Koh Samui Island
Now renowned worldwide as the most beautiful of Thailand’s many tropical islands, Koh Samui was, for much of its own history, barely visited even by Thai people. The island is Thailand’s third largest although it is just 21 kilometers wide and 25 kilometers long.
Covered in lush vegetation and fringed by stunning beaches, Koh Samui has seen an explosion of visitors since its airport opened in 1989. Although the beach is undoubtedly the island’s primary draw, tourists are also attracted by a cosmopolitan range of dining options and world-class hotels and resorts. However, even before the first tourist stepped ashore in the early 1950’s, Koh Samui had held an allure for international travelers.
Like most of Thailand, Koh Samui is predominately Buddhist and the island boasts many stunning examples of Theravada Buddhist temples, such as its famous landmark Wat Phra Yai, which houses the Big Buddha. Samui is a cultural melting pot though, and significant Chinese and Islamic influences have helped shape the identity of its people.
Climate
Koh Samui has a tropical savanna climate according to the Köppen climate classification.
The island has a dry season month, with the average monthly precipitation in February falling below 60 mm (2 in), the threshold for a tropical dry season month.
The temperature is well above the threshold of 18 °C (64 °F) year round, indeed closer to an average temperature of 28 °C (82 °F).
The climate is warm and humid for most of the year. In comparison to Phuket and most of the rest of southern Thailand, Samui's weather is relatively drier (Samui receives about 1,960 mm (77.2 in) rain per year, and Phuket gets 2,220 mm (87 in)).
Phuket's wet season is spread over six to eight months. Ko Samui has only two months with more than 212 mm (8 in) of rain). The heaviest precipitation typically falls in the months of October and November. For the rest of the year, given the tropical climate, rain showers are brief; 20–60 minutes duration is typical.
