not too cold" temperature, February is the ideal month for you to visit Koh Samui.

Koh Samui questions? Start here

The Koh Samui Guide: Planning your February trip and have lots more questions? Like where to start, how to choose your best beach, where to find incredible Thai food, and e-v-er-y-t-h-i-n-g else? Hit pause on your panic: as you can see, I’ve been going OCD on Koh Samui for a very long time.

Where to stay in February

My pick: Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort

The beachfront pool at Anantara Bophut

Stay here for: A very walkable location (just two minutes to Fisherman's Village) and beautiful, beach-front pool. For a double dose of ‘best’ look at one of Anantara’s beachfront pool suites. Want your own private pool? Choose a Garden Pool Suite. There's also a kids' club and a poolside Peruvian restaurant, Guilty Samui.

See Rates + Details

Hotel Tip: Whether with kids or as a couple, Bophut has an atmosphere that many (myself included) consider just right. While its price points are higher than average for Samui, Bophut’s hotel and restaurant offerings are amongst my favourites on the island. For a total beach-by-beach comparison, The Koh Samui Guide goes into great detail about every option you’ve got.

More hotel ideas

Hotel questions? Start here

What to pack for February

1. Mosquito Repellent Loofah

Lather a loofah? I was dubious when I first used myself as a guinea pig  today, two dozen loofahs later, I’m a cultish convert. What’s the science? Exfoliating your skin eliminates the chemical combinations that result from perspiration mixing with dead skin cells  a concoction that attracts mosquitoes to you. Deny them their drug of choice.

2. The Koh Samui Guide

For cocktail spots, sunset drinks and every-which-way to make merry, The Koh Samui Guide has every scrap of my 20 years’ Samui expertise inside. (Yep, got you covered for hangover brunches, too). Most of all, you’ll arrive prepared with crucial packing and safety tips, ready to roll.

3. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen

Sun protection! First, take a look at what to wear in Thailand, and spend twice as long reading the suggestions at the bottom for sun protection – especially if you plan to be on the water. If you prefer toxin-free toiletries, this list includes the natural sunscreens I’ve tried, tested and really like for Thailand.

4. Learn Thai While Sleeping

Free with an Audible trial. If you’ve been meaning to kick your ‘fall asleep in front of Netflix’ habit, this might be a useful place to start. Learn basic Thai greetings, how to count and helpful beginner Thai with over 7 hours of audiobook lessons.

Packing questions? Start here

Other than the above, here's a totally foolproof Thailand Packing List, including clothes, your carry-on and electronics to bring:

Weather in February

An early February sunset on Plai Laem Beach

February averages

  • Temperature: 27°C / 81°F
  • Sunshine (hours/day): 8
  • Rainy days: 5 days (30 mm / 1 inches)
  • Sea temperature: 27°C / 81°F

What’s the weather like on Koh Samui in February?

Expect good things weather-wise. Koh Samui in February has the least rainfall of any month in the year. What’s more, the island is a whopping 1.7% warmer – on average – than in January. That’s a difference of 0.5°C Celsius (29.5°C, versus January’s 29°C, or 84° vs 85° Fahrenheit) but still – take what you can get.

Is it sunny on Koh Samui in February?

Using my own experience and ‘what the internet says is statistical data’, oh yes-yes-yes. Not every second of every day – but certainly all the sun a winterised body needs to see. No rickets for you.

How much does it rain on Koh Samui in February?

It rains very little in February – it’s typically the driest month. Total rainfall is just 30 mm (just over an inch), spread across an average of 5 barely rainy days.

How hot is it on Koh Samui in February?

Certainly warming up! January is the coolest month, and April the hottest, so I place February in "just right" territory. Whereas I (a wimp) can usually be outside all day in early January (and rarely need air-conditioning), by February, I’m usually hiding inside for part of the day. You’ll definitely have at least one ‘hot dog hanging out of a car window’ moment, promise.

Is it rainy season in February?

Definitely not – you’re well out of rainy season by mid-to-late January. As for average daily lows, brace yourself for a frigid 25°C/77°F.

February events calendar

A sunny February day looking at Big Buddha

February 2024 events

Your February FAQs

The Koh Samui Guide

What are the best things to do on Koh Samui in February?

Want to be a smug love bug this month? If roses and chocolates are the order of the day, you’ll find special romantic dining options all across the island, and at large resorts particularly. No matter how much you care to plan your February visit to Samui, romantic or otherwise, you’ll find something delightful at every turn. Fragrant flowers, shady sun-beds and a Thai massage – try to top it.

As it’s typically so sunny, you might particularly enjoy getting out on the water to enjoy snorkelling, stand-up paddling or a lazier sunset cruise.

The Koh Samui Guide: Find details and recommended outfitters, plus safety tips galore, in The Koh Samui Guide. (It totally solves ‘what to do on a rainy day’ problems, too).

Koh Samui parties in February?

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Koh Samui

If you're looking for a boozy brunch or just want to dance, start your search at any of the above.

Is February or March better on Koh Samui?

You decide – March tends to be hotter than February, but there's not much in it. Assume that late March is hotter by a degree or two Celsius. Everything else in terms of rainfall, sea temp and sunshine hours are very similar. The main difference to your experience would be spotting any weeks that might have higher hotel rates (and tourists) due to Chinese New Year, school half term, spring break and/or Easter.

What to expect on Koh Samui in February?

Did you know? It rains more on Koh Samui in January (almost twice as much) than in February and March, which are the two driest months of the year.

Is Koh Samui or Phuket better in February?

Let's call it a tie...

  • Temperature (avg): 27°C on Koh Samui vs 28°C in Phuket
  • Sunshine (hours): 8 on Koh Samui vs 9 in Phuket
  • Rainy days (avg): 5 days (30 mm) on Koh Samui vs 4 days (30 mm) in Phuket
  • Sea temperature: 27°C on Koh Samui vs 29°C in Phuket

What are hotel rates like for Koh Samui in February? How do they compare between February and March?

February

March

Between the four hotels, February and March rates are fairly similar. They range between 91% to 143% in February over March and perhaps depend more on room inventory than anything else. Book early and you’ll have greater choice. Rates via Booking.com for a random night in February 2024.

Can I swim in the sea on Koh Samui in February?

Barring freak weather (which, let’s face it, can happen anywhere at any time of year), yes, it can be nice and swimmable on Koh Samui in February. Note that rip tides, jellyfish and jet skis are risks at any time of year. I like the pool.

When are sunrise and sunset on Koh Samui in February? What time does it get dark?

A February sunset on Koh Samui

On February 1st, early birds will hop to it at 6:42 am and toast the sunset at 6:26 pm. (Add 5-10 minutes to those times if you’re visiting closer to March).

What fruits are in season on Koh Samui in February?

Jackfruit and tamarind are winter fruits, with mangosteen and salak fruit starting to come into season for the spring. Perhaps not four fruits ever combined into a single fruit salad – but you might be brave.

Koh Samui in February

Time travel: February 2008 on Koh Samui

The Koh Samui Guide: The Koh Samui Guide means you'll arrive prepared and ready to roll. Download your copy now, and read it in bed while you count down your sleeps to Samui.

“This guide is not just for the backpacking wanderlust. My husband and I downloaded this to use on our honeymoon in Koh Samui this February. Gives great advice about local restaurants, bugs, drinking the water, grocery stores, etc. Even if you're staying at a resort this will still come in handy for you.” – Tang Tang

Weather details via Weather Spark, which promises that “snow is exceptionally unlikely to fall at this location in February”.

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