Two coasts, two seasons
The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi) gets swell and afternoon rain. The Gulf (Samui, Phangan, Tao) is usually dry and calm in July — one of its best months.
If your heart is set on the Andaman in July, expect some cancelled boat days and plan around them.
The upside
Low season is genuinely good value: the same hotels at half the price, empty temples in the north, and green rice fields. Rain tends to come in a single heavy afternoon burst.
What to book
Koh Samui and Koh Tao are the safe bets. For culture, the north is excellent — just bring a rain jacket for the afternoon.
