Phuket & the Andaman Sea
Beginner-friendly
Best conditions around May 25
Limestone karsts, warm water, two distinct seasons.
Best time to sail
Best time to sail in Thailand
The best time to sail in Thailand is December to July, with peak conditions in December and January.
That verdict comes from 1991–2020 climate normals — wind, rain, sunshine, and air temperature — scored week by week for charter conditions across 1 sailing area.
Everything you need to plan a catamaran charter in Thailand: the best sailing routes from Phuket, seasonal weather, costs, a 7-day itinerary, and practical tips for navigating the Andaman Sea.
Sailing conditions in Thailand, month by month
Mean weekly values across our sailing areas in Thailand. The sail score weighs wind, rain, sun, and temperature — and discounts tropical-storm season where one applies.
Temperature (°C)
- Air
- Water
Wind (kn)
Rain (mm/day)
Sun (h/day)
| Month | Sail score | Wind (kn) | Rain (mm/day) | Sun (h/day) | Temp (°C) | Water (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 10 | 1.3 | 12 | 27 | 29 |
| February | Excellent | 8 | 1.1 | 12 | 27 | 30 |
| March | Excellent | 7 | 2.7 | 12 | 28 | 30 |
| April | Excellent | 6 | 6.7 | 12 | 28 | 31 |
| May * | Excellent | 9 | 8.1 | 12 | 28 | 31 |
| June * | Excellent | 9 | 6.7 | 12 | 28 | 30 |
| July * | Good | 9 | 8.7 | 12 | 28 | 30 |
| August * | Fair | 10 | 8.7 | 12 | 27 | 30 |
| September * | Poor | 9 | 7.3 | 12 | 27 | 30 |
| October * | Poor | 8 | 8.7 | 12 | 27 | 30 |
| November * | Poor | 8 | 7.8 | 12 | 27 | 30 |
| December | Excellent | 10 | 3.6 | 12 | 27 | 29 |
Months marked * fall inside the tropical-storm season.
Tropical storm season: May to November
Parts of Thailand sit inside a tropical-cyclone basin. Monthly climate averages smooth over rare but severe storms, so the sail score discounts the weeks from May to November. Check cancellation terms, insurance, and your operator's storm policy before booking inside this window.
Sailing areas in Thailand
Every area below is scored individually in the interactive calendar; where we have an in-depth guide, it's linked.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to sail in Thailand?
December to July offers the most reliable conditions, with December and January scoring best for wind, rain, sunshine, and temperature in the 1991–2020 climate normals.
When is the cheapest time to charter in Thailand?
The shoulder months — December and July — usually combine good sailing conditions with fewer crowds and lower charter prices than the peak in December and January.
When is tropical storm season in Thailand?
From May to November. Climate averages hide rare but severe storms, so treat this window with care: check cancellation terms and weather routing before booking.
How warm is it in Thailand in December?
Around 27 °C air temperature on average in December, with about 12 hours of sun a day.
How warm is the water in Thailand in December?
Around 29 °C sea-surface temperature on average in December, based on 2023–2025 marine averages.