Kata Noi (Phuket)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Kata Noi is an exposed beach-break in Phuket with consistently rideable surf, especially during the southwest monsoon season. Waves are typically best near the northern headland where sandbar formation is more reliable, and right-hand waves dominate (lefts can show up more when swell builds). The break is described as peeling with good wave quality and moderate power, making it well-suited to progressing surfers as conditions improve.
- Very consistent surf during monsoon season
- Northern headland often gives the best-formed sandbars
- Peeling, moderate-power waves
- Very consistent exposed beach break during the May–October monsoon period
- Best waves often form near the northern headland
- Warm water year-round reduces thermal burden
- Exposed conditions with rocks at both ends of the beach
- Rip currents can be very dangerous during monsoon months
- Limited/awkward parking and narrow road access
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W
- Wind Type
- Trade — Wind is driven by the monsoon/trade pattern; on this spot, a trade-style wind is commonly reported for the season.
- Reliability
- high
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September, October
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Spot is commonly described as producing small-to-medium surf, with better/stronger waves as swell increases.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Southwest winds may create choppy, messy conditions; other wind directions can groom the swell.
- Launch
- Small — Easy self-launch from shore; wide sandy beach with ample space during low and mid tides.
Through the year
Lower than the main Kata area, but can get busy during weekends in peak surf months.
May to October (monsoon), peaking in September and October with heavy tropical downpours.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed beach break with very consistent surf during the monsoon season. Best waves are often near the northern headland, where more reliable sandbars form; right-handers dominate and lefts are more likely on bigger swells.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, S
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, All tides — Sources indicate mid tide as well as all-tides potential; conditions depend on sandbar shape.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open exposure; headlands affect wave formation, with rocks at both ends.
- Wind Effect
- Onshore winds are described as best; winds can groom or make conditions choppy depending on direction (East/Northeast offshore winds groom, while Southwest winds create choppy, messy conditions).
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size reasonably; can close out on massive monsoon swells. When swell gets above ~4 ft, better waves may be found nearby/nearby sections (northern area).
- Wave Quality
- Good — Clean and consistent surf; monthly clean rates are reported as high.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate power; tends to be faster/punchier than the nearby main Kata beach line per spot notes.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling sections are common; right-hand waves dominate, with lefts appearing on larger swell.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can provide medium rides; fast peeling sections.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Fast peeling sections; right sandbar conditions can produce occasional short barrels when sandbar conditions line up.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Kata Noi (Phuket) in the full forecast view.
Kata Noi (Phuket) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–10 ktsGusts 18 kts
- Direction
- NNW346°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2410 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–0.9 m6s period
- Temperature
- 26–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Kata Noi (Phuket) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is NNW. Waves run 0.4–0.9 m with a period of about 6s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rocks
- localism
- rip currents
- heavy shore break during large swells
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard coverage; Phuket lifeguard service is reported to operate daily on main beach areas during the high-surf monsoon season.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Chalong or Phuket Town.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Localism is reported as a hazard; keep respectful distance and follow local surfers’ expectations.
Rules of the spot
Respect local surfers and stay clear of designated swimming areas marked by flags.
- Motorized personal watercraft restrictions often apply near the swimming zones.
- Stay near the northern headland for the best-formed waves.
- Strong rip currents are especially dangerous at the south end near the rocks during monsoon months.
- Always check for red flags; if they are flying, the currents are too dangerous for swimming or beginner surfing.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Kata
- Nearest Town
- Karon
- Parking
- Extremely limited parking at the end of the road near the beach access point.
- Access
- Head south from Kata Yai, turn right at T-intersection, follow road around headland to Kata Noi Beach. Road ends at beach; short 5–15 min walk to shore.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Thai
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Nearby accommodation options are available throughout Kata/Karon, including resort and hotel options.
- Food & Drink
- Food and drink options are available near major resorts and around the beach entrance.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboard rentals are typically available from local vendors on the sand during the surf season.
- Gear Storage
- Limited to specific surf schools and clubs for long-term visitors.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard and fiberglass repair is available through local surf shops (general area).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Kata Noi (Phuket)?
The best overall months at Kata Noi (Phuket) are May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Kata Noi (Phuket)?
Kata Noi (Phuket) works with W winds.
What skill level is Kata Noi (Phuket) suitable for?
Kata Noi (Phuket) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.