Koh Tao can be visited all year round. There is always somewhere calm should the weather be windy on one of the coasts.
From April to October, the tide is low during the day, making the beaches wider for sunbathing and beach activities. During these months, the wind blows from the southwest, resulting in gentle seas and clear water in the following areas: Mango Bay, Hin Wong Bay, Tanote Bay, Aow Leuk Bay, and Shark Bay.
Koh Tao’s monsoon usually arrives between mid-November and the end of December. Heavy rain, strong winds, and waves are common during this time, though it only lasts a few weeks. Ferry services usually continue even with waves up to 4 meters high, but they can be interrupted if conditions are too severe. Additionally, from July to October, which is Thailand’s rainy season, Koh Tao can experience rain, though typically the precipitation rate is lower than on the mainland.
Low Season: February 1 – June 30 and September 1 – November 30
High Season: December 1 – January 31 and July 1 – August 31
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Koh Tao, with Koh Nang Yuan, forms a small archipelago with a total area of 19.2 square kilometres. At its widest part, Koh Tao measures 3.4 km and is 7.6 km long. The coastline, which is predominantly steep, rocky shoreline, consists of 11 bays and 10 capes and is 28.6 km long with a surrounding coral reef spanning 8 km. A large percentage of Koh Tao is mountainous in varying degrees, with about 30% of flat land.
Koh Tao is divided into three villages, Mae Haad and Sairee Beach on the west coast and Chalok Baan Kao on the south. The eastern part of Koh Tao is steep with cliffs. In contrast, the west slopes down gradually to the sea and the flat areas where the villages are. Koh Tao’s highest point is 374 metres above sea level, and Koh Tao’s mountains stretch from north to south.
Koh Tao was formed through land subsidence of the surrounding area, which is now the sea floor, making the depth of the sea around Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan at the most 30–40 metres. Koh Tao has a diurnal tide meaning there is only one high and one low water each tidal day.
Koh Tao has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The island experiences a dry season from December to April, and a wet season typically between October and November.
The best time to visit Koh Tao is between January and April when the weather is dry, sunny, and the sea is calm—ideal for diving and snorkeling.
Yes, Koh Tao is affected by the northeast monsoon, usually in November and December, bringing heavy rain and occasional rough seas. However, the island is more sheltered than other parts of Thailand.
Koh Tao features rugged granite hills, lush tropical vegetation, and a rocky coastline dotted with sandy beaches and coves. Coral reefs fringe most of the island.
Koh Tao is located in the Gulf of Thailand, which is generally considered a low-risk zone for tsunamis. It is sheltered from major oceanic threats and natural disasters.
18/3 Moo 3, Koh Tao
Surat Thani 84360 THAILAND
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