Diving Seasons and the Weather
The weather on either side of the Kra Isthmus and diving conditions in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are dominated by two opposing monsoons, the northeast and southwest monsoons. The northeast monsoon sweeps across the Gulf of Thailand between November and April, bringing heavy rain and strong winds – most dive sites become inaccessible, but even those that can be reached are likely to suffer from strong currents and reduced visibility. It is during this period that all the tourists and divers switch, as if by magic, to the west coast. Those foolhardy enough to stay on in the Gulf of Thailand during the monsoon will find themselves on nearly empty beaches, hoping for a ray of sun to appear from behind the rainclouds. An anomaly is that the easternmost diving regions in Trat province remain sheltered during this period.
The Andaman Sea is sheltered from the worst effect of the northeast monsoon, and diving and snorkeling is at its best from November to April. Underwater visibility ranges from 5 to 30 meters or more during this period. From May to October the southwest monsoon strikes this region, bringing in its wake towering seas and strong currents and increased turbidity.
Conversely, the dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand are at their best during this season, with only minimal winds and light showers to disturb the tranquility of the beaches and seas. Visibility can sometimes equal that of the Andaman Sea during this period. There are always dive sites on either side of the Isthmus that are sheltered enough to be dived whatever the weather so, if you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, don' t despair.
Water temperatures in Thailand range from 27c degree to 31c degree. A thin wetsuit or lycra suit is recommended, not simply for protection from exposure but also as a barrier to marine hazards such as stinging cells. Oceanic sites are subject to sudden cold currents or thermoclines which can chill the water by up to 10c degree and, although these temperature dips are localized, most divers still prefer to don 3 to 4mm wetsuits for thermal protection.
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