Kenya to Thailand - Best Time of Year

Created by sue. Last modified on 2008-08-22 14:42:35
Topic: Indian Ocean
Countries: Kenya, Thailand

Could you please advise me what is the best time of year and what route to sail from Kenya to Phuket, Thailand.
Many thanks,
Mike Carnall

Hello Mike,

East Africa to SE Asia is a classic trading route and in the past sailing vessels always set off from East Africa soon after the start of the SW monsoon. This normally happens in April-May. However, you have two options, either to start off on a NE course into the N. Indian Ocean (passing well to the east of Somalia!) and then head east, or stay south of the equator, cross into the N. Indian Ocean close to the Maldives, and then make for your destination. These routes (as well as other alternatives) are described in detail in my book World Cruising Routes. The 6th edition was published recently.

One important aspect to bear in mind is the risk of tropical storms in the N. Indian Ocean between May and July... so you may be better off to start later (June-July), stay south of the equator, and only head NE after the weather settles down, in August or early September... but do not leave it too late as October-November is another period of tropical storms in the area you will have to cross (east of Sri Lanka).

Regards,

Jimmy Cornell
noonsite