February 23 – March 1
From the team at Master Divers
Location: Koh Tao, Gulf of Thailand
As February transitions into early March, diving conditions around Koh Tao continue to show steady improvement. The stronger monsoon patterns of previous weeks have largely tapered off, creating more reliable sea states and longer calm periods, especially in the mornings.
While weather in the Gulf always carries a touch of unpredictability, this week is shaping up to offer balanced conditions suitable for both certified divers and students.
Weather Pattern Overview
Expect predominantly dry days with a blend of sunshine and scattered cloud. Brief tropical showers remain possible, typically short-lived and more likely in the late afternoon or overnight rather than during core dive hours.
Humidity remains typical for the season, but wind intensity is noticeably lower compared to peak monsoon weeks.
Wind & Surface Conditions
Light to moderate northeasterly winds continue to influence the island, though at reduced strength. Average wind speeds are expected to remain comfortable, resulting in relatively smooth boat journeys to most sites.
Exposed eastern dive locations may experience mild surface chop during breezier windows, but overall sea travel conditions are improving.
Swell & Accessibility
Residual NE swell remains present but modest, averaging approximately 0.5–1 metre. This allows greater flexibility in daily dive site selection compared to previous weeks.
Western and southern bays are expected to remain especially calm, while deeper offshore sites should be increasingly accessible as conditions stabilise.
At Master Divers, site planning is adjusted daily to optimise comfort and underwater clarity.
Underwater Visibility
Visibility is holding steady and gradually improving. While plankton concentrations can fluctuate — occasionally softening long-distance clarity — they continue to support the island’s rich marine ecosystem.
Sheltered reefs are likely to offer the best clarity, while deeper pinnacles may reward divers with clearer blue-water views when surface conditions are calm.
Marine Life Activity
Late February continues to deliver exciting underwater energy around Koh Tao.
While the whale shark activity in the area has tapered, divers keep scanning the blue at deeper sites and pinnacles. While sightings are never guaranteed, conditions still remain favorable.
Eagle rays have been reported cruising gracefully through bays such as Mango Bay, often gliding just above the reef slope. Larger schools of fusiliers, trevally and barracuda are also adding movement and drama to mid-water scenes.
Macro enthusiasts will appreciate the continued appearance of nudibranch juveniles across sandy patches and coral rubble zones. Small crustaceans, reef critters and juvenile reef fish are increasingly active, making this a rewarding time for patient, slow-paced dives.
This seasonal crossover period offers a compelling mix of pelagic potential and intricate reef life.
Water Temperature & Gear
Water temperatures remain warm at approximately 28–29°C. Most divers are comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit or shorty, with lighter exposure protection suitable for those accustomed to tropical conditions.
Diving Outlook
Overall, this week offers improving sea states, manageable winds and strong marine life potential. Morning departures continue to provide the calmest surface conditions and are ideal for accessing more exposed locations.
As always, conditions are monitored daily by the Master Divers team to ensure site selection reflects real-time wind, swell and visibility.
As always, Koh Tao weather is unpredictable, and we do our best to forecast based on predictions by windy and windguru.
