Koh Samui · Month comparison

April vs March

April ranks #1 overall vs March at #2. Songkran brings Thai New Year festivities — warm, slightly wetter, but culturally unmissable.

Koh Samui April — traditional wooden boats resting on beach at sunset

April

#1 of 12 months

Best match

Songkran brings Thai New Year festivities — warm, slightly wetter, but culturally unmissable.

  • Songkran water festival (13–15 April) transforms Na Thon and Chaweng into celebrations of Thai New Year
  • Good value accommodation: 30–35% below peak-season rates with weather still mostly excellent
Koh Samui March — lush green tropical island coastline under clear sky

March

#2 of 12 months

Best match

Shoulder season opens: still excellent weather, noticeably cheaper, and a more relaxed pace.

  • European winter crowds departing sharply — Chaweng feels genuinely spacious by mid-March
  • Prices dropping 15–25% from January–February peak while weather remains excellent
FactorAprilMarch
Weather score
7
8
Value score
6
5
Crowd score
6
5
Events score
7
5
Atmosphere
8
7
Avg high temp32.8°C31.5°C
Monthly rain83mm65mm
Daily sunshine7.5hrs8hrs

April trade-offs

  • Songkran week: hotel prices spike temporarily and transport books up fast
  • 83mm of rain is manageable but occasional heavy afternoon showers begin appearing
  • Peak heat of 32.8°C: demanding for any strenuous outdoor activity between 11am and 3pm

March trade-offs

  • Heat beginning to build: 31.5°C highs require midday shade and regular hydration
  • Some afternoon humidity and occasional brief showers appearing from late March
  • Dive visibility can reduce slightly with the change in current patterns
Scores compare months within Koh Samui. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →