Weather in Maya Bay

About Maya Bay

This iconic limestone-framed bay gained worldwide fame as filming location for 'The Beach,' where dramatic cliffs frame emerald waters and white sand beaches. The bay remains spectacularly beautiful despite tourist congestion, with vertical limestone walls creating theatrical backdrop. Arrival by boat through the towering gateway stuns visitors on first experience.

Country

Thailand

Best months to visit

January, February, March

Currency

THB

Language

Thai

Things to do in Maya Bay

Swim in emerald cove waters Rock climb dramatic limestone cliffs Snorkel pristine coral gardens Relax on white sand beach Explore boat-accessible caves Photograph dramatic cliff formations

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

Recommended

January

29C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

Recommended

February

29C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

Recommended

March

30C

Hot and humid, with occasional showers.

April

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

May

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

June

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

July

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

August

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

September

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

October

28C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

November

28C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

December

29C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

Maya Bay, on Koh Phi Phi Leh, became globally famous as the filming location for The Beach — a near-enclosed cove of white sand framed by towering limestone cliffs. After years of coral damage from overtourism, the bay now operates under strict visitor limits and timed access, with swimming restricted in places to allow the reef to recover, but the scenery remains some of the most dramatic in the Andaman Sea.

Best areas to stay in Maya Bay

Maya Bay

The famous enclosed cove with towering cliffs, now managed with timed access and swimming restrictions.

Pileh Lagoon

A turquoise, almost fully enclosed lagoon nearby, popular for swimming and photos from boats.

Phi Phi Don

The main inhabited island, with Ton Sai village's restaurants, bars and onward boat connections.

Phuket departure points

Piers around Phuket (Rassada, Chalong) from which most day trips to Phi Phi and Maya Bay depart.

Getting to Maya Bay

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Flights

Fly into Phuket International Airport; Maya Bay is reached by speedboat day trip from Phuket or Krabi.

⏱

From London

~12-13 hours from London with one stop.

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Getting around

Speedboats and longtails are the only way to reach Maya Bay; book through a licensed tour operator to respect visitor limits.

Frequently asked questions

Can you still visit Maya Bay?

Yes, but under managed access — daily visitor numbers and time slots are limited, swimming is restricted in parts of the bay, and overnight mooring is banned to protect the coral.

How do I get to Maya Bay?

Day trips run from Phuket, Krabi or Koh Phi Phi Don by speedboat or longtail; most operators visit early morning or late afternoon to align with access windows.

Is Maya Bay worth visiting given the restrictions?

Many visitors still find the cliff scenery spectacular even with limited swimming access, though it's worth setting expectations around crowds and rules in advance.

What else is there to see around Koh Phi Phi?

Pileh Lagoon's turquoise enclosed bay, Monkey Beach, and viewpoints over Phi Phi Don's twin bays are popular additions to a Maya Bay day trip.

When is the best time to visit?

November to April offers calm seas and clear water; the southwest monsoon (May-October) can bring rough crossings and occasional closures.

Traveler reviews

★★★★☆

Even with the timed entry and crowds, the cliffs rising straight out of the bay were genuinely breathtaking — glad the restrictions are in place to protect it.

Erik N. · January 2024

★★★☆☆

Beautiful but very busy even with limits — Pileh Lagoon on the same trip was quieter and just as stunning.

Wanida S. · February 2024

★★★★★

Went on an early morning tour before the bulk of boats arrived and had a brief window of relative calm — worth choosing an operator with an early slot.

Tom G. · December 2023