Koh Samui
–
July 1, 2023

Koh Samui in July: What to expect

Here's everything you can look forward to, what to expect, what to pack – and lots more Thailand tips – for enjoying Koh Samui in July.

This post may contain affiliate links, from which I receive a small commission on any resulting purchases at no cost to the customer. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It keeps The Koh Samui Guide ad-free, never sponsored and 100% independent. See privacy policy for more details.

Koh Samui in July

A perfect July afternoon

With assuredly glorious temperatures and plenty of sunshine, it doesn’t get better than Koh Samui in July. With weather and events in mind, here’s everything you can look forward to, what to expect, what to pack – and lots more Thailand tips – for this month.

Is July a good time to visit Koh Samui?

Tremendously so. You can expect 6+ hours of solid daily sunshine. The average July temperature on Samui is a more-than-acceptable 29.25 degrees Celsius (84.65°F). July is a perfect month for family holidays on Samui – whether you’re planning your annual summer break or escaping a southern hemisphere winter.

Koh Samui questions? Start here

The Koh Samui Guide: More Koh Samui questions? Right, let’s get ‘Best Ever’ started. Ready with honest advice about all your big (and little) questions, The Koh Samui Guide has everything you need for the fun part, too.

Where to stay in July

My pick: SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort

SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort

You earned this. Whether coming as a couple or a family with children, SALA will utterly delight. Two beachfront pools include a family pool and a serene adults' only pool (25 metres). Garden Pool Villas and SALA Pool Villas are ideal for a couple. One- and two-bedroom villas keep the whole family under one happy roof with roughly 176 m² (1900 ft²) of space. Certain highlights? Thai night on Wednesdays, complimentary morning yoga classes and happy hour like it's your job.

See Rates + Details

Hotel Tip: Noble people do early morning yoga in SALA Samui Choengmon's sala (an open-air room/pavilion that puts you at eye level with the coconut trees). The rest of us can simply ogle SALA's sunsetty silhouettes and be just as pleased with life. Lazy or less so, you're going to love this island. My bias? Choeng Mon Beach is especially magic.

More hotel ideas

Hotel questions? Start here

What to pack for July

1. Dual Voltage Travel Steamer

See my full review to learn why I'm fully in love with this dual-voltage travel steamer.

2. Incognito Mosquito Repellent

Will there be mosquitoes on Koh Samui in July? There will be mosquitoes on Koh Samui until the rapture (and probably long afterwards). Winning the battle against mosquitoes in Thailand depends on: (A) you coming prepared and (B) where you happen to sit. For example, you’ll have better odds on a breezy beach than beside a sticky swamp.

3. Thailand Travel Adapter

Do you need a travel adapter for Thailand? If your electronics are from the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore or Hong Kong – yes, you'll need an adapter. (Americans and Canadians – note the voltage difference, Thailand uses 230v).

4. Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen

If planning to spend all day, every day, at the beachfront pool – double up on sunscreen, and don't forget cover-ups. It's absolutely beautiful but don’t underestimate Samui’s v-e-r-y strong sun. As well, don’t miss the reflective dangers of anything bright or white: not just water, but white buildings or glass tabletops. They’ll get you – be with every UV and UPF trick in the book.

What to wear on Koh Samui in July?

For all your clothing, dress code and fabric questions, please see What to Wear in Thailand. You’ll get head-to-toe advice on what to wear anywhere, from Bangkok to the beach, Koh Samui, Phuket, temples, to work out, dress up and more.

Packing questions? Start here

Packing tip: Rainy Day entertainment. If you (or your kids) get restless pretty quickly, also pack a few 'rainy day entertainments' to enjoy during any afternoon storms that you might get on Koh Samui in July. They'll also save the day when you've had enough sun and want to enjoy some mid-afternoon shade.

Weather in July

A brief (repeat – brief!) afternoon storm in July

July averages

  • Temperature: 29°C / 84°F
  • Sunshine (hours/day): 6
  • Rainy days: 9 days (120 mm / 5 inches)
  • Sea temperature: 28°C / 82°F

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

Will it rain in July? Yes. Sometimes. But not all day, and not every day. (But you know all those lush tropical plants? They'd look crispy without it). Bring a good book and embrace storm-watching as an afternoon sport.

Some superlative Samui weather for the past 18 Julys:

  • Hottest: 35°C / 95°F (2010)
  • Coldest: 22°C / 72°F (2007)
  • Windiest: 28 kmph/ 17 mph (2006)
  • Driest: 0.10 mm of rain (2010)
  • Wettest: 35 mm / 1.3"rain (2004)

How much does it rain on Koh Samui in July?

Expect the occasional (and quite spectacular) tropical storm. These usually come in the form of ‘afternoon showers’, and they’re nothing to dread. They don’t last long and are an extremely refreshing, often dramatic, experience. Seriously – rain – not a problem. It will be sunny plenty of the time.

How hot is it on Koh Samui in July?

Since 2003, the coldest July day was 22°C/72°F – not exactly jacket weather, even then.

Is it rainy season in July?

No. You’ll run into information stating that July is rainy season in Thailand. While July is a pretty wet month on Phuket (an average of 19 days of 31), October, November and December are Koh Samui’s rainy season – not July.

July events calendar

A beach massage hut on a sunny July afternoon

July 2023 events

July 22: Hammock Day – Apparently, there’s an invented July holiday called Hammock Day. Just one day? Nah – if you’re excited to be visiting Koh Samui this July, circle the calendar as Hammock Month.

Your July FAQs

A July afternoon at Sea Dance Resort

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

July is a popular time for weddings and honeymoons on Koh Samui – if you’re in that lucky demographic, congrats! While the Youthes countdown to July’s Full Moon Party, some visitors might hope to celebrate their own holidays while on Samui. Plan your special splurges, memorable meals and best-ever day trips with The Koh Samui Guide.

The Koh Samui Guide: I recommend that every visitor to Koh Samui expect at least some rain – if you’re prepared, or even looking forward to it, a short tropical storm can be another great part of your Samui holiday. (Really). Find some superb rainy day ideas in the Koh Samui Guide.

Koh Samui parties in July?

Need some big events? Besides Koh Phangan’s shenanigans (best suited to those born in this century), you might be making your own entertainment. Perhaps you’re importing celebrations of your own? Canada Day? Bastille Day? Independence Day? I assure you it won’t be hard to find the exact shade of celebratory cocktail you need to do your day right.

Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach

Is July or August better on Koh Samui?

Going by statistics (let's call it Weather Math), they're very similar. Same temperature, same amount of sunshine and same sea temperature. The only minor difference is slightly heavier rainfall in July (120mm vs 100mm) over 9 days (July) vs 10 (August). You already don't care, right?

Is Koh Samui or Phuket better in July?

Unless you're a frog, Samui fully wins this round.

  • Temperature (avg): 29°C on Koh Samui vs 28°C in Phuket
  • Sunshine (hours): 6 on Koh Samui vs 8 in Phuket
  • Rainy days (avg): 9 days (120 mm) on Koh Samui vs 19 days (300 mm) in Phuket
  • Sea temperature: 28°C on Koh Samui vs 30°C in Phuket
A sunny July afternoon at Tango Luxe Beach Villas

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

This is by no means an extensive price comparison – just a quick look at price A vs price B for July and August. In all cases, the price below is the best available rate for two adults for a one-night stay mid-month. Not an exhaustive study, but certain indication that hotels know when your kids are on vacation. As in June/July, there’s not much price variation at resorts that market to couples.

July

August

Between the four hotels, July over August rates range from 62% to 125%. In anecdotal experience, you can find better rates in July – especially if you book early when there’s more selection of room inventory. Late August tends to command peak prices (let's blame the French). Rates via Booking.com for a random night in July 2023.

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

Dusk begins at 7:07 pm on July 1st, and at 7:05 pm on July 31st. Give or take twenty minutes from then until it’s dark. If you're from further north, you'll be surprised how quickly it gets dark this close to the equator – none of that hours of summer dusk stuff. Just lights out, night night.

What fruits are in season on Koh Samui in July?

It’s the height of the summer fruit season which, unlike the cherries and raspberries of temperate climates, means custard apples, rambutans, durian, rose apples, dragon fruit and salak fruit. Bananas and Koh Samui coconuts are in season year-round, you lucky pups.

What can’t you do on Samui in July?

Note that alcohol sales are banned on religious holidays (e.g. Asana Bucha Day, which typically falls in late July or early August) and might, in places, be suspended for H.M. King's Birthday on July 28. Hotels and resorts are usually exempt from such restrictions, but you might encounter it at a supermarket or convenience store.

Koh Samui in July

Time travel: Koh Samui in July 2009

The Koh Samui Guide: It will help you to be as intrepid or as lazy as you like – whether on the high seas or at the island’s best spas. Enjoy!

“Downloaded your Koh Samui guide yesterday and it's been so helpful! I've been to Thailand but not Koh Samui. Heading off in June and your guide is awesome :)” – Phoebe

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

Tags