With assuredly glorious temperatures and plenty of sunshine, it doesn’t get better than Koh Samui in July. With weather and events in mind, here’s everything you can look forward to, what to expect, what to pack – and lots more Thailand tips – for this month.
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Subscribe by emailKoh Samui in July
July 2022 updates
1. Thailand is open
As of July 1, Thailand’s covid restrictions finish. All you need (ALL YOU NEED) to do to enter Thailand is (A) show your proof of vaccine or (B) show a negative PCR test or professionally observed rapid-antigen test from ≤ 72 hours ago.
No more Thailand Pass and no more insurance requirement (but please buy travel insurance … seriously). Mask requirements remain for domestic flights, airports, public transport, official buildings and where businesses independently require it.
2. The Koh Samui Guide’s 8th edition
Coming soon! I’m hoping for a late July release of a totally (thoroughly, utterly, completely) updated Koh Samui Guide. You can read all the details and subscribe to be notified when it’s available.
Is July a good time to visit Koh Samui?
Tremendously so. You can expect 6+ hours of solid daily sunshine. The average July temperature on Samui is a more-than-acceptable 29.25 degrees Celsius (84.65°F). Since 2003, the coldest it ever dropped was 22°C/72°F – not exactly jacket weather, even then.
Is it rainy season in July?
You’ll run into information stating that July is rainy season in Thailand. While July is a pretty wet month on Phuket (an average of 19 days of 31), October, November and December are Koh Samui’s rainy season – not July.
Instead, expect the occasional (and quite spectacular) tropical storm. These usually come in the form of “afternoon showers”, and they’re nothing to dread. They don’t last long and are an extremely refreshing, often dramatic, experience. Seriously – rain – not a problem. It will be sunny plenty of the time.
Tip: I recommend that every visitor to Koh Samui expect at least some rain – if you’re prepared, or even looking forward to it, a short tropical storm can be another great part of your Samui holiday. (Really).
Where to stay in July
My pick: Melati Beach Resort & Spa
First, the proof-in-the-pudding: Melati won #1 Luxury Boutique Resort in Thailand at last year’s World Luxury Hotel Awards. It’s perfect for a cast-away beach holiday either as a family or a couple. An enormous beachfront pool (with requisite swim-up bar) is ideal for kids, or tuck yourselves away at the quiet adults-only pool. (Or bag the hat-trick with a private pool villa). Unlike many Samui resorts that require golf cart transport up and down steep hills, Melati is walkable and its gardens are wonderful to explore.
Room choices? 41 villas offer private pools and all rooms have a living room with a daybed. For tons of room, book a Family Pool Villa (200 m²/2,152 ft²) which will accommodate 5 adults max and includes a 28 m²/301 ft² private pool. Should it rain, you’ve got tons of space to relax indoors for a while. For even more space, book a massive Presidential Suite (347 m²/3,735 ft²) which includes a 32 m²/344 ft² private pool.
See Rates + DetailsMore hotel ideas
- Mid-range: Smile House
- Couples: Sea Dance Resort
- Families: Santiburi Koh Samui
Tip: For an introduction to Koh Samui’s beaches and great hotel suggestions, see Where to Stay on Koh Samui.
- Pool villas: 21 Private Pool Villas on Koh Samui
- Fitness: Koh Samui’s Best Hotel Gyms
What to pack for July
1. Superb mosquito repellent
Will there be mosquitoes on Koh Samui in July? There will be mosquitoes on Koh Samui until the rapture (and probably long afterwards). Winning the battle against mosquitoes in Thailand depends on: (A) you coming prepared and (B) where you happen to sit. For example, you’ll have better odds on a breezy beach than beside a sticky swamp. No mosquito bites and no scary chemicals? Here’s every reason you’ll love the world’s best – totally natural – mosquito repellent. It’s game-changing – get excited.
Tip: The repellent above, my favourite, is temporarily available in the UK and Europe only. Rest of world, fear not, see some wonderful alternatives and more tips to avoid mosquitoes in Thailand.
2. DK Eyewitness
With idiot-proof maps, colour-coded Thailand itineraries and captioned photos on every page, this guidebook is an unequalled resource for your Thai travel. Yet it will be equally useful for anyone who spends time in Thailand, whether frequent visitors or long-term expats. I read it cover to cover. It’s fascinating, and – no matter your Thailand plans – you need to spend at least one evening devouring it. Going to a Thai cultural night? Attending a wedding in Thailand? Want to watch a Muay Thai (Thai boxing) match? There’s a relevant page for any event you care to name; explaining everything you ever/never wondered, with helpful diagrams, too.
Tip: As this book is so packed with material, read it with a pack of coloured sticky tabs to hand. In a pinch, both the front and back covers have fold-out flaps to mark your page.
3. A long-sleeved linen shirt
Hands down – linen is the BEST fabric to pack for Thailand. It’s perfect in July’s high humidity and is pretty much the only thing I pack. Choose a long-sleeved version for the extra sun protection when needed (and double-check the label that it’s 100% linen, not a blend). A slightly oversized fit (à la Gen Z) will be more comfortable in Thai heat. Throw in a dual-voltage travel steamer and you’re ready to roll.
July is a very sunny month and Thailand’s sun means mega business. For further sun protection, make sure to pack plenty of SPF 30+ sunscreen (or higher), a wide-brimmed hat and a range of beach/pool cover-ups. Don’t forget neck and back-of-knee-protection for the beach and pool.
Tip: For tips on the best fabric to wear, plus temple, beach and resort dress codes see What to Wear in Thailand.
4. Waterproof phone case
A stay at Melati means kayaking, pool volleyball and maybe even reading in your private pool. As mentioned, you’re bound to experience some torrential tropical storms as well. Err with caution and bring some extra protection for your phone. If you drop it in the pool or are caught in an unexpected downpour – no problem. This waterproof case fits just about every phone in existence and will be very happy to join you for a snorkelling trip – it’s certified to 100 feet deep.
Tip: Rainy Day entertainment. If you (or your kids) get restless pretty quickly, also pack a few ‘rainy day entertainments’ to enjoy during any afternoon storms that you might get on Koh Samui in July. They’ll also save the day when you’ve had enough sun and want to enjoy some mid-afternoon shade.
July events calendar
- 13 Asana Bucha Day (Buddhist holy day)
- 22 Koh Samui Latin Festival
- 23 Koh Samui Regatta 2022
- 28 H.M. King’s Birthday
This year, look forward to two big island events in July: Koh Samui Latin Festival and the Koh Samui Regatta.
Perhaps you’re importing celebrations of your own? July is a popular time for weddings and honeymoons on Koh Samui – if you’re in that lucky demographic, congrats! While the backpacker set counts down to July’s Full Moon Party (July 15), some visitors might hope to celebrate their own holidays while on Samui.
July 22: Hammock Day – Apparently, there’s an invented July holiday called Hammock Day. Just one day? Nah – if you’re excited to be visiting Koh Samui this July, circle the calendar as Hammock Month.
Tip: Note that alcohol sales are banned on religious holidays (e.g. Asana Bucha Day) and might, in places, be suspended for H.M. King’s Birthday.
Weather in July
July averages
- Temperature: 29°C / 84°F
- Sunshine (hours/day): 6
- Rainy days: 9 days (120mm / 5 inches)
- Sea temperature: 28°C / 82°F
July superlatives
Some superlative Samui weather for the past 18 Julys:
- Hottest: 35°C / 95°F (2010)
- Coldest: 22°C / 72°F (2007)
- Windiest: 28 kmh/ 17 mph (2006)
- Driest: 0.10 mm of rain (2010)
- Wettest: 35 mm / 1.3″ rain (2004)
Weather-wise, is July or August better on Koh Samui?
Going by statistics (let’s call it Weather Math), they’re very similar. Same temperature, same amount of sunshine and same sea temperature. The only minor difference is slightly heavier rainfall in July (120mm vs 100mm) over 9 days (July) vs 10 (August). You already don’t care, right?
Will it rain in July?
Yes. (But you know all those lush tropical plants? They’d look crispy without it). Bring a good book and embrace storm-watching as an afternoon sport.
Your questions
Is Koh Samui or Phuket better in July?
Unless you’re a frog, Samui fully wins this round.
- Temperature (avg): 29°C on Koh Samui vs 28°C in Phuket
- Sunshine (hours): 6 on Koh Samui vs 8 in Phuket
- Rainy days (avg): 9 days (120mm) on Koh Samui vs 19 days (300mm) in Phuket
- Sea temperature: 28°C on Koh Samui vs 30°C in Phuket
How do hotel rates compare between July and August?
This is by no means an extensive price comparison – just a quick look at price A vs price B for July and August. In all cases, the price below is the base rate for 2 adults for a one-night stay mid-month. It includes taxes.
July
- High end: Melati Beach Resort & Spa – US$199 (double room)
- Mid-range: Smile House – US$82 (bungalow)
- Couples: Sea Dance Resort – US$108 (cottage)
- Families: Santiburi Koh Samui – US$413 (duplex suite)
August
- High end: Melati Beach Resort & Spa – US$510 (250% higher)
- Mid-range: Smile House – US$61 (25% lower)
- Couples: Sea Dance Resort – US$108 (same)
- Families: Santiburi Koh Samui – US$459 (10% higher)
… Not an exhaustive study, but certain indication that hotels know when your kids are on vacation and are (perhaps) hoping to recoup some covid losses. As in June/July, there’s not much price variation at resorts that market to couples.
What fruits are in season on Koh Samui in July?
It’s the height of the summer fruit season which, unlike the cherries and raspberries of temperate climates, means custard apples, rambutans, durian, rose apples, dragon fruit and salak fruit. Bananas and Koh Samui coconuts are in season year-round, you lucky pups.
What time does it get dark on Koh Samui in July?
Dusk begins at 7:07 pm on July 1st, and at 7:05 pm on July 31st. Give or take twenty minutes from then until it’s dark. If you’re from further North, you’ll be surprised how quickly it gets dark this close to the equator – none of that hours of summer dusk stuff. Just lights out, night night. It can also get pretty dark right before a storm …
What are the best things to do on Koh Samui in July?
July is a perfect month for family holidays on Samui – whether you’re planning your annual summer break or escaping a southern hemisphere winter. For your best-ever family holiday see where to stay with kids. For a romantic trip for two, see where to stay as a couple.
Brand new for July
Don’t miss these brand new releases for July 2022, including memoirs of time in Thailand, a much-anticipated Thai cookbook, a ‘secret’ guidebook and – on the 4th anniversary of the Thai cave rescue – a first-hand account from diver John Volanthen.
- Memoir: Khao Phat for Lunch
- Cookbook: Kin Thai: Modern Thai
- Memoir: Shape of a Boy
- Guidebook: Secret Bangkok
- Memoir: Thirteen Lessons that Saved Thirteen Lives
Koh Samui in July
More Koh Samui questions? Right, let’s get ‘Best Ever’ started. Ready with honest advice about all your big (and little) questions, The Koh Samui Guide has everything you need for the fun part, too. It will help you to be as intrepid or as lazy as you like – whether on the high seas or at the island’s best spas. Enjoy!
- Dress code: What to wear in Thailand
- My favourites: Dual-voltage travel steamer
- Hotels: 13 Unusual places to stay on Koh Samui
P.S. You can find every tip for Koh Samui’s climate in the archive, or subscribe by email and get all the details straight to your inbox. Enjoy!
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