Situated within the Krabi province of Thailand, Ko Lanta is part of a group of 52 small islands, 12 of which are inhabited. At only 28 kilometres long, Ko Lanta is just eight degrees above the equator ensuring there are really only two types of weather in the region. In the high season the climate is beautifully warm and dry. And in the low season, the weather may be wet, but there is still plenty of warm weather to be had.
The period between May and October is typified by monsoon type episodes which ensure the island is awash with water. However, as the average temperature never usually falls below 28°C, the air is always very warm. And when the rain does stop, the island is quick to recover.
Between November and April, the drier weather arrives, offering incredible heat and blue skies.
As Ko Lanta is situated so close to the equator, the changes in the season cannot be forecast as accurately as they can in other areas of the world. However there are usually two times of the year when the weather can be predicted with a great deal of certainty.
The first is between March and April which is the time for the famous heat wave of Thailand when the days are long and scorching hot. Conversely the time between September and October denotes the wettest time on the island, when at least some precipitation is expected almost every day.
For people who want to avoid the wet weather and the peak sun, the period between January and February is the most popular. At this time of the year, you can expect consistently dry, warm days. However, in Ko Lanta, a cool day is any temperature in the high 20's. So be prepared for a lot of warm weather, no matter what time of year you visit.
A condition of being so close to the equator, is that visitors to Ko Lanta experience very little drop in temperature when the sun goes down. In the peak summer months, the clearer air means there is usually a more considerable fall in the average minimum temperature. However this still only falls to approximately 24°C. While in the low season, temperatures usually experience an average low higher than 25°C throughout the day and the night. However, with the wind chill factor, there can be some cooler nights in Ko Lanta, so an extra layer for the late evening may be required.
This constant warm weather also brings with it high levels of humidity across the year. Minimum humidity levels never usually fall below 75%. While conditions can reach up to 100% at peak times. If you are sensitive to humidity then it is wise to avoid visits to the most luscious areas of the island, such as the National Park or jungle areas. As it is in these locations where humidity will be at its highest.
Thanks to the consistent conditions, sea temperatures are welcoming on Ko Lanta throughout the year. Traditionally the sea temperature will not fall below 28°C, even in the middle of the low season. This ensures this island in the Krabi province is a very popular location for divers, snorkelers and those who enjoy the wealth of other water activities available on the island.
High Season in Ko Lanta
While the high season in Ko Lanta usually starts in November, changes in the seasons are not experienced with pin point accuracy. Therefore it is often the case that the warm, dry weather in the peak season may actually start earlier than expected. And while the best of the weather is due to finish by the end of April, there can be many hot, dry sunny days in May and sometimes even into June.
High temperatures across the season reach 34°C during this time of the year. However, the weather is usually a few degrees warmer between January and April, than it is in the last three months of the year.
By the time December arrives, there is almost no rain forecast to fall on Ko Lanta until April or May which means humidity levels are at their lowest. However even in February, when humidity is at its lowest point of the year, levels of 75% are still expected.
Ko Lanta in high season is a time for enjoying the sun and making the most of the long hot days. Though in the peak midday sun it will be hard to do more than sit back and relax or enjoy a massage.
Low Season in Ko Lanta
As soon as the high season ends, the wet weather begins. Whether this is closer to mid-April or early May, you can expect very warm days interspersed with heavy periods of rain.
Make no mistake, the rain doesn't come every day. And for much of the season, it usually rains at night and dries up by early morning. However between May and December the monsoon season means there will be days where the rain will be lashing down, accompanied by winds that are very strong.
It is common for a lot of the tourist areas to shut down during this period. However this is primarily not due to the lack of good weather, but simply due to the lack of visitors that arrive. This does mean that many of the activities on the island may stop running. However the small, family run resorts and restaurants are likely to stay open for your enjoyment all year round.
Ko Lanta in low season is a time to de-stress and escape the hustle and bustle of normal life. Intermix with the locals and appreciate how they have lived over the centuries. Eat from roadside stalls or play football on the beach at sunset. For those that want to sit back, relax and contemplate life, it's a fantastic time to be on the island.