The Phi Phi islands at their driest and sunniest, with lower humidity and the calmest seas of the year for reaching Maya Bay and the outlying snorkel spots. It's also the busiest and priciest stretch, book Tonsai and the main beaches well ahead. February and March can turn properly hot, so early risers get the most comfortable hours.

This tier spans different halves of the year. April sits right before the monsoon, still hot with pre-monsoon showers becoming more frequent, while December can still bring an occasional intense downpour even though it's technically dry season. June through August fall within the monsoon's steadier middle, rain is frequent but conditions can still hold decent for stretches. November, right after the monsoon retreats, can still see heavy rain in its first half before conditions dry out toward December.

The two wettest peaks of the year: May opens the monsoon with a burst of heavy rain, while September and October bring the heaviest totals and the most rain days of the whole year. Seas turn rough with dangerous currents, and boat trips out to Maya Bay and the smaller islands are more likely to be delayed or cancelled. It's also when hotel prices drop to their lowest point.