Winter in Surat Thani brings warm days, mild nights, and a welcome drop in rainfall compared to the peak monsoon months. You’ll see average daytime highs around 30°C (86°F) and cooler nights near 22°C (72°F). This season really feels like one of the most comfortable times to be outside.
Sure, the air still holds that tropical humidity, but with less rain, the climate just feels more balanced. It’s not as oppressive as it can be during other times of the year.
From December through February, you’ll notice the weather shifting from heavy rains to drier, calmer days. Showers still pop up, but they’re shorter and less frequent, leaving more clear skies and longer stretches of sunshine.
This change makes it easier to plan outdoor adventures without having to worry about constant storms.
Winter tends to soften Surat Thani’s tropical climate. The sea stays warm enough for swimming, daylight hours don’t really change, and everything just feels more relaxed.
If you’re thinking of exploring the region’s islands, markets, or cultural sites, you’ll find this season offers some of the most reliable weather all year.
Overview of Surat Thani’s Winter Climate
Surat Thani sits in southern Thailand and gets a tropical monsoon climate with only short seasonal shifts. Winter brings slightly cooler temperatures, less rain, and more comfortable conditions compared to the hot, wet parts of the year.
Location and Climate Classification
You’ll find Surat Thani along the Gulf of Thailand in the country’s southern region. With its low elevation—about 10 meters above sea level—the city stays warm and humid year-round.
The place falls under the tropical monsoon climate (Am) in the Köppen-Geiger system. That means heavy rain rules most of the year, with only a short dry season.
On average, temperatures hover around 26–28°C (79–83°F). Rainfall averages about 1,600 mm (63 in) annually, with the heaviest rains from May to November.
Winter lands in the drier, slightly cooler part of the cycle.
Because it’s coastal, Surat Thani doesn’t really get wild temperature swings. Instead, you’ll notice more subtle seasonal changes, usually tied to rainfall and cloud cover rather than big jumps in heat or cold.
Tropical Climate Characteristics
In a tropical climate like Surat Thani’s, humidity sticks around all year. Dew points often stay above 70°F (21°C), so the air feels muggy, even when it’s cooler.
Winters here aren’t cold in the usual sense. Daytime highs reach about 29°C (84–85°F) and nighttime lows hover near 23°C (72–73°F). That’s not a huge difference from the hotter months, when highs can go past 34°C (93°F).
Clouds change with the season, too. From late November through February, the skies clear up compared to the rest of the year. Sunshine hours go up, and you’ll get more reliable dry days.
Outdoor conditions just feel better. Humidity sticks around, but with less rain and slightly cooler air, it’s a relief after the long wet season.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Winter usually runs from November through February in Surat Thani. During these months, rain drops off sharply.
For example, December and February average less than 2 inches (50 mm) of rainfall, while October and November can see over 10 inches (250 mm).
The chance of daily rain falls to about 10–20% in February, making it one of the driest months. October, on the other hand, can have rain on more than 20 days.
Winds shift, too. The northeasterly monsoon brings drier air from inland Asia. In December, average wind speeds rise a bit, reaching about 7 mph (11 km/h), which helps cut down the humidity.
Daylight hours stay close to 12 hours per day, barely changing with the season. That means you can keep up with outdoor plans all winter long.
When you add up the moderate temperatures, lower rainfall, and clearer skies, winter really is the most comfortable time to experience Surat Thani’s tropical climate.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Surat Thani
Winter in Surat Thani means warm days and mild nights, with only slight changes in temperature from the rest of the year. You’ll get steady warmth, a little cooling in the evenings, and a gentle shift as you move from December to February.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During winter, daytime highs usually land between 84°F and 90°F (29°C–32°C). February afternoons feel warmest, while December sits on the cooler side.
These temperatures make outdoor activities pleasant, without the scorching heat you get before summer.
At night, lows average around 72°F to 74°F (22°C–23°C). It rarely drops below 69°F (20°C), so you won’t need heavy clothes. The air feels humid, but the warmth sticks around, keeping that classic tropical vibe.
This combo of warm days and mild nights sums up Surat Thani’s winter weather. You can plan for both daytime outings and evenings outside, without worrying about big temperature swings.
Monthly Temperature Variations
December is the coolest month, with highs near 84°F (29°C) and lows close to 72°F (22°C). By January, highs rise just a bit, and nighttime lows hold steady.
February often feels warmer, with highs reaching 89°F to 90°F (31°C–32°C).
The difference between months is small. You might notice December mornings feel a touch cooler than later in the season. That gentle warming trend is just how the region’s tropical monsoon climate works.
| Month | Avg High °F (°C) | Avg Low °F (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 84 (29) | 72 (22) |
| January | 86 (30) | 72 (22) |
| February | 89 (32) | 73 (23) |
You can see from these averages that things stay pretty stable month to month.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Winter temperatures in Surat Thani run a bit cooler than the hot season, which peaks in April with highs around 93°F (34°C). Compared to the rainy season in September and October, winter feels drier and more comfortable, though humidity is still high.
You don’t get a sharp contrast between seasons here, unlike in northern climates. Instead, you’ll notice modest shifts. Winter brings the most balanced weather—warm, but not extreme, and less rain than the wettest months.
If you compare it to the short dry season, winter feels similar but with milder conditions. You avoid the peak heat of late spring and the heavy autumn rains, making winter one of the most favorable times to get outside and enjoy the region.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns During Winter
Winter in Surat Thani marks a shift from heavy monsoon rains to drier days, but showers still show up now and then. You’ll see moderate precipitation, fewer rainy days, and more predictable weather, which helps with planning activities or travel.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
Rain drops off quickly once the monsoon ends in November. By December, average precipitation falls to about 129 mm (5.08 in), way less than the peak of over 300 mm in November.
January keeps this trend going, with totals usually near 100 mm (3.9 in). February is the driest, averaging just 12–30 mm (0.5–1.2 in).
With this steady decline, you’re less likely to get stuck in long downpours. Showers are shorter and lighter, making outdoor plans easier. Still, humidity stays high, even as the rain lets up.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~129 mm | Moderate |
| January | ~100 mm | Lower |
| February | 12–30 mm | Very Low |
Number of Rainy Days
Rainy days drop off as winter goes on. December might bring around 13 days of rain, but showers are gentler than during the monsoon.
January averages 8–10 rainy days, and by February, you might only see 3–5 days with rain.
Even on wetter December days, rain usually comes in bursts, not all day. This lets you adjust your plans without losing a whole day to bad weather.
Impact of Rainfall on Travel
Rain in winter doesn’t mess with travel as much as the monsoon season does. Roads in Surat Thani stay clearer, and ferries to islands like Koh Samui or Koh Phangan run more reliably.
Sometimes December brings a heavy shower that causes short delays, but it rarely ruins your plans for long. By January and February, interruptions are pretty minimal.
If you’re heading outdoors, it’s smart to pack a light rain jacket, especially for December. By February, you can expect mostly dry days, so you’ll have more freedom to explore markets, temples, or the coast.
Humidity and Comfort Levels in Winter
Winter air in Surat Thani stays humid, and that really shapes how warm or cool things feel. The steady temperatures and high moisture levels affect comfort and even your daily routine.
Average Humidity Percentages
Winter falls between December and February here. During this time, average relative humidity usually runs from 75% to 85%. That’s a bit lower than during the peak monsoon, but still high compared to a lot of other places.
December’s humidity often sits at the lower end, making it one of the more comfortable months. By January and February, humidity climbs again, but not as much as in the rainy season.
The steady humidity means that even when daily temperatures hit 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F), the air can feel warmer than the numbers suggest. Nights are a little more comfortable, since humidity drops slightly as temperatures cool.
This kind of pattern is just part of Surat Thani’s tropical monsoon climate—moisture in the air doesn’t dip much, even in the dry season.
Effects of Humidity on Daily Life
High humidity changes how you experience winter here. You might find that clothes take longer to dry, and indoor spaces can feel a bit damp if there’s not enough ventilation.
If you’re visiting, you’ll want to pack lightweight, breathable clothes instead of heavy layers. Cotton and linen really help you stay comfortable in sticky air.
Humidity also makes physical activity feel tougher. Even with moderate temperatures, outdoor walks or sightseeing can get tiring. It’s smart to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade.
If you’re near the coast, breezes often help cut through the heaviness. Inland, it can feel more stifling without that airflow.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Duration
Winter in Surat Thani brings slightly shorter sunshine hours and a small dip in daylight, but the change isn’t huge. You’ll just notice a bit less direct sun each day.
Average Daily Sunshine
During winter, Surat Thani gets about 7.5 to 8.2 hours of sunshine per day. January is usually the least sunny, with around 7.7 hours daily. December and February tend to be a little brighter, getting closer to 8 hours or more.
The lower sunshine comes from more cloud cover and seasonal rainfall, especially in December as the monsoon winds down. By February, skies clear up, and you’ll get longer stretches of sun.
For comparison, the sunniest months—like March or July—average close to 10 hours daily, so winter does have a bit of a dip. Still, with over 230 hours of sun per month in January, you’ll have plenty of daylight for outdoor plans.
Length of Daylight Hours
Surat Thani sits close to the equator, so daylight hours don’t really fluctuate much. In winter, you’ll usually get 11 to 11.5 hours of daylight each day.
December brings the shortest days, averaging about 11 hours and 30 minutes. By February, you’ll see daylight stretch a bit longer, edging up to 11 hours and 50 minutes.
Regions farther from the equator experience bigger swings, but here, the change is barely noticeable. Your daily plans probably won’t get thrown off by the season.
You can go sightseeing, hit the beach, or travel around without worrying much about daylight running out.
Notable Weather Events and Seasonal Variability
Winter in Surat Thani feels a little cooler and tends to be drier than the monsoon season. Still, the weather can surprise you with sudden heavy showers, short dry spells, or changes in humidity that sometimes shake up travel plans.
Unusual Weather Occurrences
Even though winter is drier than the monsoon, you might still run into sudden downpours. December usually gets around 129 mm of rain. That’s a lot less than November, but it’s still enough to mess with outdoor activities now and then.
These showers don’t last long, but they can hit hard, which is pretty typical for a tropical monsoon climate.
Sometimes, late-season monsoon systems or tropical depressions in the Gulf of Thailand send storms your way. They bring stronger winds and heavier rain, and while it doesn’t happen often in winter, these storms can cause temporary flooding in lower areas.
One thing you’ll probably notice is the high humidity. It rarely drops below 70%, so even when it feels cooler, the air stays pretty damp, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Some people find this mix of warmth and moisture comfortable, but honestly, it can feel sticky too.
Year-to-Year Variations
Winter weather in Surat Thani doesn’t really stick to a strict pattern every year. Some years, you’ll get a much drier season, with fewer than 10 rainy days in December or January.
Other years, the monsoon just hangs on and keeps things wet into early winter, so rainfall totals go up.
Temperature changes usually aren’t huge, but you might notice a difference at night. Sometimes, January mornings actually feel a bit chilly, dropping close to 21°C (70°F).
Other years, it barely dips below 23°C (73°F), which isn’t exactly cold but still feels different if you’re around for a while.
The timing of when the monsoon finally lets go really matters. If the rains stick around through late November, the start of winter will likely feel damp.
But if the monsoon decides to quit early, you’ll probably see drier weather and clearer skies by December.