The tourist high season that runs from November to April is the most popular time to visit Krabi. During this time, it rains less often, which means sunny skies perfect for a day at the beach. Visitors during the rainy season will find that cloudy days and the occasional rain shower means lower temperatures, as well as fewer tourists and lower prices on hotels and tours.
Regardless of the time of year, it is always a great time to rent a car in Krabi. The sunny skies of the high season can mean high temperatures that can be soothed by frosty car AC. Alternatively, the rainy season offers less crowded roads and a larger selection of vehicles because of reduced demand.
Here are some additional pros and cons to each season:
High Season for a Reason
It is perfectly reasonable for those on short holidays to make the most of their trip. Rainy days can ruin outdoor destinations and give photos a bleak, grey backdrop. This is why so many choose to visit Thailand between November to April–while these months don’t guarantee a total lack of rain showers, the odds are in your favour.
Less rain and fewer storms also mean calmer seas and smaller waves. This means ferries run on time and travellers who get seasick have less to worry about. Day trips to islands go more smoothly and are less likely to be hampered by bad weather.
Scuba diving and snorkelling aficionados also prefer the calm waters, as they offer incredible visibility. Furthermore, some diving destinations in the south are only open during the high season.
For many who visit from Western countries, these months are the coldest back home. With dreary weather in their home countries, millions flock to the south of Thailand each year.
In Defense of the Rainy Season
The rainy season gets a bad rap that is often undeserved; there are plenty of reasons to visit during this time of year. Travellers who hate crowds and sun-sensitive tourists love Thailand in the rainy season. Visitors who come during this time also get to see a side of Thailand that others don’t.
Sunny skies in the high season are great until temperatures peak, leaving many running for a shopping mall or their hotel room to spend the rest of the day in the AC. In contrast, it doesn’t actually rain all day in the rainy season. Showers occur in the early mornings and afternoons, typically leaving the rest of the day rain-free.
Afternoon showers are often intense but brief, often lasting thirty minutes or less. This lowers the temperature significantly and provides a much-needed breeze. Cloudy days also mean lower temperatures overall.
Possibly the best thing about the rainy season is the natural green paradise that it creates in the jungle and mountains. Rice fields turn a shade of green that doesn’t exist anyplace else, and watching the forested mountains create clouds that spin off into localised rain showers is a sight not to be missed.
Finally, the lack of crowds means having destinations to oneself. Hotel prices can also be up to 50% cheaper than in the high season.
Make the Most of Krabi–No Matter the Season
Would-be visitors to Southern Thailand often wonder, how many days in Krabi is enough? Krabi is home to so many islands and beach towns that one could spend a month there and not see everything. Many slow travellers choose to extend their visas for an additional thirty days to continue to hang out in this idyllic province.
Whether you’re staying for three days or three months, Krabi has plenty to offer. The best way to experience Krabi, and the entire south of Thailand, is with a rental car. It offers the ultimate in flexibility and can be much cheaper than the cost of constant taxi fares.
Drive Car Rental has a convenient Krabi Airport location and also offers the ability to pick up at one destination and drop off at another. Booking as early as possible is recommended, no matter the season, to ensure the best rates and biggest selection. Find your perfect rental and let Drive Car Rental help you make the most of your trip!