Seasonal spot · West coast · May – mid-Sep
Nathon Kitesurfing Spot Guide – Koh Samui
When the monsoon turns west and south-west, Mahalo Watersports moves to Nathon on the west coast. Here is what 8 years on Koh Samui have taught us about this spot.
- Season
- Usually May – mid-Sep
- Wind
- West / south-west monsoon
- Typical strength
- About 8–16 knots
- Predictability
- Much lower than Nov–Mar
- Space
- Lots of room to ride
- Footwear
- Protective shoes in lessons
Meeting points may change depending on the season, wind and sea conditions. Please confirm your location with Mahalo before visiting.
Confirm on WhatsAppNathon kitesurfing
Why kite at Nathon?
Short answer: it is where the wind works from May to mid-September, when the north-east season at Nahai Beach is over – with lots of space and mostly shallow water in suitable conditions.
The other season
The west coast faces the west / south-west monsoon, so you can still kitesurf on Koh Samui in the middle of the year.
Lots of space
A very large area to ride – a real advantage for beginners and for independent riders.
Mostly shallow
In suitable conditions the water is mostly shallow, which helps when you are learning.
Kitesurfing Koh Samui July
Nathon wind season
Short answer: usually May to mid-September, with variable west and south-west wind of about 8–16 knots. May is a transition towards the western season, June to August is the main part of it, the wind usually fades around mid-September, and October is a transition month.
- MayTransition
Transition towards the west / south-west season. Conditions can be variable.
- JuneWestern season
West / south-west season – more variable than the main north-east season.
- JulyWestern season
West / south-west wind season.
- AugustWestern season
West / south-west wind season.
- SeptemberEnd of season
Final part of the season – usually fading around mid-month.
- OctoberTransition
Transition month – generally not recommended for a dedicated kitesurfing trip.
The main north-east season is usually more predictable. The west / south-west season is more variable – the wind can come and go quickly, so flexible dates help. Season dates vary between years.
Local knowledge
Understanding unpredictable monsoon winds
Short answer: the wind at Nathon is much less predictable than from November to March. Mahalo checks the current conditions before every session instead of relying on a fixed schedule.
Fronts & clouds
The wind often comes with passing fronts and clouds.
Sudden start & stop
It can appear suddenly, last an hour or two and disappear again.
Or several days
Sometimes it stays for several days in a row.
No fixed best hour
In one season the wind comes more often in the morning, in another in the afternoon.
Storm gusts are not lesson wind
In stormy periods there can be strong gusts, occasionally around 35 knots. That is not normal riding wind and not suitable for lessons – in stormy weather or when the gusts are too strong, we move the lesson to a later time or another day.
Forecast apps are much less reliable for Nathon from May to September. Why Koh Samui forecasts can be tricky →
Water
Water depth and seabed
Short answer: lots of space and mostly shallow water in suitable conditions, but more stones and damaged reef than at Nahai Beach – so we use protective footwear in lessons.
Seabed
- • More stones and pieces of damaged reef than at Nahai.
- • Protective footwear is used during lessons.
Water & sea
- • Mostly shallow water in suitable conditions.
- • Usually no significant currents in normal conditions.
- • The surface depends on the wind, waves and water level.
Beginners
Is Nathon good for beginners?
Short answer: yes – it is also a very good spot for beginners, and the large amount of space is one of its biggest advantages. It suits independent riders too.
Because the wind is less predictable, lesson times are more flexible here. In stormy weather or when gusts are too strong, we reschedule.
Kitesurfing lessonsWingfoil spots Koh Samui
Wingfoil at Nathon
Wingfoil lessons also move to Nathon in the west / south-west season. Beginners start on a large, stable windsurf board before moving to a hydrofoil board. A foil needs enough depth, so at very low water some foil exercises are not possible – we choose the place, time, training board and learning step for you.
Wingfoil lessonsGetting there
Getting to Nathon
Short answer: Mahalo’s seasonal base is near Sea of Love Beach Bar on the west coast. The Google Maps pin at Sunset Viewpoint marks the area – it is not a Mahalo office. The exact meeting point is confirmed individually via WhatsApp.
On the map
Pin: Nathon / Sunset Viewpoint – an orientation point, not a fixed meeting point.
📍 Open Google MapsYour transport
Guests are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the confirmed meeting point.
Arrive early
Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled lesson to complete payment and any necessary preparations. Your booked lesson time is the scheduled start time, not your arrival time. Late arrival does not extend your lesson.
Beach access
Beaches are generally public, but walking through a hotel or private property may require permission. Please use public access paths, or ask us how to reach the meeting point.
There may be restaurants, toilets or showers near our spots. Access to some facilities may require ordering something or paying a fee, and we cannot guarantee shade, sunbeds or a table. Mahalo organises your lesson on the beach – not access to the services of nearby businesses. Nearby bars and viewpoints are reference points only – not official partners.
FAQ
Nathon kitesurfing – FAQ
Can I kitesurf in Koh Samui in July?
Yes – July is part of the west / south-west season, when we ride at Nathon. The wind is more variable than in the main north-east season, so flexible dates help a lot.
When is the kitesurfing season at Nathon?
Usually from May to mid-September, with variable conditions. May is a transition month, June to August is the main part of the western season, the wind usually fades around mid-September, and October is a transition month.
How strong is the wind at Nathon?
Typically about 8–16 knots. In stormy periods there can be strong gusts – occasionally around 35 knots. Those are not normal conditions and not suitable for lessons; we reschedule when it is stormy or too gusty.
Is Nathon good for beginners?
Yes, it is also a very good spot for beginners – the large amount of space is a big advantage, and the water is mostly shallow in suitable conditions. It also suits independent riders.
Why do I need protective footwear at Nathon?
There are more stones and pieces of damaged reef than at Nahai Beach, so we use protective footwear during lessons.
Are there strong currents at Nathon?
In normal conditions we usually do not see significant currents. As everywhere in the sea, conditions can change, and we assess them before every session.
Is Sunset Viewpoint the Mahalo office?
No. The Google Maps pin at Sunset Viewpoint only marks the area. Mahalo’s seasonal base is near Sea of Love Beach Bar. The exact meeting point is confirmed individually via WhatsApp.
Can I wingfoil at Nathon?
Yes, Mahalo also gives wingfoil lessons at Nathon. Because a hydrofoil needs enough depth, we choose the time and the learning step around the water level.
Kitesurf Koh Samui mid-year
Planning a trip between May and September? Message us – we’ll tell you how the season looks and confirm the meeting point.
Message us on WhatsApp