Gulf of Thailand weather and sea conditions: what the forecast means for your trip
Gulf of Thailand weather and sea conditions shape every crossing between Surat Thani, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, so it is worth reading the outlook before you travel. The summary below covers Nov 11 – Nov 17, 2024, with daily temperature, weather, sea state and tide times.
Daily outlook, Nov 11 – Nov 17, 2024
Nov 11
- Temperature: 23-34°C
- Weather: Scattered showers, isolated thunderstorms
- Sea Condition: Moderate with waves around 1 meter, rising to 2 meters in thundershowers
- Tide: High 2.03m (5:21 pm), Low 0.89m (4:08 am)
Nov 12
- Temperature: 24-34°C
- Weather: Scattered thundershowers
- Sea Condition: Moderate; 1 meter waves, up to 2 meters in thundershowers
- Tide: High 1.79m (6:36 pm), Low 1.03m (3:52 am)
Nov 13
- Temperature: 24-34°C
- Weather: Scattered thundershowers
- Sea Condition: Moderate; waves around 1 meter, 2 meters in thundershowers
- Tide: High 1.61m (10:29 am), Low 1.16m (3:29 am)
Nov 14
- Temperature: 24-33°C
- Weather: Scattered showers
- Sea Condition: Calm to moderate with waves around 1 meter
- Tide: High 1.5m (7:08 pm), Low 1.2m (5:02 am)
Nov 15
- Temperature: 23-32°C
- Weather: Scattered showers
- Sea Condition: Calm to moderate; waves around 1 meter
- Tide: High 1.45m (8:00 pm), Low 1.1m (6:10 am)
Nov 16
- Temperature: 23-31°C
- Weather: Light rain, partly cloudy
- Sea Condition: Calm to moderate with 1 meter waves
- Tide: High 1.43m (8:45 pm), Low 1.2m (6:58 am)
Nov 17
- Temperature: 23-30°C
- Weather: Partly cloudy
- Sea Condition: Calm with waves around 1 meter
- Tide: High 1.35m (9:30 pm), Low 1.1m (7:42 am)
What changed across the week
The week starts unsettled and ends quieter. Nov 11 to Nov 13 bring scattered showers and thundershowers, with a moderate sea and waves that can climb from around 1 meter to 2 meters inside a thundershower. From Nov 14 the pattern eases to scattered showers and a calm-to-moderate sea, and by Nov 17 conditions are partly cloudy with a calm sea.
Daytime highs cool gradually from 34°C early in the week to 30°C on Nov 17, while overnight lows hold steady in the 23-24°C range. Tidal range also narrows: the high tide falls from 2.03m on Nov 11 to 1.35m on Nov 17, and high water shifts later into the evening.
Who and what this affects
Anyone crossing between the mainland and the islands is affected, along with travellers connecting by road to and from the piers. Short, exposed hops such as Koh Samui to Koh Phangan and Koh Phangan to Koh Tao feel wave height most, while longer mainland crossings from Surat Thani and Donsak are more sensitive to squalls passing through.
Practical impact for travellers
On the more active days, expect a bumpier ride rather than an automatic cancellation. Operators may adjust or hold departures when a thundershower is over the route, so build slack into onward connections such as flights, trains or long-distance buses.
- If you are prone to seasickness, favour Nov 14-17, when the sea is calm to moderate.
- Keep bags and electronics in waterproof covers on open-deck seating during showers.
- Low tides in the early morning can affect boarding at shallow piers — allow extra time.
- Check your operator's live status on the day of travel, especially Nov 11-13.
Booking around Gulf of Thailand weather and sea conditions
Live departure times, journey durations, operators and fares for each crossing are shown on the route pages at the time of booking, so compare the options for your date there rather than assuming a fixed timetable. Useful starting points are ferries from Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Koh Samui to Koh Phangan and Koh Phangan to Koh Tao, plus combined bus, minivan and private transfer options to the piers where these are offered.
Please note: this forecast covers Nov 11 – Nov 17, 2024 only. We do not hold operator-specific cancellation or refund terms for these dates on this page — check the conditions shown with your chosen service before you book.
Disclaimer: Conditions may vary. Check for real-time updates before planning any marine or outdoor activities.
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