What's the weather like in Koh Tao?
Resort Information
Koh Tao literally translates to "Turtle Island" because of its geographical shape. It is located in the Gulf of Thailand on the east coast, about 40 kilometres from the mainland. Tourism is the main industry on the island, with visitors enjoying scuba diving and snorkelling in particular, as Koh Tao is a world-class diving destination. Koh Tao is a popular holiday hotspot thanks to its pristine sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and beautiful natural scenery.
Rain
January is in the middle of dry season in Koh Tao and is one of the most popular times to visit the island, so resorts will be packed with tourists enjoying the weather and the idyllic surroundings. Rainfall is still a possibility, as it is all year round in the tropical climate, but it is at its lowest at this time of year. The average rainfall is moderate at 123mm and there's an average of 9 wet days throughout the month. This means that there's a 29% chance of rainfall.
Temperature
January is also one of the coolest months of the year, with temperatures that are more bearable than the hot season. The average temperature is 26°C with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C on an evening. Due to the lack of rain, humidity levels are also low at this time of the year so temperatures won't feel much hotter than they are.
Sea Temperature
Average sea temperatures are at their lowest at this time of year, falling to 28°C, however this is more than warm enough for diving and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters surrounding the island.
Sunshine Hours
Many visitors to Koh Tao will spend the majority of their time on the beach, and luckily there's plenty of sunshine to soak up in January. The month sees more sunshine than the hot season, with an average of 7 hours of sunshine a day. Combined with high temperatures, this is perfect beach weather.
Hotels in Koh Tao in January
January is one of the most popular times to visit the island and it can get busy. Luckily, Koh Tao has many great accommodation options to suit all kinds of tourists, from luxury hotels to budget backpacker apartments.
Koh Tao Beach Club
Get all the benefits of traditional Thai-style accommodation in a wonderful location right on the beach of Mae Haad at the Koh Tao Beach Club. These beachfront bungalows have a balcony, a refrigerator and en-suite bathrooms with hot water. Thai style wooden bungalows are available for the budget-conscious as well. The resort also features a restaurant and bar with the freshest seafood straight out of the sea served Western or Thai style.
Aminjirah Resort
For five-star luxury, look no further than the Aminjirah Resort. Located in a quiet area of North Sairee, this hotel sits on a hillside and offers stunning views at every turn. The boutique hotel has just 17 rooms, but each are beautifully decorated in traditional Thai style, while the hotel also features a romantic restaurant and bar which is the perfect place to sip a cocktail and enjoy a candlelit dinner. One of the hotel's most notable features, though, is the amazing infinity pool where guests can relax overlooking the sea.
View Point Resort
View Point Resort offers a peaceful and private stay in Koh Tao. Here, guests can get away from it all in a choice of luxury villas and traditional bungalows that overlook either the sea or the resort's gardens. The tranquil View Point Restaurant is a wonderful place to sample some traditional Thai cuisine and is set on the waterfront in the bay of Chalok Baan Kao.
Beaches in Koh Tao in January
Koh Tao is a beach-lover's paradise, offering some of the most beautiful beaches in the Gulf of Thailand. With some of the driest weather of the year, January is the perfect month to explore them.
Sai Nuan
While Sairee is the biggest and most popular beach on the island, those looking for a more secluded experience should head to Sai Nuan beach. This small bay is tucked away in the south west corner of Koh Tao and can be reached by boat or a path through the jungle from Mae Haad. While there are no water sports, vendors or beach bars here, travellers can expect unspoiled scenery and a relaxing atmosphere that's perfect for soaking up the sunshine or taking a dip in the clear blue waters.
Bars and Restaurant
Koh Tao may be a small island, but it certainly isn't lacking when it comes to dining options. In fact, tourists will be spoiled for choice here, with just about every type of cuisine available.
Barracuda Restaurant & Bar
For a taste of fresh Thai seafood while on the island, Barracuda Restaurant & Bar is a great choice. Located in the centre of Sairee, this renowned restaurant serves a range of fish dishes in relaxed and stylish surroundings. English head chef Ed is extremely passionate about creating delicious and immaculately presented dishes using only the best locally sourced produce.
Porto Bello
You may not expect to find Italian restaurants in Koh Tao, but the island has a few. One of the most popular is Porto Bello, which is almost always packed with diners thanks to its amazing Mediterranean cuisine. Dishes here include stone baked pizzas, homemade pastas and salads served alongside a great selection of wines.
Lanta Restaurant
Last but not least, Lanta Restaurant is the place to go if you want a taste of traditional Thai food. This charming little family-run restaurant serves local dishes that are tasty and affordable, including massaman curry and pad Thai, a great choice for a low-priced lunch or dinner.
Things to Do in Koh Tao in January
Crystal Dive Resort
The most popular activity in Koh Tao has to be diving. The island is well-known for its world-class diving sites and tourists flock here every year to get their PADI diving certificates. The Crystal Dive Resort is one of the resort's award winning PADI dive centres, offering several diving course packages and diving internship programmes under the tutelage of multi-national and multi-lingual PADI master instructors.
These include a wide array of courses ranging from beginner to professional levels, as well as kids and specialised programmes. Crystal Dive Resort also offers beautiful beachfront bungalows and a restaurant specialising in Thai food and western cuisine.
The Experience Festival
Koh Tao isn't as well known for its party atmosphere as nearby Koh Samui and Koh Phangnan, but there are some events that shouldn't be missed if you're looking for a good time after dark. The Experience Psychedelic Trance Festival is now in its fifth year and takes place from the 30th of December to the 2nd of January. Local and international DJs and artists come together to present top techno, trance and dance music at The Castle, one of the most popular nightclubs on the island.
