Best Diving Seasons
Peak Seasons
The peak season for diving in Koh Tao lasts three months – from July till September. During this period there are normally good stable weather conditions: warm temperature and calm sea making it excellent for any type of activity under water. The visibility is usually at its maximum too, ranging from 15 meters to 30 meters so that divers can fully enjoy vibrant marine life and beautiful landscapes beneath the surface. Also whale sharks often appear around these days along with different kinds of fish which makes them very exciting.
Off-Peak Seasons
Diving during off-peak seasons (November, December, January) could be either great or not as good at all. On one hand less crowded dive sites create more peaceful experience but on another hand unpredictable weather may bring storms and increased sedimentation which reduces visibility dramatically. In addition water gets slightly colder so thicker wetsuit might be necessary too. Therefore one should take into account such conditions being ready for them and keeping eye on forecasts while planning their dives in advance.
Month-to-Month Guide
January – March: These months provide some wonderful opportunities for diving in Koh Tao; generally dry weather combined with calm seas and great visibility make it possible to see many different types of marine life including whale sharks, reef sharks as well as abundant tropical fishes.
April – June: This marks the start of pre-monsoon season; April still has good diving conditions while May & June might be affected by increased rainfall causing choppier seas; However, less crowded dive sites offer quieter experiences with lots of marine life around.
July – September: These are the monsoon months which means unpredictable diving conditions – July & August may still offer decent chances but September usually brings heavy rains and rough sea; Visibility can vary greatly so it’s not ideal for beginners due to stronger currents; Nevertheless underwater world continues to thrive.
October – December: October is part of monsoon season where most challenging dive conditions occur due to heavy rainfalls leading poor visibility accompanied by strong winds creating rough seas; It’s advisable closely check weather forecast together with recommendations from dive shops during this period; December starts seeing some improvements setting stage for peak diving season.
Diving Conditions
Water Temperature
Koh Tao has warm waters all year round making it a great place for diving. Water temperatures range from 26-28°C (79-82°F) in cooler months such as December to February while March through May can reach up to 30°C (86°F) during hotter times. From June until November there is slightly more variation with an average temperature between 28-29°C (82-84°F). This small variation means that one can enjoy comfortable conditions almost any time of the year provided they go prepared.
Visibility
Visibility in Koh Tao varies seasonally but generally is very good for diving. In the busiest months, from March to May, visibility can be between 65 and 100 feet (20-30 meters). From June through November visibility drops a little to 50-65 feet (15-20 meters) as plankton quantities increase and nutrient content rises. December to February usually represents a middle range with 50-82 feet or 15-25 meters of visibility which is nice for exploring underwater landscapes.
Currents and Tides
Around Koh Tao, currents are normally gentle; therefore even beginners can dive there. Stronger currents are present occasionally during the monsoon season that happens between October and November every year. Certain sites experience great tidal variations which affect marine behavior as well as underwater topography. To avoid strong currents when diving it is better going early morning or late afternoon while looking at local tide charts may help you decide when is best time for diving.
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