Phuket and the surrounding archipelago offer excellent sailing all year round. The best sailing conditions are during the northeast monsoon between November and April. During this time, you'll find tranquil anchorages in the lee throughout the entire length of the cruising grounds, from the southernmost islands of Koh Lipe to the northernmost islands of Phang Na Bay. The month of May ushers in the southwest monsoon's "green season" and its trademark warm balmy tropical weather. Winds from the southwest open some anchorages that would otherwise be untenable in northeast monsoon but limits cruising to the northern area from Krabi, Phi Phi and Phang Na Bay.
October through December
At the onset of the northeast monsoon, the winds are strongest, so we get some of our best sailing conditions in this period. Wind strength can range from 10 to 18 knots steadily throughout the day and drop away in the evening, giving way to delightfully peaceful anchoring conditions. These are Thailands winter months; temperatures in the evening can get as low as 18°C and in the daytime 27°C. There is a chance of scattered thunderstorms in October, but there is very little chance of rain by mid-November.
January to April
This is the best time of year for a family holiday; there is very little chance of rain, just big blue skies, warm tropical weather and some wind to go sailing on. But not so challenging that your crew will be hanging on white-knuckled to the rail, but adequate to allow you to sit back and indulge in the art of sailing. Temperatures rise through January, and by March, we're back to a balmy 32°C in the day, and as the monsoon dwindles, winds becoming less predictable and range from 10 to 15knots. There are very few days where there is no wind for sailing, and in the latter part of the season, we often get a westerly sea breeze providing a beam reach the entire length of the archipelago.
May through June
In May, the monsoon transitions from north to south, and daytime weather conditions become less predictable; most sailing is on sea breezes that come through in the afternoon. There is very little wind in the evening, making almost every bay is a possible anchorage!
June through August
The months June through August, the "green season", days are frequented by afternoon rain- squalls. But the locals know this can be the best time of year to experience the heart-stirring beauty of Phang Na Bay. Bu this time, the winds have settled in the west, the sky clears to a deep blue, contrasting the big bright-white cotton-wool clouds, turquoise water, and golden limestone formations of the iconic Phang Na bay atolls, much of which you'll have all to yourself!
September and October
The monsoon begins its transition to the northeast in September when things are less predictable. These are our wettest months, though there is rarely a time where prolonged rain persists. Nonetheless, the weather remains manageable and provides plenty of sailing opportunities. By now, the entire archipelago is bursting with rejuvenated energy; the tropical jungles are truly that, waterfalls are gushing and wildlife, having thrived through the slower season, enjoy the abundance of it all. It's hard not to join in.
