When is the Best Time to Visit Koh Lipe?
Koh Lipe, a tiny tropical island in Thailand’s Andaman Sea and one of my absolute favourites, is surrounded by white sand beaches, bath-warm waters, and offers an amazing laid-back island vibe. But with such distinct dry and rainy seasons in Thailand, when is the best time to visit Koh Lipe?
There are a few answers to this it all depends on whether you are chasing the sun, looking for less crowds, or trying to land a budget-friendly escape. Below is everything you need to know about Koh Lipe’s seasons so you can plan the holiday of a lifetime.
When is the peak season in Koh Lipe?
If you’re planning your Koh Lipe holiday and wondering when to visit Koh Lipe, for the best weather and hotel prices, here’s everything you need to know.
December to March for Sunshine & Blue Skies
Weather: This is the best time to visit Koh Lipe if you want good weather. Whilst none of us can guarantee when the sun will shine, statistically these months have the least rainfall per year. This is also the coolest time of year, temperatures hover between 25-32°C, perfect for beach bums and those wanting to explore.
Best for: Snorkelling, diving, lazy beach days, and island hopping without a care in the world.
Crowds & Prices: It’s the busiest most expensive time to visit, so book your stay and ferry tickets in advance. Koh Lipe is a small island and I recommend planning your trip 6+ months in advance.
When is rainy season in Koh Lipe?
May to October, rainy but relaxing
Weather: The monsoon season Starts in June, the island sees frequent tropical showers during this time, as well as rough seas and some storms. Temperatures stay warm (24-30°C), but the weather can be unpredictable. September and October are particularly rainy.
Best for: Budget travellers who don’t mind the risk of rain in exchange quiet beaches and cheaper hotels.
Crowds & Prices: It’s the least busy time of year, meaning you might have entire stretches of sand to yourself, whilst things tend to stay open year round, some restaurants may close.
Travel Warning: Ferries and speedboats run less frequently, and rough seas can mean cancellations, make sure you have buffer days either side of travelling to Koh Lipe to avoid missing international flights.
Is there a shoulder season in Koh Lipe?
Traditionally dry season would start in November and end in April, however, due to shifting weather patterns, November and April have become shoulder season months.
Rainfall in November and April can be unpredictable, so if you are heading to Koh Lipe for a guaranteed sunny holiday, these are not the most ideal months to travel.
However, if you are happy to have a little unpredictability with a high chance of sun and lower hotel rates, April and November are great months to travel.
April is Songkran Festival, a Thai New Year celebration also known as the Water Splashing Festival. Due to this, April gets busier with locals.
Best Things to Do in Koh Lipe Year-Round
Snorkelling & Diving: The clear waters of Koh Lipe are filled with marine life no matter when you travel, Stonehenge Dive Site being a must-visit spot.
Sunset Beach: For a quieter beach experience, Sunset Beach offers dreamy evening views without the crowds and of course the best sunset view on the island.
Island Hopping: Take a boat to nearby Koh Adang for jungle treks, waterfalls (best seen after some rain!) and beautiful views back over Koh Lipe.
Walking Street Food Tour: Walking Street is the ost bustling part of Koh Lipe and the perfect spot to dive into some home cooked Thai food no matter what the weather.
- Enjoy a massage: There is a reason Thailand is world famous for its massages! If you want to cool off from the sun, or hide from the rain, a Thai massage is the perfect afternoon activity.
Should I avoid rainy season in Koh Lipe?
With unpredictable annual weather patterns, I don't think anyone should fear rainy season.
I just spent 5 days in Koh Lipe in February, which is the driest month of them all, and got some unseasonable rain showers! Whilst it didn't cause us a problem, it shows that rainy season is not always a bad option, especially if you want more beach to yourself and want to spend less money.
If you travel in rainy season, I advise travelling May-July to get the best experience. Boat cancellations and rough seas are more likely in late August into October.
🌴 Plan Your Trip to Koh Lipe
If you’re ready to start planning your Koh Lipe adventure, here are some helpful guides to make your trip smooth from start to finish:
🏝️ How to Get to Koh Lipe – Everything you need to know about ferries, flights and transfers from Bangkok, Langkawi and Phuket.
🏨 Best Hotels in Koh Lipe – My pick of the two most beautiful beachfront stays.
🍲 Koh Lipe vs Koh Kood – Two of the most beautiful Thai islands, which one is best for your next Thai island holiday?.
💡 Tip: Ferries to Koh Lipe can sell out fast during peak season (December–March), so book your transfers and hotels early to avoid disappointment.
Frequently Asked Questions - Koh Lipe Weather
When is the best time to visit Koh Lipe for good weather?
The best weather is from December to March, with sunny days, calm seas, and little rainfall.
What is the cheapest time to visit Koh Lipe?
The low season (June to September) offers the lowest prices on accommodation and activities.
Is Koh Lipe worth visiting during the monsoon season?
It depends on your travel style. If you prefer solitude, lower prices, and don’t mind some rain, it’s still a great place to relax. However, boat services may be affected by rough seas.
What is the hottest month in Koh Lipe?
March and April are the hottest months, with temperatures reaching up to 33°C (91°F).
Does it rain all day during the rainy season?
Not necessarily. Rain showers can be heavy but are often short-lived, with sunny spells in between.
Are ferries to Koh Lipe available year-round?
Ferries run year-round, but schedules are reduced during the monsoon season, and cancellations due to rough seas are more likely from August to October.
Can you swim in Koh Lipe year-round?
Yes! The sea is warm throughout the year (around 28-30°C), but in the monsoon season, the sea can be rougher with stronger currents.
What’s the best way to get to Koh Lipe?
The most common route is flying to Hat Yai, taking a minibus to Pak Bara Pier, and then catching a ferry to Koh Lipe. Alternatively, ferries run from nearby islands like Langkawi, Koh Lanta, and Phuket during the high season.
For a more extensive guide on how to get to Koh Lipe, click here.
Where is the best place to stay in Koh Lipe?
I recommend staying on Sunrise Beach or Northpoint (the northern end of Sunrise Beach), it's the perfect mix of beautiful beach, swimming opportunities, and has places to eat/drink without being too busy
I loved Serendipity Koh Lipe and Irene Resort, checkout my comparison review here.
