The BEST Time To Visit Koh Lipe: All You Need To Know
When Should You Visit Koh Lipe?
Koh Lipe is one of southern Thailand’s great islands. Located in Satun province and almost in Malaysia, it can be a stunning place to kick back and relax. In this post, I will show you all the key information you need to know about the best time to visit Koh Lipe from my experience.
I spent one week on the island in the middle of September as the rainy season was winding down. Though we enjoyed four days of brilliant sunshine, we spent the other three days sheltering indoors, alternating between cosy bars and treating ourselves to luxurious Thai massages.
And honestly, what better way to spend a rainy day?
Before visiting Thailand, it’s important to understand its three distinct seasons:
The rainy season lasts from May to October, the cool season from November to February, and the hot season from March to May
Before we jump in, do check out the 15 unmissable things to do in Koh Lipe, Ferry to Koh Lipe and How to Get To Koh Lipe.
Thanks so much!
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that if you make a booking through them, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Dry Season – The Best Time
It may seem obvious, but the dry season brings the best opportunities for a perfect trip to Koh Lipe.
When the weather is good in Lipe, it looks outstanding. The beach is brighter. The water is more transparent. The people smile more.
We were in the shoulder period in September where we experienced a mix of great weather and days with plenty of rain.
But if you need cloudless skies and pristine water than you dreamed of then the best time to visit is the cool and dry season.
During the dry season, Koh Lipe experiences awesome temperatures normally ranging between 24°C (75°F) and 32°C (90°F). In December 2023, the island recorded average daytime highs of 31°C (88°F) and nighttime lows of 25°C (77°F).
How does that sound to you?
The humidity isn’t too bad during this time – it stays around 70-80%, which means you can actually enjoy walking around and exploring without feeling like you’re in a sauna.
The water temperature is a lovely 28°C (82°F), making it perfect for taking a dip or going for a swim.
| Month (2023) | Average High | Average Low | Water Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 32°C (90°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| December | 31°C (88°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| January | 32°C (90°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| February | 33°C (91°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
Wet Season – The Worst Time
Wet Season is, as you may have guessed, much more rainy.
Though the weather starts to change in March, the we season runs from May until October and you can expect rough seas and plenty of heavy downpours during this time.
When we sat in our hotel room gazing out the window onto Sunset Beach it was rather depressing if I am honest. We then had three days of plenty of rain and that was almost the high season.
I can only imagine it’s worse in the rainy season.
Still, once the weather did change we felt on top of the world to be moving around this small but exceptional island in the Andaman Sea!
You must decide what you really want, choose your budget, and run with it.
That’s my advice.
| Month (2023) | Average High | Average Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | 34°C (93°F) | 26°C (79°F) | 270mm |
| June | 33°C (91°F) | 26°C (79°F) | 290mm |
| July | 32°C (90°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 310mm |
| August | 32°C (90°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 300mm |
| September | 31°C (88°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 330mm |
| October | 31°C (88°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 290mm |
During the rainy season, temperatures move between 28-35°C (82-95°F), but it feels much warmer due to the high humidity levels that can reach up to 90%. You’ll want to keep that air conditioning running!
The rain patterns are pretty interesting during this time.
You might get sudden heavy downpours that last for an hour or two, followed by periods of sunshine – kinda like what we experienced.
Some days, though, it can rain continuously for several hours or even all day.
The sea gets quite angry during this season, with waves that can reach 2-3 meters high. This means some boat services might be limited, and snorkelling or diving conditions aren’t perfect because of poor visibility in the water.
But it’s not all doom and gloom!
The rainy season has its perks – the island is less crowded, prices are lower, and there’s something quite magical about watching tropical storms roll in from your balcony.
Plus, when the sun does come out, you’ll still get to enjoy those gorgeous beaches!
Where To Stay In Koh Lipe
There are plenty of great places to stay in Koh Lipe. One is better than the next.
When we stayed in Koh Lipe we LOVED our hotel just a couple of minutes walk to Sunset Beach.
Bayview Sunset offered great views of the sea and a decent breakfast too.
You can check out my in-depth post on how Where To Stay In Koh Lipe which offers different budget options.
Koh Lipe Travel Tips
Getting To Koh Lipe
You need to get a ferry to Koh Lipe.
When we arrived the ferry was smooth and comfortable on the way over. The ferry had a lifejacket on each seat and everything went swimmingly.
On the way back, however, a staff member accidentally dropped my suitcase into the sea while loading it onto the boat.
In fairness, the waves made it very hard to even walk along the plastic man-made pier which was moving with the waves and plenty of people nearly ended up in the sea.
Here’s my advice: keep your electronics in a backpack that you carry yourself—don’t pack them in your checked luggage. Trust me, I learned this lesson the hard way.
Check out my post on how to get to Koh Lipe.
National Park Closure
Depending on when you visit, you may not be able to visit Koh Lipe’s surrounding islands on a group tour.
When we arrived, the hotel receptionist informed us that we couldn’t do the 7 island tour or visit any of the nearby islands because the National Park was closed from May 15th until October 15th.
This was disappointing, so it’s best to be prepared and know what you’re getting yourself into before booking your ticket.
All TukTuk rides cost 50 Baht
Wherever you’re located on the island, a tuk-tuk will cost you 50 baht to go anywhere. – €1.30 (Euro), $1.42 (US Dollar), £1.12 (British Pound).
Don’t let anyone trick you into paying more. You won’t need to worry about scams though—they’ll tell you the correct price right when you arrive.
It’s helpful to know this in advance I feel.
Safety Wing Travel Insurance
Always ensure you are protected when you travel.
Guada and I both use Safety Wing, and they helped us get out of a tricky situation in Kazakhstan. We have firsthand experience with them and can personally vouch for their service.
Final Thoughts – When Should You Visit Koh Lipe?
I am guessing you want to have maximum sunshine, clear and beautiful water so you can spend as much time in the sea or on the beach.
If that’s the case then the best time to visit Koh Lipe is between November and February.
Sure, there will be thousands of other ecstatic tourists arriving in droves at Pattaya Beach eager to experience some rest and relaxation.
If that’s really not your thing, then I would suggest you consider September to October.
From my experience, we loved the days with amazing sunshine, but wondered if we made the right decision when the sky opened up for the second half of the week.
All things considered, we found Koh Lipe to be truly up there in terms of Thailand’s most naturally beautiful islands.
If you enjoyed the post let me know when you would like to visit Koh Lipe in the comments below.
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
Is Koh Lipe affected by the monsoon?
The best time to visit Koh Lipe is during the dry season from November to April when you’ll experience clear skies and calm seas. However, if you visit during the monsoon season (May to October), expect frequent rainfall and rougher waters. The heaviest rains typically fall between July and September, which can affect ferry services and water activities. While you can still enjoy sunny breaks during this period, I recommend visiting in the dry season for the best experience.
How many days do I need in Koh Lipe?
I recommend spending 5-7 days in Koh Lipe to experience all the island’s highlights. While your budget and preferences may affect the length of your stay, even 3-4 days will give you enough time to enjoy the pristine beaches and go snorkelling. For the most relaxed experience, visit during shoulder season when the weather is good, and if possible, stay for a full week.
What is Koh Lipe like in August?
August falls right in the middle of Koh Lipe’s low season. Expect few tourists and frequent heavy rainfall that can last for hours or even entire days. If you’re planning a trip to Koh Lipe in August, be aware that it’s not the ideal time to visit. When we visited in September, we experienced a mix of hot sunny days and periods of heavy rainfall lasting several hours.
