Climate

The Surin Islands enjoy a tropical climate. It is typically high in both temperature and humidity with yearly mosoons. Awareness of Thailand's seasonal weather patterns is essential for the traveller so as to make for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

In a typical year the monsoon rains peter out in October and the high season for tourism begins. November till April sees the most accommodating weather for guests to Thailand. During these months the humidity has been cleared from the preceding monsoon. There is now low rainfall, sunny skies and the temperature flirts with 30°C

During April and May the heat intensifies and the humidity rises. April and May are particularly warm with average daytime temperatures breaching 35°C. Clear skies are still common, but as the weeks pass the clouds start to bubble up during the late morning and afternoon rain becomes more frequent. These showers eliminate the humidity and break up the clouds leading to stunning sunsets.

June to September sees the full onset of the monsoon. Often the mornings begin clear and sunny. However, even before the heat has chance to build up, dark clouds are rolling in accompanied with strong gusts of wind. Wild, exciting storms are commonplace with heavy precipitation. Whereas this weather is not good for tourism, the locals seem indifferent, enjoying the cool respite before the cycle starts over.

Although the seasonal gyrations remain roughly the same across the entire nation, there are of course regional differences based upon location within the country and local geography.

Chiang Mai in the north is cooler than Hat Yai in the south. The winds coming off the sea in Phuket are stronger than the broken down gusts that occur in big city Bangkok.

Phang Nga and Khuraburi are also subject to distinctive annual weather patterns. Typically, Khuraburi follows the seasonal climatic archetypes more rigidly than other areas in Thailand. In other words the high season benefits from reliably cloudless skies and the monsoon brings some of the highest rainfall in the country.

This is excellent news for tourism in this area. The summer rains enrich the soil, bringing lush green landscapes. Then, as Autumn approaches the rains drop off completely, the sun comes out and stays out.

The weather in the Surin Islands generally follows that on the mainland. The only real difference is at the fringes of the season and during low season. During this time the deep showers are more localised and it is quite possible for the Surin Islands to be saved the torrential rain hitting the mainland.

However, poor weather in the area still affects sea conditions. During the low season between May & October the Similan & Surin national parks are closed. There is a pervasive swell in the open ocean, the coastline is hammered by waves and water visibility is poor.

By the time the national park opens again in mid October the weather has mostly calmed down, though there are still some choppy days.

Thankfully, during peak season (December - March) visitors to the Surin Islands can rest assured that their holiday will generally receive glorious sunshine, clear air and calm seas.