Krabi in February: the dry season at its best

February is one of the best months for a beach holiday in Krabi: the monsoon is long gone, the sea is usually calm, and every island trip runs, including the ones that stop in the low season. It is also high season, so the rooms that suit you best go early.

Two dates matter in February 2027. Chinese New Year falls on Saturday 6 February, a busy travel week across the region. Makha Bucha, a Buddhist holiday, falls on Sunday 21 February, with a day off in lieu on Monday 22, and it brings a ban on alcohol sales.

The weather in February

February is the second driest month in Krabi, just behind January. In the Thai Meteorological Department's averages for 1981–2010, it has 43.4 mm of rain on 4.5 rainy days, against more than 300 mm in October. Expect hot, sunny days, with the occasional short shower.

The sea follows the season: the southwest monsoon, which brings the swell to this coast, runs from about May to October. In February the west-facing beaches are usually at their calmest, which is what makes it a good month for swimming and for the boat days.

When to go to Krabi, month by month

What runs, and what is open

Everything that depends on the season runs in February. The boats from Krabi to Koh Lanta run from November to April, and the trips to Koh Rok, which closes from June to September, go mostly in these dry months. The four islands, the Hong Islands and the Phi Phi tours run all year; Maya Bay is open, as it is in every month except August and September, though swimming there is never allowed.

Calm doesn't mean every day is perfect: a tour can still be cancelled on a windy morning. Keep a spare day before a flight, as in any month.

Koh Lanta from Krabi

Phi Phi from Krabi

Chinese New Year: Saturday 6 February 2027

Chinese New Year starts the Year of the Goat on Saturday 6 February 2027, with the eve on Friday 5. It is not a public holiday in Krabi, and shops and transport run as usual. It is, however, a holiday in China and in several countries of the region, and a peak week for travel in Asia.

If your dates fall around it, book your room before anything else, and the popular boat trips a few days ahead rather than the day before.

Makha Bucha: Sunday 21 February 2027

Makha Bucha is one of Thailand's main Buddhist holidays. In 2027 it falls on Sunday 21 February, and the public holiday moves to Monday 22, which makes a long weekend for Thai travellers. In the evening, people walk around the temples with candles.

On Makha Bucha, the sale of alcohol is banned by law for the day, in shops, bars and restaurants. Since 2025 the government has allowed exceptions for some licensed venues, so what you find open varies: buy what you want the day before, and do not expect the usual evening in the bars.

Krabi travel information

What to book early

Your room. First, and especially for the nights around 6 February and the weekend of 20 to 22 February.

The boat to Koh Lanta and the trips to Koh Rok. They are seasonal, so popular: book a few days ahead.

Island tours. A day or two ahead is usually enough. Book the first day of your stay rather than the last, so a cancelled boat has a spare day to move to.

Where to stay in Krabi, area by area

Who February does not suit

If you want low prices and empty beaches, February is the wrong month: it is high season, and the famous stops, Maya Bay, the Railay beaches and the four islands, are busy. For quieter days and lower prices, look at the edges of the dry season, or accept the risk of the monsoon months with a flexible plan.

Krabi in the rainy season

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