What's the weather like in Koh Tao in July?
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao is an island that forms a trio along with nearby Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Koh Tao is the smallest and quietest of the three islands, but is a popular destination with holiday makers looking for a laidback vibe as well as those wanting to learn how to dive; the island is renowned for its affordable diving courses and beautiful coral reefs, and tourists flock here in their thousands to earn their PADI diving certificates.
Koh Tao has a typically tropical climate with a combination of sunshine, high temperatures and rain. The weather is controlled by monsoon winds which give the island and the surrounding areas three distinct seasons; dry, hot and wet.
Temperature
July is hot season in Koh Tao and the month sees a continuation of June's high temperatures. The average temperature at this time of year is 28°C, though highs can reach 31°C. Sea breezes offer a little relief at night, with low temperatures of 24°C. The weather is very hot at this time of year and temperatures can be exacerbated by high humidity levels, so travellers should be sure that they can cope with the heat before they plan their trip.
Rain
Rainfall increases slightly in July, with around 146mm of rainfall and an average of 16 wet days. While this may sound a lot, rain often falls in short afternoon showers and is actually quite refreshing in the heat of July.
Sunshine Hours
Sunshine levels are fairly consistent throughout the year, and July sees the same amount of sunshine as June, with 6 hours every day. Cloud cover is quite high at this time of year, with a 63% chance of a cloudy day, but holiday makers should still be able to spend plenty of time soaking up the rays on the beach.
Sea Temperature
Swimming, snorkelling and diving are popular activities all year round thanks to regularly high sea temperatures. In July, they remain at a balmy 29°C.
Hotels in Koh Tao in July
La Ville View Guesthouse
For a convenient place to stay in July, La Ville View Guesthouse is a mere three minute walk from Sairee Beach and 10 minute drive from both Mae Haad Pier and Mae Haad Beach. The hotel features 13 air conditioned rooms with Thai-style décor and tiled flooring. Although simply, furnished, this is one of the good budget accommodations located very close to the beach. Each room includes a refrigerator, flat-screen TV, a private bathroom with hot shower and its own balcony. Just 5 minutes away are local restaurants.
Pinnacle Koh Tao Resort
Pinnacle Koh Tao Resort offers comfortable and relaxed accommodation in Koh Tao. The three-star hotel sits on June Juea Beach overlooking the Gulf of Thailand for amazing sea views. Guests can relax on the hotel's sun deck, swim in the outdoor pool or cool off in their room which features air conditioning. Rooms are bright and modern with en suite facilities and a private balcony.
Buddha View Dive Resort
If you're visiting Koh Tao for its diving, Buddha View Dive Resort is a great choice of accommodation. Located right on the beach of Mae Haad, this hotel offers several water sports including banana boat and tyre rides water skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking and snorkelling.
Beaches in Koh Tao in July
Koh Tao is a paradise for beach lovers, with many beautiful bays and secluded beaches which can be enjoyed all year round. High temperatures and warm seas make July a perfect time to hit the beach.
Sairee Beach
One of the resort's most popular and busiest beaches is Sairee Beach, a 1.7 km white sand beach, which is an easy ten minute stroll away from Mae Haad. There are several types of accommodation available on Sairee Beach, as well as numerous dive centres, shops, beach bars, restaurants and other amenities. The Fishery Museum is located at this beach, too. Sairee has clear waters that are ideal for snorkelling.
Bars and Restaurants
Koh Tao has a large expat community from all over the world and as a result, the culinary scene is extremely diverse. Holiday makers will find everything from cheap and traditional Thai cuisine to fine dining and everything in between.
Yin Yang
No visit to Thailand would be complete without trying some of the local delicacies and you'll find them at Yin Yang, located in the quiet bay of Chalok. This family-run eatery is a popular choice thanks to its great value servings of authentic dishes, including Thai green curry, pad Thai and tempura shrimp.
Through The Looking Glass
Through The Looking Glass offers British tourists a little taste of home right in the heart of Koh Tao. Situated in Sairee Beach, this café has the feel of a traditional British tea room, serving a range of sandwiches, pasties and homemade cakes that are ideal for a quick lunch. It's also a great place to get a cup of English tea.
Su Chilli
Last but not least, Su Chilli is one of the most highly rated restaurants on the island thanks to its combination of fresh flavours and affordable prices. Serving traditional Thai dishes, it's a popular choice with both locals and tourists. Seafood makes up the majority of the menu but there's also a good range of vegetarian options to suit every diner.
Things to Do in Koh Tao in July
Hiking
July's weather makes it the ideal time of year to relax on the beach and partake in a spot of snorkelling, but that's not all the island has to offer. Hiking is a fun and free way to see the island's natural beauty away from the beaches. The island has many simple hiking trails which offer tourists the chance to explore the mountain and jungle areas of Koh Tao. One of the most popular is the moderate hike to Fraggle Rock which rewards hikers with spectacular sea views from the top.
Koh Nang Yuan
Koh Tao's location means that it offers a variety of fun day trips for those who want to explore further than just the island. Koh Nang Yuan is located to the south west of Koh Tao and is just a ten minutes away by boat, making it an ideal day trip destination. Koh Nang Yuan is a picturesque island that's actually made up of three small islands connected by a sandbar and is home to a resort as well as its most popular attraction; the world's first 'island-to-island' zip line. Here, thrill-seekers can zipline over the ocean and between the islands.
