Weather Conditions

Thailand is an ALL YEAR ROUND sailing destination.  There are two main sailing seasons, which are called the wet and dry season, or the SW or NE monsoon, respectively.  Seasons tend to be predictable, although there may be inconsistencies as they change from one to the other.

BEST SAILING MONTHS
December, January, February

North East Monsoon (Dry - Nov to Apr)

The NE monsoon, as the months from November to April are called, have wind speeds of force 2 to 5 from the NE.  The winds are quite light during this period and temperatures are stable and usually in the region of 30 deg C. 

It is consistently dry and sunny, with ideal winds for sailing.  Clients wishing to sail to the Similan Islands can do so during the north east monsoon but will be asked to sign a Sunsail Yacht Charter disclaimer before they leave the base and they must also obtain permission from the National Park Authorities (there may be a charge for this).

South West Monsoon (Wet - May to Oct)

The SW monsoon, takes place from May to October with winds force 2 to 6, from the SW.  There is slightly more wind during this season, making sailing a bit more exhilarating than the NE season. 

During this season there are also some rainy periods which come in from the Indian Ocean, only lasting approx 1 to 2 hours in the late afternoon/early evening.  The direction of the prevailing wind means that the anchorages on the west coast can be exposed and therefore uncomfortable due to the swells. 

Our yacht charter clients are advised to anchor on the East coasts of the islands or in sheltered bays.  There is still safe sailing in Phang Nga Bay right down to Koh Phi Phi.  Unfortunately it is not possible to visit the Similan Islands by yacht during the south west monsoon due to the direction of the prevailing wind.

Weather Table

•  Note: During June, July, August, September & October, squalls come through anything from 20 to 40 knots.