The start of autumn is the peak of the rainy monsoon season in the Similan Islands, and September sees more rainfall than any other month. While it may not be the most popular time to visit, it is the quietest with few crowds. The national park is still closed but visitors will not want for things to do on the islands and on the mainland of Thailand.
Compared to August, which has 17 rainy days on average, this month has 21 days of rain over the course of the month. Well over half the month is a washout, with many more rainy days than sunny ones. This month is the wettest, with over 253mm of rain falling over the course of the month. You'll definitely want to bring the umbrella, poncho or raincoat if you visit during this time of the year.
Fortunately, the temperatures stay warm and pleasant despite all the rain, with an average daily temperature of 28°C (about 82°F). If you don't mind the rain, that's a great temperature for this time of the year, especially when compared to the rainy and cool autumn the UK experiences. The lows at night drop down 24°C (around 76°F), a near-perfect temperature for being outside, as long as it isn't raining. During the heat of the day, expect temperatures to reach up to 31°C (about 87°F).
Expect around six hours of daylight each day to explore and see the islands, although with all the rain, you may not actually see the sun. The waters surrounding the islands are still pretty rough because of the monsoon rains and winds, so you probably won't get to spend much time in the water. If you do, you'll be treated to warm waters, with an average sea temperature of 28°C (about 82°F).
Where to Stay
From the picturesque resort lagoon to the white sands and blue waters of the beach, Centara Seaview Resort Khao Lak is a delight for your senses. Guests receive the same level of service expected from a Centara property, along with amenities like pool, kids' club, teen game room, and lounge area for the adults. Several different room configurations are available from the family residences to the private villas to the deluxe rooms.
The quiet and serene Waters Khao Lak by Katathani is an adult-only resort with several sparkling swimming pools, on-site spa and gorgeous accommodations. Over 100 of the rooms have direct pool access and all come with air-conditioning, satellite television, in-room safes and bathrobes. Each guest also gets a beach bag to use during their stay and access to beach loungers and chairs to spend the day down by the pool or the beach.
Get pampered and spoiled at the Anda Mani Khao Lak Private Residences, located right on the Andaman Sea. The resort has only nine rooms, so you're guaranteed to get one-on-one personalised attention and service from the staff. You'll also be treated to amazing food at the on-site restaurant, that uses local products whenever possible. Other amenities include swimming pool, secluded beach and library to enjoy during the rainy September days.
Eating and Drinking Out
For a fun place to hang out on the beach and enjoy a cold drink, head down to Nang Thong Beach, home of Coconuts. From colourful drinks to spicy Thai food, you can get a little bit of everything at this establishment right on the sand. The bar and restaurant even acts as a venue for weddings for couples wanting a romantic place to say "I Do". The fresh seafood on the menu comes right from the Andaman Sea.
Offering some of the hottest live music in the area, Cloud 9 Live Music Bar and Restaurant is the perfect place to head at the end of the evening. You'll find cold drinks and hot music to keep you going all night long. Along with being a great place to hang out, Cloud 9 also serves up amazing Thai food, including tiger prawns, barracuda and hot pots. If you need to connect to the outside world, the restaurant also has free Wi-Fi.
A self-proclaimed dive bar in Khao Lak, Sakai Bar serves up cold drinks and fun times. From the beer to the cocktails, all the drinks are reasonably priced. As you sip on your favourite alcoholic beverages, you can play pool, table football and kicker. The open-air bar and seating area means you can enjoy the warm weather as you hang out with your friends, enjoying good drinks and good company.
Things to Do
Operated by the Royal Thai Navy, the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre features a turtle nursery that is open to the public. It's a short 15-minute drive from the town centre of Khao Lak and is where baby turtles are brought to be nursed back to health. After the babies are strong enough to survive on their own, they are released into the sea. While at the centre, you can learn more about sea turtles and see the babies for yourself.
When the day is a wash out from the September rain, head indoors and pamper yourself with a spa day at the Quan Spa Khao Lak. Here, you can indulge in treatments from head to toe, including massages, body wraps, scrubs, facials, manicures and pedicures. The facility also offers personal training sessions, adult swim lessons and yoga classes to help you unwind and unplug. Other features include four open-air massage rooms, whirlpools and private sauna baths.
Burn off some energy and learn some new moves at Combat 360 Muay Thai in Khao Lak. The mixed-martial arts and muay thai training facility offers individual and group lessons, as well as camps throughout the year. Along with MMA, you can also learn and take classes in cardio kickboxing, Brazilian jiu jitsu, no gi grappling and yoga. Other classes and packages include personal fitness training and weight loss programs.
