What is the best month to visit Koh Phi Phi?

February and March have the best mix of dry weather, calm seas and fewer people than the Christmas peak. November and April are good too.

When is Maya Bay closed?

Every year from 1 August to 30 September. The rest of the year it is open daily, with a one hour visit limit and no swimming.

Is Koh Phi Phi worth visiting in the rainy season?

Yes, if you accept some rain and bumpy boats. Prices are low, the beaches are quiet and the sheltered bays are still swimmable. Just leave a spare day for cancelled boats.

How hot is Koh Phi Phi?

Between 28 and 35 degrees in the day all year, warmest in March and April. Nights rarely drop below 24 degrees.

When is high season on Koh Phi Phi?

From November to April, with the peak from mid December to mid January. Book early for those weeks.

Best time to visit Koh Phi Phi

Last checked: October 2026

Short answer

The dry season from November to April is the best time for Koh Phi Phi: calm seas, blue water and every boat running. December to February is the peak with the highest prices. March and April are hot and still. From May to October the south west monsoon brings rain in bursts and rougher seas, fewer boats and lower room rates. Maya Bay closes every year from August to September.

November to April: the dry season
May to October: the rainy season
Month by month
Sea, sun and daylight
Tips

November to April: the dry season

The sea goes flat, the sky clears and the visibility for diving and snorkelling is at its best, often 20 metres and more. Every ferry and tour runs, including the seasonal Koh Lanta boats. From mid December to mid January the island is full and room rates double, so book months ahead for Christmas and New Year.

March and April are the hottest months, with 33 to 35 degrees in the afternoon and very little wind. Mornings on the water are still, which is good for Phi Phi Leh, and afternoons belong to the shade. Songkran, the Thai new year in mid April, is three days of water fights in Tonsai Village.

May to October: the rainy season

Rain comes in short heavy bursts, often in the afternoon or at night, and most days still have hours of sun. The sea is the real difference: waves build from the south west, Loh Dalum and Tonsai Bay stay sheltered, but the boat trips get bumpy and on bad days they are cancelled. Speedboats from Phuket and Krabi keep running, the direct Koh Lanta boat usually stops.

Maya Bay is closed every year from 1 August to 30 September so that the bay and its reef can recover. Boat trips still visit Pileh Lagoon, Loh Samah and Viking Cave in those months. Room rates are the lowest of the year, some bars and dive shops close for a few weeks and the island feels quiet.

Month by month

November: the seas calm down, the island opens up, prices still moderate. December and January: perfect weather, the biggest crowds, the highest prices. February: dry, warm and a little quieter. March and April: hot and still, great water, Songkran in mid April.

May and June: the change, some rain, fewer people, good deals. July: rain and sun in turns, waves on the open side. August and September: the wettest months, Maya Bay closed, the lowest prices. October: the rain tails off, by the end of the month the dry season is back.

Sea, sun and daylight

The water is 28 to 30 degrees all year. Sunrise is between about 06:15 and 06:40, sunset between about 18:10 and 18:45, all year round, with the viewpoint and Loh Dalum the classic spots for the evening. The fire shows on Loh Dalum start after dark in every month.

Tips

For Maya Bay with the fewest people, go in the first boat of the day, see Things to do.
In the rainy season book a hotel on Loh Dalum or in Tonsai Village, the sheltered side, and keep the boat trips for the calm mornings.
Christmas and New Year sell out. Book early and expect a minimum stay at many hotels.