Koh Lanta Weather

Koh Lanta is in a tropical climate zone, only 8 degrees above the equator. The sea temperature is a very pleasant 28-30C all year round.

There are two weather seasons on Koh Lanta: hot and dry; and 'cool' and wet - although the temperature rarely drops below 27C year round. These weather seasons roughly correspond with the tourist high season (from November to early April) and low season (from May to October). The weather conditions on Koh Lanta may vary in these times though, with a season running longer than usual.

The only weather that can be almost guaranteed during the year is a dry heatwave in March and April (up to 37C). The locals have commented that the seasons are different from years ago with wet season coming later than usual and not being as wet, and more rain in the high season period around November and December. This seems to be true with amazing weather in May and June 2011, other than maybe 2 insignificant storms the rain if it fell was during the night.

high season

This is the main tourist season and runs from November to the end of April. In November the wind changes to offshore around the end of the month and the sea clears up to look like the postcards.
The wind is variable through December, January and February with off shore conditions. Some gusty days bring some good windsurfing. Learning is also fine at this time.

January and February are very popular months with clear blue skies and it is relatively cool in the evenings.
The end of February to March is HOT and dry. April is also very Hot.

lanta low season or green season

Although known as the rainy season the months of June July and August are generally fine with just the occasional shower, which often occur at night. When there is a big storm they are strong and may last up to 5 days.

Koh Lanta low season means surf season!!YAH Koh Lanta is perfect to learn to surf. The monsoon starts and gives great swell. May is 'traditionally' one of the wettest months. The wind starts to come from North West, WNW direction. It seems that a lot of the rain when it does come is in the evening, with the odd time where you will get a few days of monsoon conditions - threatening rain on and off all day with occasional showers and strong wind. Lanta is tucked in more from places like Phi Phi and Phuket so it is not unusual to see storms pass by and hit the other places, with Lanta staying dry. From June the wind swings even more to the West then over the following period swings to come from the South West.

In this time Lanta is very quiet. Reported rough sea conditions, wind and lack of tourists means that the ferries do not run from Phuket or Krabi to Koh Lanta. The main access is via the car ferry. Access is 3 hours from Phuket airport and 2 hours from Krabi Airport. This year the good weather saw the PhiPhi ferry run until June then resume in August because of the calm seas and demand for the service.

Not all businesses are open all year round, but the establishments that cater for locals are open and always happy to help. Each year more businesses operate right through as people realise what a great place Lanta is to escape to - and the weather isn't that bad. The ocean gets stirred up and is no longer suitable for snorkelling and is limited for diving.

Low season when the weather holds out is great though – like your own deserted paradise, island life goes on as always but without the package tourists. Hotels are up to half the price of high season. If you want a total getaway then this is the place. It doesn’t rain all the time either, when a storm comes through it is definitely very rough and rainy, but once this is gone its really nice. Great for surfing and windsurfing.

BEACH GARBAGE
The low season onshore winds bring with them trash from the ocean. This is a worldwide problem. We do our bit by cleaning the beach on a daily basis. Not the token "we cleaned the beach" on a day before the tourists arrive for high season as many companies do.
Also Costa Lanta where we are located clean the beach and remove the rubbish in a responible manner. When you come to Lanta ask your resort if they clean the beach (and not rake it back into the ocean). This is the only way we can reduce the problem. REDUCE - REUSE - RECYCLE

LOW SEASON IS THE HIGH SEASON FOR WATERSPORTS - Learn to Surf in Thailand on Koh Lanta