Master Divers — Koh Tao Weekly Dive Report
Period: Monday 22.12 – Sunday 28.12
Location: Koh Tao, Gulf of Thailand
🎄🌊 A very fishy Christmas forecast from Koh Tao! 🌊🎄
Late December brings classic monsoon vibes with breezy NE winds, scattered showers and moderate swell. While surface conditions may be a little festive and splashy, sheltered west and southwest sites continue to offer great diving opportunities.
Slow things down, enjoy the macro life, and keep an eye out for bigger visitors riding the current. Santa might not fit in a wetsuit, but the ocean is still full of surprises.
Dive safe, stay warm, and we’ll see you underwater this Christmas! 🐬🎅
☔ Rain Forecast
Scattered showers are likely on several days this week, in line with Thai Meteorological Department guidance for the lower Gulf during late December.
Rain is expected to be intermittent rather than constant, though some showers may be heavier, particularly when combined with stronger winds.
For divers: mornings are generally the best window, as rain and wind activity often increase later in the day.
💨 Wind Conditions
Northeasterly winds are expected to dominate throughout the week.
Based on Windy and Windguru trends, wind speeds are forecast to remain moderate, with occasional stronger periods, especially mid- to late-week.
This wind direction will continue to affect exposed eastern and northeastern coastlines, creating choppier surface conditions. Western and southwestern bays should remain more sheltered and are likely to be the preferred dive areas.
Boat crossings may feel bumpy on windier days, so seasickness precautions are recommended.
🌊 Swell & Waves
With continued NE monsoon influence, moderate swell is expected.
Wave heights are likely to sit around 1 to 2 meters, with short-period chop during stronger wind phases. Exposed sites may experience noticeable surge, particularly in shallower areas and near reef edges.
Dive strategy: sheltered sites on the west and southwest side of Koh Tao will likely offer the most consistent conditions this week.
🌙 Tides & Currents
Koh Tao will continue to experience a standard semi-diurnal tidal pattern with two high and two low tides daily.
Wind-driven surface currents and localized surge may be present, particularly during stronger wind periods. Dive planning should remain flexible, with real-time assessment of surface conditions before each dive.
👁️ Underwater Visibility
Visibility is expected to remain variable, typical for the monsoon season.
Calmer days and protected or deeper sites may offer improved visibility, while wind, rain and swell can reduce clarity due to sediment movement and runoff.
At Master Divers, dive sites are chosen day by day to ensure the best possible underwater conditions for our divers.
🐠 Marine Life Highlights
With some current and water movement, there is a chance of encountering larger, mobile species such as barracudas or rays cruising along reef edges.
Variable visibility also makes this a great week to slow down and focus on macro life. Look closely for nudibranchs, shrimps, hermit crabs and other small reef inhabitants sheltering in protected areas.
🧭 Recommendations for Divers
Wetsuit:
Water temperatures remain warm at around 28 to 29 degrees Celsius. A 3 mm shorty or rashie is suitable for most divers. Those who feel the cold easily may prefer a full 3 mm suit.
Dive Timing:
Morning dives are recommended when conditions are often calmer.
Sheltered west and southwest sites are likely to provide the best experience this week.
Safety:
Be aware of changing surface conditions and dive within your limits.
Listen carefully to dive briefings and be prepared to adjust plans if wind or swell increases.
Dive safe and enjoy the festive underwater season. 🐬
We base our forecasts on Windguru, Windy.com, and guidance from the Thai Meteorological Department. Weather around Koh Tao can change quickly, so always verify local conditions before diving.
