Low Season is in full swing once again and one of the more common questions we’re asked by those wanting to know if they can scuba dive in low season on Phi Phi island is how is how is the weather? It’s common knowledge that with Low Season comes rain and storms and a lot of them, but how much do they affect the diving scene in Koh Phi Phi?

When Is Low Season In Koh Phi Phi?

The tourist low season begins in May and normally ends in October. During this time, the weather patterns become more extreme and we start to experience the monsoon season coming from the Indian Ocean.

The top two questions we get during low season in Koh Phi Phi are: What will the weather be like and w ill I be able to dive?

So, How Is The Low Season Weather?

The first thing to bare in mind when worrying about the low season weather is to take the weather apps with a pinch of salt. They’ll generally show thunderstorms throughout the day, pretty much every day during the low season. The reality is that it is not that bad and days will vary.

There are some reliable websites to use though such as Windguru that you can use, and we also have access to the local shipping forecasts for more information. Just ask us in advance, and we’ll be able to give you a decent idea.

What Type Of Weather To Expect?

At this time of year, the winds bring both dry and rainy days, so we may expect some sunny days interspersed with a few gloomy days that have intense, short downpours. It’s also typical to get extended (2–3 weeks) periods of beautiful, dry weather even though it’s the off-season.

While it is impossible to guarantee there will always be sunlight, it also doesn’t always rain. Because of how quickly the weather may change in the tropics, our dive crew always brings a raincoat or poncho, sunglasses, and sunscreen with mineral ingredients.

Does It Rain All Day And Night?

The rain often falls towards the beginning of the monsoon season in the late afternoon, evening, or night, and the humidity provides a wonderful cooling effect.

When the rain does come, it usually does so in brief spurts and is often heavy, fast, warm monsoon rain. The conclusion of the season, from around September to mid-October, is when it rains the most often and it may pour for three or four straight days.

Can I Dive In Low Season On Koh Phi Phi?

The more simple answer is that yes, absolutely you can dive in the low season on Koh Phi Phi. There are also fewer divers here which can lead to a more enjoyable experience.

What Are The Best Months To Come?

July and August are generally the best months to come in the low season and we often get the best scuba diving visibility during those months.

Having less divers in the water during those normally leads to more fish and marine life being visible in Koh Phi Phi, these can include leopard sharks and blacktip reef sharks.

Another one of the bonuses is the space on the boat. At full capacity, our Reef Ranger is still a comfortable ride, but with fewer people aboard, you’ll be in scuba diving luxury, especially if it rains.

Can I Scuba Dive In Low Season On Phi Phi Island?

Our diving boat still operates in the rain since waves and wind have a greater impact on boat journeys than precipitation does. However, if your schedule permits it, we advise booking our morning dive and snorkel tours because there is typically less wind and precipitation then.

Phi Phi’s limestone cliffs famously afford the area a certain amount of protection from the more extreme weather that the low season throws at us. Because of this, the dive sites that are located on the east of the islands remain in good shape for scuba diving in Phi Phi throughout the low season.

These include:

– Viking Cave
– Coral Nursery
– The Artificial Reef
– Piley Wall
– Kled Gaeow Wreck
– Huraget (night dives)

On the occasion that the sea has a bit of chop, it’s normally just a short duration of 10 to 15 minutes as we cross the channel from Phi Phi Don over to Phi Phi Ley. Don’t worry, our boats come equipped with sickness tablets just in case.

As always, safety remains our top priority when it comes to scuba diving in Phi Phi. Our captain has well over two decades of experience in and around the local waters so decisions will tend to be made on a day-by-day basis to ensure your safety, comfort and enjoyment.

Low Season Diving Is A Great Time To Learn

Getting drenched during the low season is a pain, but as a scuba diver you’re going to get wet anyway, so as long as the conditions are safe, the low season is a great time to learn how to dive or complete other certifications such as our PADI Advanced Course.

Low Season Tends To Be Cheaper

As the terrible weather hits the island and the tourists become fewer and fewer, the resort and hotel prices do drop also. There’s always a bit of an attitude shift in low season too with the locals being more friendly and less stressed by the tourist invasion.

It’s a great time to come over and have the place to yourself (in comparison to high season), and try out some of the amazing resorts that might normally be too expensive.

Summary Of Low Season Scuba Diving In Phi Phi

The one thing that you can guarantee about the weather during the low season is that it’s completely out of your control. It’s important to focus on having fun and not letting a bit of rain spoil it for you. Get out there and enjoy yourself, and scuba dive whenever you can.