What's the Weather like in Phi Phi in January
January in Koh Phi Phi is dry season which is the preferred season for tourists since they can enjoy long sunshine hours with minimal rain. This season starts in January and ends in April making January the start of high season and a part of peak season due to New Years Eve. You can expect temperatures on average of 27 C (81 F) throughout January which is a pretty normal range in Koh Phi Phi even during its wet season.
January starts out with highs and lows of 32 C (89.6 F) to 23 C (73.4 F) with a low chance of rainfall making this the lowest temperature point of the month. As the month progresses the highs steadily rise at around 32.4 C (90.3 F) by mid-month with the lows remaining the same with slight temperature fluctuations. Chance of rain continues to fall and is even more unlikely than at the beginning of the month. Towards the end of the month the highs continue to pick up at 32.8 C (91 F) with the lows remaining on the same trajectory of 23 C (73.4 F) making the end the hottest point of the month as it grows. Rainfall falls to 20% chance at the end of January which is the lowest point of the year.
January is one of the months where the sea temperature is at its lowest due to prevailing northwesterly winds that blow between November and January. That being said it is on average around 28 C (82 F) and still warm enough to rival most other vacation destinations during this time. One downside though, is that the north westerly winds disturb the surface of the water and make it a bit harder to see further down, but it is only a minor nuisance if anything.
Speaking of nuisances, do not expect much rain as January being the start of the dry season, is one of the months with the lowest amounts of rainfall. The average amount of rainfall in the month of January is 48 mm which divides unevenly into 6 days out of the month. Usually it is not a major problem as the rain in this area is of tropical nature making it fall heavily for short periods at a time, so do not expect it to ruin a full day. The worst you can expect is thunder storms which will close down the beaches, but being that it is dry season, they are rare occurrences during this month. On a positive note, the Koh Phi Phi dry season in January has many hours of sunshine during the day at 9 hours daily, so be sure to bring sun block and sun glasses.
Phi Phi Hotels in January
One of the most touted hotels on Koh Phi Phi Don is the Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort. This resort is 5 minutes away from the village center that has many different kinds of shops, restaurants and bars for those who do not want to stay far from the main squeeze. If you want to be near the beach, be sure to check out their beach bungalow rooms so you can watch the sunset and rise from the comfort of your room.
For a private beach view and a great supper you can stay at the Holiday Inn Resort. This resort is further away from most attractions on Koh Phi Phi Don, but is well worth it for access to the private beach which is not as crowded as the main ones. Be sure to check out their beach front bungalows and the Sunset Bar for a great happy hour cocktail.
Phi Phi Beach for January
When you think of Koh Phi Phi one of the first things that come to mind is its beaches. One such beach is Laem Tong Bay with its pearly sand, palm trees, and clear blue ocean waves. Go to this beach if you want something a little less crowded and more secluded.
If you are looking for something a little more adventurous you can see the monkeys at Monkey Bay. Walk to this beach, take a tour, or kayak your way to its sandy shores; either way you will not be disappointed. It is recommended to get rabies vaccinations prior to looking at any wild life in Koh Phi Phi.
If you have ever seen the blockbuster film "The Beach" you may want to visit Ko phi phi le as that is where it was filmed. The beach on this island, just south of Koh Phi Phi Don, is known for its beautiful white sand, turquoise colored water, and green jungle backdrop. You can snorkel in the underwater caves, relax in the sun or walk to the bar for a cold drink in tropical paradise.
Bars and Restaurants
There are many different places to choose from when dining out in Koh Phi Phi. Its cuisine is mainly Thai, but there is also a mixture of other kinds of foods as well, such as American, Chinese, and Italian. If you are looking for a place with a diverse menu try Buffalo Head Bar which is located in Lo Bah Kao Bay behind the Outrigger resort. This place is also one of the top rated bars in Koh Phi Phi for those who love the night life.
The Knock Out Bar is another place behind the Outrigger resort that has a wide array of foods and great drinks. You can arrange a snorkeling trip with members of the staff or have one of their Mojitos, which most say are the best they have ever tried!
For some fantastic and inexpensive Thai food you can try the Blue Lagune. This restaurant is located in Ao Nang in a beach hut, so expect to be seated outside with warm weather and exotic views. The cuisine is rated as one of the best on the phi phi islands and is definitely worth a try for those that want an authentic Thai experience.
Things to do in Phi Phi in January
Koh Phi Phi is one of those places where it is easier to find things to do than to not do. With its abundance of marine life, scuba diving is one of its most famous pass times. One of the highest rated is P.P. Aquanauts Scuba which has developed a reputation for helping first time scuba divers conquer their fears. They have a great system where they assign one instructor to 2 people, so you can be sure to have all the expertise you need guiding you at a personal level.
For those who love a more spiritual form of relaxation how about Keiritas Yoga. This yoga retreat has an indoor studio, a variety of outdoor locations, and an indoor underwater location for you to practice. All classes are small and personalized with the most people being around 10 in a single class.
If you are looking for something more exciting why not try rock climbing at Ibex climbing & tours. For an amazing view of Koh phi phi they will take you to climb Tonsai Tower with proper safety gear and an instructor. If that is not your idea of fun they also have tours that include cliff jumping, snorkeling, and swimming with glowing plankton.
