Weather and tide forecast for the Gulf of Thailand (Samui/Phangan/Tao/Surat Thani)
This weather and tide forecast for the Gulf of Thailand covers Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and the Surat Thani mainland — the four points that most ferry, bus, minivan and private transfer journeys in this region connect. Use it to pick a sailing day, plan an early start, or decide whether to build in a buffer before an onward flight.
Weather Forecast for Gulf of Thailand (Samui/Phangan/Tao/Surat Thani) Jan 9, 2025 – January 12, 2025
Thursday, January 9
- Temperature: High 29°C (85°F), Low 26°C (78°F)
- Weather: Partly cloudy with occasional sun
- Sailing Conditions: Moderate waves, 1.5-2 metres
- Tides: High tide at 6:27 AM (1.96m), Low tide at 9:34 PM (0.95m)
Friday, January 10
- Temperature: High 30°C (86°F), Low 26°C (79°F)
- Weather: Sunny and pleasant
- Sailing Conditions: Calm waves, around 1.5 metres
- Tides: High tide at 7:15 AM (2.17m), Low tide at 8:48 PM (0.82m)
Saturday, January 11
- Temperature: High 29°C (84°F), Low 26°C (78°F)
- Weather: Breezy with clouds
- Sailing Conditions: Moderate waves, 1.5-2 metres
- Tides: High tide at 8:12 AM (2.34m), Low tide at 8:41 PM (0.70m)
Sunday, January 12
- Temperature: High 28°C (82°F), Low 25°C (76°F)
- Weather: Scattered morning showers, partly sunny later
- Sailing Conditions: Slightly choppy waves, 1.5-2 metres
- Tides: High tide at 9:15 AM (2.45m), Low tide at 8:55 PM (0.63m)
What changed across these four days
The pattern shifts from mixed cloud on Thursday to the calmest sea of the period on Friday, when waves settle to around 1.5 metres. Saturday turns breezy and Sunday brings scattered morning showers with a slightly choppy sea, while daytime highs ease from 30°C on Friday to 28°C on Sunday.
High tides also drift later and higher each morning, from 1.96m at 6:27 AM on Thursday to 2.45m at 9:15 AM on Sunday. Evening low tides fall away in the opposite direction, from 0.95m to 0.63m.
Who this affects
Sea conditions matter most to ferry and catamaran passengers crossing between Surat Thani (Donsak), Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. The Koh Tao legs are the most exposed, so a breezy or choppy day is felt there first. Bus, minivan and combined bus-and-ferry travellers are affected indirectly, because a delayed crossing can shift the connecting road leg.
Practical impact for travellers
If your dates are flexible, Friday is the smoothest window in this forecast. On the moderate and choppy days, consider an earlier departure, sit mid-ship and low, and pack motion-sickness tablets. Pier operations can also be tide-sensitive, so allow extra time around the very low evening tides on Saturday and Sunday.
Departure times, operators and prices vary by day and by route, so check the live results for your journey rather than assuming a fixed timetable. Popular options include Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferries, Koh Samui to Koh Phangan and Koh Phangan to Koh Tao.
Disclaimer
Weather, sea conditions, and tide information are subject to change. Always check local updates and forecasts before planning activities. This forecast is for guidance only and is not a cancellation notice — operators make their own sailing decisions.
Search availability for your Gulf of Thailand route and book your ferry, bus, minivan or private transfer online.
