A forecast that says "15 knots" can mean a perfect session or a wasted afternoon, depending on direction, gusts and which coast you are on. On Samui the answer changes with the monsoon. This is how our instructors read the numbers before deciding where and when to ride.
📖 3 min read · Updated September 2026 · By Sergei Sharvarok · Founder & Head Instructor
Two Monsoons, Two Coasts
| Months | Wind | Our spot | Typical strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| December – January | North-east monsoon | Nahai Beach (south-east coast) | 12–20 kts |
| February – April | Turning east to south-east | Nahai Beach | 12–20 kts, most consistent January–March |
| May – October | South-west monsoon | Nathon Beach (west coast) | 10–18 kts, more variable |
| October – November | Transition, light and variable | — | Often too light for kiting |
That is why the first thing to check is not the number but the direction. A SW wind is great news at Nathon and useless at Nahai, and vice versa. Our wind season calendar has the month-by-month detail.
The Numbers That Matter
- Average wind (knots) — for beginner lessons we look for roughly 12–20 kts. Below about 10 kts a twin-tip session becomes a struggle; a foil or a big kite can still work.
- Gusts — the gap between average and gust matters more than the gust itself. 14 gusting 17 is smooth; 14 gusting 25 is not a beginner day.
- Direction — cross-shore and cross-onshore are what we want. Offshore wind is never used for lessons.
- Clouds and rain — a squall line brings a short burst of strong, shifting wind followed by a lull. We come off the water before it arrives.
Forecast Tools We Use
We compare several models rather than trusting one. Windguru and Windy show the model runs and gusts; a live radar is essential in the rainy months. You can see the live wind and radar for Samui on our live weather dashboard, and read the longer Koh Samui weather guide for the climate picture.
Look at the trend, not a single hour. If three models agree on direction and the gusts stay within about 5 knots of the average, it is a reliable day. If the models disagree, wait for the morning update before driving to the beach.
How a Typical Wind Day Develops
The forecast decides the lesson time: we book sessions into the window where the wind is steady for your level, and we message you the evening before. If the forecast is marginal, we move sessions rather than cancel — and on a flat day there is always kayaking, SUP or e-foil.
Members with a Month Pass get a same-morning WhatsApp wind alert from us. It is the simplest way to know whether it is worth driving to the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month for kitesurfing on Koh Samui?
January to March at Nahai Beach, when the NE and E–SE wind is most consistent. May to October is the season on the west coast at Nathon Beach, with lighter and more variable wind.
How many knots do I need for a kite lesson?
Roughly 12–20 knots for a beginner lesson. The instructor chooses the kite size for the day and your weight.
Which wind direction works at Nahai and Nathon?
Nahai works with NE, E and SE wind (December–April). Nathon works with the SW monsoon (May–October).
What happens if there is no wind on my lesson day?
We reschedule to the next suitable day. On flat days you can switch to e-foil, SUP or kayaking.
Is It Windy Tomorrow?
Ask us on WhatsApp — we will tell you honestly whether it is worth coming down.
💬 WhatsApp +66 99 312 9042