Beaches & Islands · Best Jan–Apr

Koh Samui packing list for families

Koh Samui is an easy, warm beach trip, with a few Thai details that change the packing list. Temple visits, boat days, and a monsoon that runs on a different calendar than the rest of Thailand all matter.

Build my list Weather by month

A palm tree leaning over the turquoise sea on Koh Samui — Photo by Octav Cado on Unsplash

Kristina's notes on Koh Samui, Thailand

Temples like the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem ask for covered shoulders and knees. I keep a light sarong in the beach bag so we can stop in without going back to the hotel.
The east coast around Chaweng and Lamai is livelier, while the north and west are quieter. Surf can get rough in the rainy months, so families with little ones may prefer calmer bays and the pool.
An Ang Thong Marine Park day is great for older kids, but it's a long boat ride. Pack motion-sickness bands and a dry bag for phones and snacks.

Best timeJan–Apr

PlugsType A/C/O, bring an adapter

MoneyThai baht

PassportYes

Your packing edit

Koh Samui, Thailand

This time of year

Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.

Carry-on8

Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick

Packing cubes, one color per personOur pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.

Kids' headphones, volume-limited

Tablet with downloaded shows

Snack box with dividers

Reusable water bottles

Change of clothes for each kid

Car seat travel bag

Clothing5

Daytime outfits8 per person

Pajamas2 per person

One nicer outfit for dinners and photos

Underwear and socks9 per person

Sarong or light cover-upOur pickTemples ask for covered shoulders and knees.

Shoes2

Sandals

Water shoesSome beaches and snorkel spots are rocky.

Beach & pool9

Swimsuits2 per person

UPF rash guardsOur pick

Mineral sunscreen

Wide-brim sun hats

Swim diapers

Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysOur pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.

Lightweight beach tote

Goggles

Dry bagBoat days get splashy.

Little ones4

Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there

Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.

Travel blackout shades

Favorite lovey, plus a backup

Health & toiletries5

Travel first-aid kit

Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine

Bug spray

Hanging toiletry bag

Motion-sickness bandsIsland boat trips can be long and bumpy.

Documents & tech3

Portable phone chargerOur pick

Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip

Travel plug adapterOur pickType A/C/O, bring an adapter

The outfit edit

Island whites

White, sand, sea glass, coral

For the grown-ups

Linen shirt or linen set
A white cover-up dress
Leather slides for dinner

For the kids

Seersucker or linen shorts
Matching-print swimsuits
Soft cotton sundress

For photos

Everyone in white and one pop of coral
Shoot at golden hour on the sand

Month by month

Koh Samui, Thailand weather and what's happening

Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.

Month	Typical high	What it's like	Don't miss
January	84°F 29°C	Dry season. Sunny, calm, and warm, with April the hottest month.	Calm, clear seas and the sunniest stretch of the year.
February	86°F 30°C	Dry season. Sunny, calm, and warm, with April the hottest month.	Calm, clear seas and the sunniest stretch of the year. Good months for an Ang Thong Marine Park boat day.
March	88°F 31°C	Dry season. Sunny, calm, and warm, with April the hottest month.	Calm, clear seas and the sunniest stretch of the year. Good months for an Ang Thong Marine Park boat day.
April	90°F 32°C	Dry season. Sunny, calm, and warm, with April the hottest month.	Calm, clear seas and the sunniest stretch of the year. Songkran, Thai New Year in mid-April, with water fights that kids love. Good months for an Ang Thong Marine Park boat day.
May	91°F 33°C	Hot and humid with passing showers. Still a good beach season on Samui.	Good months for an Ang Thong Marine Park boat day.
June	90°F 32°C	Hot and humid with passing showers. Still a good beach season on Samui.	Good months for an Ang Thong Marine Park boat day.
July	90°F 32°C	Hot and humid with passing showers. Still a good beach season on Samui.	Good months for an Ang Thong Marine Park boat day.
August	90°F 32°C	Hot and humid with passing showers. Still a good beach season on Samui.	Good months for an Ang Thong Marine Park boat day.
September	89°F 32°C	Hot and humid with passing showers. Still a good beach season on Samui.
October	87°F 31°C	Monsoon season on the Gulf side. Heavy rain is common, with November usually the wettest.
November	85°F 29°C	Monsoon season on the Gulf side. Heavy rain is common, with November usually the wettest.	Loy Krathong, usually in November, when families float candlelit offerings on the water.
December	84°F 29°C	Monsoon season on the Gulf side. Heavy rain is common, with November usually the wettest.

Questions families ask

Koh Samui, Thailand with kids, answered

When is the best time to visit Koh Samui, Thailand with kids?

The best time is Jan–Apr. Dry season. Sunny, calm, and warm, with April the hottest month.

What's the weather like in Koh Samui, Thailand?

Typical daytime highs range from about 84°F (29°C) in January to about 91°F (33°C) in May. See the month-by-month table on this page.

Do I need a passport for Koh Samui, Thailand?

Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.

What kind of plug adapter do I need for Koh Samui, Thailand?

Type A/C/O, bring an adapter.

What's your top tip for Koh Samui, Thailand with kids?

Temples like the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem ask for covered shoulders and knees. I keep a light sarong in the beach bag so we can stop in without going back to the hotel.

Want the whole trip handled?

I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.

As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.

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