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Climate & Weather in Koh Tao

Sunshine hrs/yr
2,160
Snowfall
N/A – tropical island; no snow.

Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: weather-and-climate.com, saireecottagediving.com

Good to Know

  • February–March offer the most comfortable conditions with lowest temperatures (still 26–29°C (79–84°F)) and excellent diving visibility (20–30m+).
  • Despite being called the 'wet season,' November–January rarely see all-day rain; thunderstorms typically occur in late afternoon and last a few hours.
  • March–May are the hottest months; if you dislike extreme heat (35–36°C (97°F)), visit Jan–Feb or Jun–Oct instead.
  • Koh Tao's central location in the Gulf of Thailand provides some shelter; one side of the island remains calm even during monsoon, allowing year-round diving on sheltered west-coast sites.
  • November is the cheapest month for accommodation due to monsoon; tourist numbers are lowest. Best value + fewer crowds if you tolerate rain.
  • Water temperature varies only ~8°C (46°F) across the year (26–30°C (79–86°F)); most visitors use a light 3mm wetsuit or rash vest year-round.
  • Weather prediction is unreliable on Koh Tao due to its isolated position; even forecasts 1–2 weeks out can shift. Check locally before booking outdoor activities.
  • Whale shark sightings are most likely March–May and again in November, though never guaranteed. Visiting during these months increases odds.

Seasons

  • Best Season – Hot & Dry
    Months
    February to May
    Rainfall Monthly Mm
    38
    Rainfall Rainy Days
    5
    Description
    Blue skies, minimal rainfall, very sunny conditions. March and April are the hottest months, with daytime highs reaching 35–36°C (97°F) and occasional humidity of 85–90%. Water temperature rises to 30°C (86°F). Peak tourist season; best visibility for diving (20–30m+).

    Temperature Range

    Night Low Celsius
    22
    Daytime Low Celsius
    28
    Daytime High Celsius
    33
    Night Low Fahrenheit
    72
    Daytime Low Fahrenheit
    82
    Daytime High Fahrenheit
    91
  • Windy Season
    Months
    June to October
    Rainfall Monthly Mm
    120
    Rainfall Rainy Days
    15
    Description
    Southwest winds arrive bringing occasional showers and cooler ocean breezes. Occasional heavy rainfall, especially May–June and September. Water temperature averages 29°C (84°F). Less crowded; some wind-affected days but still diveable. Visibility typically 15–20m.

    Temperature Range

    Night Low Celsius
    22
    Daytime Low Celsius
    25
    Daytime High Celsius
    34
    Night Low Fahrenheit
    72
    Daytime Low Fahrenheit
    77
    Daytime High Fahrenheit
    93
  • Worst Season – Monsoon/Wet
    Months
    November to January
    Rainfall Monthly Mm
    200
    Rainfall Rainy Days
    20
    Description
    Heaviest rainfall peaks in November and early December (up to 311mm/month in October). Heavy afternoon thunderstorms are common but typically brief (a few hours). Monsoon usually ends by January. Cooler temperatures (reaching lows of 26–28°C (82°F)). Water temperature drops to 26–28°C (82°F). Fewer tourists; significantly cheaper accommodation. Visibility reduced to 5–10m during heavy rain periods; still diveable with sheltered west-coast sites.

    Temperature Range

    Night Low Celsius
    22
    Daytime Low Celsius
    26
    Daytime High Celsius
    30
    Night Low Fahrenheit
    72
    Daytime Low Fahrenheit
    79
    Daytime High Fahrenheit
    86

Overview

Koh Tao has a tropical climate with warm weather year-round and three distinct seasons: hot and dry (Feb–May), hot and windy (Jun–Oct), and wet/monsoon (Nov–Jan). Temperatures remain relatively stable between roughly 25–36°C (77–97°F) throughout the year.

Snowfall

N/A – tropical island; no snow.

Humidity Note

High year-round (80–90% typical), especially in hot season. Evening breezes and ocean proximity provide relief.

Sunshine Hours

Annual Total
2160
Sunniest Month
March (240 hours)
Cloudiest Month
September (146 hours)

Water Temperature

Coolest Months
December–January
Warmest Months
April–May
Coolest Celsius
26
Warmest Celsius
30
Coolest Fahrenheit
79
Warmest Fahrenheit
86

Annual Rainfall Mm

1794

Peak Off Peak Summary

Peak Months
December–March (coolest part of dry season; Christmas/New Year holidays)
Shoulder Low
September–October (transition to monsoon; good value)
Shoulder High
April (hot but still dry; whale shark season)
Off Peak Months
May, November
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

These are the sources cited in this climate & weather research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

  1. 1.weather-and-climate.com
  2. 2.saireecottagediving.com
  3. 3.weatherspark.com
  4. 4.sunheron.com
  5. 5.weather-and-climate.com
  6. 6.holiday-weather.com
  7. 7.bigbluediving.com
  8. 8.visitkohtao.org
  9. 9.blackturtledive.com
  10. 10.crystaldive.com
  11. 11.lbdivingkohtao.com
  12. 12.kohtaodivers.com
  13. 13.thailandnomads.com
  14. 14.haadtien.com

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.