Things to Do in Samui in February

February Weather in Samui

29°C (84°F) High Temp

24°C (76°F) Low Temp

64 mm (2.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect beach weather with 29°C (84°F) highs and gentle northeast winds keeping humidity comfortable - ideal for all-day beach activities without the crushing heat of hot season
Lowest accommodation rates of the year - February is deep low season with hotel prices 40-60% below peak, and you'll have beaches nearly to yourself
Optimal diving and snorkeling conditions with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility and calm seas on the Gulf of Thailand side - dive sites like Sail Rock are at their clearest
Fresh tropical fruit season peaks in February - mangosteen, rambutan, and dragon fruit are at their sweetest and cheapest at local markets

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days between 2-5pm, lasting 20-45 minutes with heavy downpours that can disrupt beach plans and outdoor activities
Some beach clubs and restaurants operate reduced hours or close temporarily during low season - always call ahead to confirm opening times
High humidity (70%) makes it feel hotter than actual temperature, especially during midday hours between 11am-3pm when UV index peaks at 8

Best Activities in February

Ang Thong Marine Park Island Hopping

February offers the calmest seas and clearest skies for exploring this 42-island archipelago. The northeast monsoon creates perfect sailing conditions with 15-20 knot winds. February's lower water levels make the Emerald Lake on Mae Ko Island more accessible, and you'll encounter minimal crowds at viewpoints. The cooler morning temperatures (24°C/76°F) make the 30-minute hike to the viewpoint comfortable.

Booking Tip: Book full-day tours 7-10 days ahead during low season, typically ฿1,800-2,500 including lunch and snorkeling gear. Look for operators with longtail boats rather than speedboats for calmer rides. Most tours depart 8:30am to avoid afternoon storms.

Scuba Diving at Sail Rock and Chumphon Pinnacle

February delivers the year's best diving conditions with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility and water temperatures of 28°C (82°F). The northeast winds calm the surface, making boat rides comfortable and underwater photography optimal. Whale shark sightings peak in February at Sail Rock, and the lack of plankton blooms means crystal-clear water for macro photography at Chumphon Pinnacle's soft coral gardens.

Booking Tip: PADI Open Water courses cost ฿12,000-15,000, fun dives ฿2,800-3,500 for two dives. Book certified dive operators with Nitrox capabilities. February's calm seas mean even nervous divers can enjoy surface intervals comfortably.

Wat Phra Yai Temple and Cultural Site Exploration

February's cooler mornings and lower humidity make temple visits comfortable before 10am. The Big Buddha temple complex is less crowded, allowing peaceful meditation and photography without tour bus crowds. February's clear skies provide stunning sunset views from the temple's elevated position 90m (295 ft) above sea level, and the evening cooling breeze makes it perfect for the traditional evening chanting at 6pm.

Booking Tip: Temple visits are free, but hire local guides for ฿500-800 for cultural context. Combine with nearby temples in half-day cultural tours costing ฿1,200-1,800. Dress modestly and bring a light scarf for air-conditioned temple halls.

Secret Buddha Garden and Jungle Hiking

February's reduced rainfall makes jungle trails less muddy while maintaining lush green vegetation. The 600m (1,970 ft) elevation provides 3-4°C (5-7°F) cooler temperatures than beach level, making the steep 2km (1.2 mile) hike comfortable. February's drier conditions mean better access to hidden waterfalls like Na Muang Falls, where water levels are perfect for swimming - not too high (dangerous) or too low (no pools).

Booking Tip: Entry ฿80, guided jungle tours ฿800-1,200 including transportation. Rent a scooter for ฿200-300/day for flexibility, but ensure it has good tires for steep mountain roads. Start early (7am) to avoid afternoon storms and heat.

Traditional Thai Cooking Classes with Market Tours

February's abundant fresh ingredients make it ideal for authentic cooking experiences. Local markets overflow with seasonal produce - February is peak season for Thai eggplant, long beans, and fresh coconuts. Morning market tours (7-9am) are comfortable in February's cooler temperatures, and afternoon cooking sessions can be enjoyed indoors during the typical 2-4pm rain period.

Booking Tip: Half-day classes cost ฿1,800-2,800 including market tour and lunch. Book classes that include recipe cards and spice packets to take home. Choose schools with air-conditioned cooking areas for comfort during humid afternoons.

Sunset Longtail Boat Tours to Five Islands

February's calm Gulf waters and clear skies create perfect conditions for sunset cruises. The northeast monsoon brings stable weather patterns, meaning 85% of February evenings have clear sunsets without storm clouds. February's lower tides expose more of the Five Islands' rocky formations and hidden beaches, while cooler evening temperatures (26°C/79°F) make 3-hour boat trips comfortable.

Booking Tip: Sunset tours cost ฿1,500-2,200 including snacks and drinks. Book traditional longtail boats rather than speedboats for authentic experience and calmer ride. Tours typically depart 4:30pm to catch optimal lighting and avoid afternoon storms.

February Events & Festivals

Early to Mid February

Chinese New Year Celebrations

Samui's Chinese-Thai community celebrates with dragon dances, temple ceremonies, and special vegetarian food offerings at Chinese temples. Wat Yai Suwannaram hosts the largest celebrations with traditional lion dances and fireworks. Local markets sell special New Year sweets and red decorations.

Mid February

Makha Bucha Day Temple Ceremonies

One of Buddhism's most important holy days featuring candlelit processions around temples at sunset. Wat Phra Yai and Wat Lamai host the most beautiful ceremonies with hundreds of locals carrying lotus flowers and incense in clockwise walks around the temple grounds.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon storms drop 15-25mm (0.6-1 inch) in 20-30 minutes and can soak through regular clothing

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days, and Thai sunscreen costs 3x more than home

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which traps humidity at 70% levels and becomes uncomfortable quickly

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat trips and sudden downpours, plus useful for underwater photos in shallow water

Light long-sleeved shirts - for temple visits, air-conditioned spaces, and evening mosquito protection

Comfortable walking sandals with good grip - temple floors can be slippery when wet, and you'll remove shoes frequently

Quick-dry towel - beach towels stay damp for hours in 70% humidity, microfiber towels dry in 2-3 hours

Electrolyte packets or tablets - sweating increases in humid conditions even at moderate 29°C (84°F) temperatures

Light scarf or sarong - required for temple visits and useful for air-conditioned restaurants and massage parlors

Waterproof day pack - for boat trips and hiking where afternoon storms can hit suddenly

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations for Valentine's week (Feb 10-17) at least 4 weeks ahead - it's the only busy period in February when prices spike 30-40% above normal low season rates

Shop at Lamai Sunday Market and Fisherman's Village Friday Market in the morning before 10am - vendors offer better prices when it's cooler and they're setting up, plus you'll avoid the afternoon rain

Rent vehicles during February's first week for monthly rates (฿4,500-6,000) rather than daily rates if staying longer than 10 days - many tourists leave after New Year creating vehicle surplus

Visit waterfalls between 10am-2pm when lighting is best for photos and before afternoon storms make trails slippery - February's moderate water levels create perfect swimming conditions without dangerous currents

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning beach activities between 2-5pm when 60% of February days have thunderstorms - schedule indoor activities like spa treatments, cooking classes, or shopping during these hours

Assuming all restaurants and bars maintain high-season hours - many reduce hours or close Mondays/Tuesdays in February, always call ahead or check current social media posts

Underestimating how quickly you'll dehydrate in 70% humidity even at moderate temperatures - drink 3-4 liters of water daily and eat salty snacks to maintain electrolyte balance