A Visitors Guide To Krabi

Krabi is a beautiful place to visit, it is deeply beautiful in many aspects and that is why it is such popular place to visit on short visits, family holidays and long term stays.

What follows here is a general overview of what we think all visitors would know and what we love about Krabi.

Let’s start with everyone’s favourite topic;

The Weather

Today In Krabi

Tropical Krabi

Krabi is in the tropics. In the Tropic of Cancer to be exact, that’s the Northern one. Krabi is about 900 kilometres North of the Equator, and 1,700 kms South of the edge of the Tropic of Cancer. Firmly in tropical territory. This means tropical weather!

Tropical weather has two primary seasons, not the four you might be used to in a Temperate climate.

Instead of Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn; here we have Dry Season and Wet Season, the name are quite descriptive. Wet season is also called the Monsoon season

Typically the Wet Season starts in May and ends in October, Dry Season is November to April.

Monsoon season, not always what you expect

During Wet season there is higher rainfall, not everyday, sometimes there can be whole months of dry sunny weather. Then there are periods when a monsoon front rolls in and it can rain solidly for days at a time.

The prevailing wind will be on shore which means higher tides covering beaches and more, bigger waves.

But the overall temperatures are cooler than dry season, which can be a relief.

Throughout the dry season there is less rain but there can be heavy, spectacular, but brief thunderstorms. Temperatures climb throughout Dry season, they tend to peak in April and May when humidity is also high.

When is the best time to visit Krabi?

In our opinion it’s always a good time to visit Krabi, but if you have an eye on the weather then here’s our opinion and it depends on what you want from your time here and what your budget is.

Definitely need hot weather and a tan?

Coming for sunny skies and a good chance of a suntan then come in the dry season.

November can be exceptional weather, not very hot and little rain. Though a little unpredictable, it is weather after all, there can be significant rain which extends in to December. Late December through Christmas and in to the New Year is a very high chance of great weather and it is traditionally the busiest time. This means higher prices for accommodation and more people everywhere, sometimes tours to the popular destinations fill up days in advance so planning ahead is wise at this time of year.

If you really like the heat then from late January to mid-April the weather is normally settled; sun, clear skies, no rain and ever increasing temperatures up until the Songkran celebrations 13-15^thApril. Songkran is the traditional celebration of the end of dry weather and the expectation of rain returning to help the farmers.

In May accommodation prices are reduced but it is often notable for high temperatures and high humidity, come prepared for that.

Just need a break and interested in culture?

By June the wind has changed direction and a monsoon front has brought some rain. Prices for flying to Thailand and accommodation is now cheaper.

There is a higher chance of showers or some extended periods of rain from now until November. September and October are often notable for rain and cooler temperatures.

Together with lower costs, the other stand out benefit of the Wet Season is less visitors, less people on the beaches and visiting all the must-see places and restaurants.

If getting a suntan is not a primary objective then consider a Wet Season visit. It’s a great period to explore the scenery and culture without the crowds. All the locals are, of course, just carrying on like normal, it is the same every year.

The country side is lush, you get to see tropical scenery in its full glory and there are still so many things to do, if you don’t mind some rain.

Our suggestions for the Wet Season

Things to do and stay dry;

Thai Cooking Class
Yoga Class
Visit the Andaman Cultural Centre Gallery (Krabi Town)
Have a massage or a pedicure, or both.
Explore shopping options;
- Vogue department store in Krabi Town
- Outlet Village
- Big C Shopping Centre
- Lotus’ Shopping Centre

Being adventurous;

A trip to the hot springs, you get wet here regardless of the season
A kayak trip in the mangroves, take advantage of cooler temperatures
Explore Krabi Town cafes and markets, perhaps a longtail tour of the river to Kha Khanab Nam.
Go to an elephant camp and get messy with a pachyderm.
Explore the nature of the National Parks;
- Sussan Hoi fossil beach
- Tan Bok Khoranee waterfalls and pools walking trails
- Emerald Pool walking trails
- Khao Phanom Bencha and Huay To waterfall walking trails
Walking on the long sand mostly empty beaches;
- Ao Nang
- Khlong Muang
- Tubkaek

To Summarise our Opinion

Whatever time of year you are here there is always so much to see and do. Immerse yourself in traditional culture, just chill and enjoy contemporary Thailand life, visit all the top places, venture on the paths less beaten, try new activities, eat good food, make good memories with amazing experiences.

And to finish, a non-exhaustive list of 12 very popular things to do which are on any visitor’s guide to Krabi at all times of the year

12 Top Things To Do In Krabi

Railay Beaches & Caves

Secluded beaches surrounded by limestone cliffs with opportunities for swimming, kayaking, rock climbing, and enjoying serene mornings and lively evenings.

Railay Bay

Visit it on a Four islands Tour

Koh Poda

A beautiful island ideal for beach lounging, snorkeling, and appreciating pristine natural surroundings.

Koh Poda

Visit it on a Four Islands Tour

The Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot)

A vibrant natural pond in the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park known for its crystal-clear water and the nearby Blue Pool with vivid colors.

Visit it on a tour;

Jungle and Temple

Jungle and Town

Mu Koh Hong

A group of tiny islands with breathtaking scenery, white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and a beautiful lagoon, perfect for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking.

Koh Hong

Visit it on a Hong Island trip

Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)

A famous temple complex with natural caves and a challenging 1,260-step climb to the top that offers spectacular panoramic views of Krabi and surrounding beaches.

Tiger Cave Temple

Visit it on a Jungle and Temple Tour

Koh Phi Phi

World-renowned islands offering stunning beaches, diving spots, and vibrant nightlife.

The Phi Phi Islands

Visit it on a Phi Phi Island Tour

Tup Island

A small island known for snorkeling and walking along a sandbar connecting it to nearby islands during low tide.

Tup Island

Visit it on a Four Islands Tour

Krabi Weekend Night Market

A lively market on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, offering a memorable shopping and dining experience with local street food and crafts.

Khao Khanab Nam Caves and Mountains

Limestone formations along the Krabi River with caves holding archaeological significance, accessible by boat tours that showcase natural beauty and local history.

Hot Springs

Natural thermal springs offering relaxing and therapeutic bathing experiences amidst nature. There are a number of hot springs, some are natural outdoor spas with changing facilities and there’s the natural hot waterfall.

Visit the natural hot waterfall on a tour;

Jungle and Temple

Jungle and Town

Wat Kaew Korawaram

A prominent temple in Krabi town known for its richly decorated rooftops and traditional Thai architectural style.

The Andaman Cultural Centre and Bead Museum

Krabi’s art gallery featuring some great works from local painters and photographers, and from internationally renowned Thai artists. Also the beautiful and informative bead museum.