Things to Do in Koh Samui in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in Koh Samui

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates drop 30-40% from peak season with fewer crowds at beaches and temples
Ideal diving conditions as monsoon winds calm down - visibility improves to 15-20 m (49-66 ft) around Koh Tao and Chumphon Pinnacle
Fresh tropical fruit season peaks with rambutan, mangosteen, and durian at local markets - prices drop to ฿20-40 per kg
Comfortable evening temperatures of 24-26°C (75-79°F) make night markets and outdoor dining perfect from 6pm onwards

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days between 2-4pm, lasting 30-45 minutes and disrupting beach time
High humidity at 70% makes midday activities feel exhausting - locals retreat indoors between 11am-3pm
Some boat services to outer islands like Ang Thong Marine Park operate reduced schedules due to occasional rough seas

Best Activities in October

Koh Tao Diving Expeditions

October marks the return of excellent diving conditions as southwest monsoons weaken. Water temperature stays at 28°C (82°F) with improving visibility. Whale shark sightings increase around Chumphon Pinnacle. Morning departures avoid afternoon weather.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through PADI-certified dive centers. Full-day trips typically cost ฿3,200-4,500 including equipment. Morning boats (8am departure) have calmest conditions and best visibility.

Temple Cycling Tours

Early morning temple visits at 6-8am take advantage of cool 24°C (75°F) temperatures before humidity builds. Wat Plai Laem and Big Buddha are stunning at sunrise with fewer tour groups. Rain typically holds off until afternoon.

Booking Tip: Rent quality mountain bikes for ฿200-300 per day from reputable shops. Self-guided routes work well - download offline maps. Start by 6:30am to complete circuit before 10am heat.

Secret Falls Jungle Trekking

October's rainfall fills waterfalls to their most spectacular levels. Na Muang Falls reaches peak flow, and swimming holes are refreshingly cool at 22°C (72°F). Leeches are minimal compared to peak rainy months.

Booking Tip: Book guided treks for ฿1,800-2,800 per person including transportation. Choose morning departures (7am) to avoid afternoon storms. Wear proper hiking boots for muddy trails after recent rains.

Fisherman's Village Walking Food Tours

October evenings are perfect for exploring Bophut's Friday Walking Street market starting at 5pm when temperatures drop to 26°C (79°F). Local vendors serve seasonal specialties like tom kha with fresh coconut milk and grilled seafood.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration works best - arrive at 5:30pm for best stall selection. Budget ฿300-500 for full meal sampling. Bring cash as most vendors don't accept cards.

Ang Thong Marine Park Kayaking

Calmer October seas make kayaking through limestone karsts more comfortable than peak monsoon months. Morning tours (8am-4pm) typically avoid afternoon weather systems. Emerald Lake hikes are less crowded with cooler morning temperatures.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed operators 10-14 days ahead as tours run on weather-dependent schedules. Full-day excursions cost ฿2,200-3,200 including transfers and lunch. Check weather forecasts before booking.

Sunset Beach Club Sessions

October's later sunset at 6:15pm coincides with comfortable 27°C (81°F) evening temperatures. Beach clubs like those at Chaweng and Lamai offer perfect conditions for sunset cocktails without oppressive afternoon heat.

Booking Tip: Reserve beachfront tables 2-3 days ahead during October as shoulder season brings steady crowds. Cocktails typically cost ฿280-450. Arrive by 5:30pm for prime sunset viewing spots.

October Events & Festivals

Early October

Vegetarian Festival

Nine-day Taoist festival where Thai-Chinese community observes strict vegetarian diet. Yellow flags mark participating restaurants serving elaborate mock meat dishes. Processions occur at Chinese temples with traditional ceremonies.

Late October

Loi Krathong Water Festival

Full moon festival where locals float decorative krathongs (banana leaf boats) on water to honor water spirits. Beaches like Chaweng transform with thousands of flickering candles floating offshore. Hotels organize special viewing areas.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket (not umbrella) - afternoon storms bring sideways rain that umbrellas can't handle

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days, and you'll spend hours on boats

Moisture-wicking synthetic shirts - avoid cotton which stays damp in 70% humidity and takes hours to dry

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat trips and unexpected downpours that soak everything in seconds

Closed-toe water shoes - coral beaches and rocky temple paths require protection, flip-flops aren't enough

Insect repellent with 20% DEET minimum - mosquitoes peak during evening hours when temperatures cool

Lightweight long pants for temple visits - required for entry and synthetic blends dry faster than cotton

Portable phone charger - humidity drains batteries faster and you'll use GPS extensively for motorbike navigation

Anti-chafing balm - high humidity and beach activities cause unexpected friction issues for most visitors

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations on Lamai Beach over Chaweng in October - better drainage systems mean less flooding during heavy afternoon rains, and you'll get 25% better rates

Shop at local markets between 6-8am before tourist prices kick in - mangosteen drops from ฿80 to ฿25 per kg, and vendors haven't switched to 'farang pricing' yet

Use Grab bike instead of car taxis during rain season - motorbikes navigate flooded roads that cars can't handle, especially around Nathon pier area

Download offline maps before arriving - cell towers get overwhelmed during afternoon storms and you'll lose GPS signal exactly when you need navigation most