What's the weather like in Koh Tao in April?
The island of Koh Tao is located in the Gulf of Thailand, just a short distance from the mainland. Often grouped with the nearby party islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangnan, it is the smaller and more peaceful of the three. Nonetheless, the tourism industry is booming in Koh Tao with holiday makers attracted to the island's world-famous diving scene, as well as its laidback atmosphere, idyllic scenery and wonderful weather.
Just like mainland Thailand, Koh Tao enjoys a sub-tropical climate all year round with constant sunshine and high temperatures. The weather is dictated by the annual monsoon winds, which create three distinct seasons on the island. In April, Koh Tao is in its hot season.
Temperature
While temperatures are fairly consistent all year round, they do rise slightly in April and humidity also increases. The average temperature is at its hottest in April at 29°C with a high temperature that hits a sweltering 32°C. Even nights are hot, with lows that only drop to 25°C. These peak temperatures can feel extremely hot and sticky and even locals sometimes struggle with the heat. Tourists should keep this in mind when planning their trip to Koh Tao. If you can't cope with hot temperatures, it may be better to visit the island in the dry season when there's less humidity.
Rain
Despite the stifling temperatures, the weather in April is perfect for enjoying Koh Tao's outdoor activities. The island has a tropical climate so wet weather is expected all year round, but rainfall levels this month are relatively low compared to the wet season. There's around 85mm of rainfall on average, with 8 wet days.
Sunshine Hours
Holiday makers can expect long and sunny days in April, as cloud cover is quite low and sunshine levels are at their highest. There's 8 sunny hours per day.
Sea Temperature
Sea temperatures are also at their warmest, at a beautiful 30°C. This provides ideal conditions for snorkeling, diving and other water related activities on Koh Tao's pristine beaches.
Hotels in Koh Tao in April
For those visiting Koh Tao in April, the island is home to every type of accommodation you could wish for, from affordable backpackers' hostels to luxurious villas by the sea.
Charm Churee Villa
You may want to stay at the Charm Churee Villa. This peaceful three-star resort is set on a private beach in the beautiful Jansom Bay area of the island, just steps from the sea. Accommodation options include deluxe beachfront bungalows as well as traditional Thai-style bamboo huts with swimming pools and private balconies. Guests can also enjoy a spa and a restaurant as well as a five-star PADI diving centre on site.
Monkey Flower Villas
Another great choice for travelers is Monkey Flower Villas. Located on a hillside in the popular Sairee beach area, it's just a five minute walk to the beach itself. Rooms here are equipped with air conditioning (a must-have in April's sizzling temperatures) and feature private balconies with sea views as well as private bathrooms. Some even have their own pool. Other facilities include a relaxing spa and a choice of two restaurants.
View Rock Resort
View Rock Resort provides a great value base for travelers who want to explore the whole island on a budget. The hotel is located in Hin Wong Bay on the east of the island, an area known for its peaceful atmosphere and excellent snorkeling conditions. Traditional wooden huts are built on the hillside overlooking the ocean with direct access to the crystal clear water. The resort also features a restaurant serving authentic Thai cuisine.
Beaches in Koh Tao in April
As temperatures hit their peak in April, the beaches of Koh Tao become packed with tourists wanting to top up their tan or cool down in the ocean. The island is home to an array of picture perfect beaches, covered in soft white sand with crystal clear waters lapping the shore.
Jansom Bay
Jansom Bay is a private beach that offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The beach can be accessed through the Charm Churee Villa Resort and there's a small fee to use it, but most tourists find that it is worth the money for the exclusive ambience. The quiet beach is beautifully preserved and is a great spot for snorkeling, with an array of marine life in the area. There's also a beach restaurant and deck chairs available for hire.
Bars and Restaurants
Koh Tao may be a small island, but it certainly isn't lacking when it comes to eating and drinking out. The whole island is home to a wide choice of restaurants, cafés and bars serving just about every type of cuisine.
Coconut Monkey
Coconut Monkey is located on Mae Haad beach and is a great little spot for breakfast or lunch. This casual eatery offers a range of delicious and healthy dishes made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients such as pancakes, homemade granola, wraps, pasta dishes and salads. There's also a range of fresh smoothies as well as a choice of vegetarian and gluten-free options to suit every diner.
995 Roasted Duck
For a taste of traditional Thai cuisine, 995 Roasted Duck is a popular choice with locals and tourists and is the perfect venue for a cheap but tasty meal. As its name suggests, this eatery specialises in roast duck but also serves a range of homemade noodle dishes and Pad Thai find it off the main road in Sairee beach.
Fizz Cocktail Bar
Last but not least, holiday makers can enjoy a cocktail as they watch the sun set at Fizz Cocktail Bar. This beachfront bar has a relaxed atmosphere with comfortable bean bag seating that overlooks Sairee beach. Entertainment is often provided in the form of traditional fire poi dancers
Things to Do in Koh Tao in April
Crystal Dive
Koh Tao is famous for its stunning beaches and diving thousands of tourists flock here every year to get their PADI diving certificates. With sea temperatures at their warmest, April is a great time to go diving in Koh Tao. If you want to see some of the island's best diving spots in just a day, Crystal Dive offer a fun diving trip in which participants are guided to various sites around the island. These include Mango Bay in the north, Aow Leuk in the south and the famous Junkyard Reef. Diving groups are small and tailored to your individual abilities, allowing for a personalised diving experience.
