What's the weather like in Koh Tao in November?
Also known as "Turtle Island", Koh Tao is located in the Gulf of Thailand along with the neighbouring islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. It is the smallest and quietest of the three islands but has a lot to offer tourists, from stunning scenery to world-class diving spots.
Koh Tao has a similar climate to the rest of Thailand, with high temperatures, sunshine and rainfall that's brought by monsoon winds. The climate is divided into three seasons; dry, hot and wet.
Rain
November is part of Koh Tao's wet season and is the wettest month of the year. With 463mm of precipitation and 20 rainfall days, the island sees the highest rainfall this month, with double the amount of October and ten times more than the dry months. Rainfall often comes in heavy showers which can happen at any time. While this may sound bad, it doesn't often rain constantly in November and when then rain clears, the island is left fresh and green.
Temperature
Temperatures, though they remain warm, are a tad lower than October. However, this can be a welcome relief as the temperatures and high humidity levels can feel very hot and sticky in Koh Tao. The average temperature hovers around 26°C with highs of 29°C and night time lows of 23°C.
Sea Temperature
Water temperatures remain consistently high all year round on the island, which is just one of the reasons that diving and snorkelling is so popular. In November, the sea remains at a pleasant 29°C.
Sunshine Hours
Sunshine levels also stay the same as October, with 6 sunny hours every day on average. However, the monsoon season brings cloudy weather and a 62% chance of a cloudy day, which can cover a lot of the sunshine. There's just a 5% chance of a completely sunny day.
While many travellers will be put off travelling to Koh Tao in November because of the heavy rainfall, others prefer the quiet atmosphere and lush green surroundings at this time of year.
Hotels in Koh Tao in November
As November is outside of peak season, tourists can get some great value deals on accommodation this month.
Ananda Villa
Ananda Villa provides comfortable and luxurious accommodation at an affordable price. The family run hotel features beachside apartments and bungalows that come with air-conditioning and a ceiling fan, a shower, satellite TV, a fridge, private bathrooms with hot and cold showers, Wi-Fi and elegant Thai decor.
Lotus Paradise Resort
Get spacious luxuriously furnished rooms suitable for varying budgets at the Lotus Paradise Resort. It enjoys a beautiful location in the middle of Sairee Village close to popular Sairee Beach. Rooms are available in the two-storey hotel as well as garden view and beach front bungalows with air conditioning and satellite TV. The hotel's on-site restaurant, Lotus de Café, is the place to go for Thai and international cuisine.
Koh Tao Montra Resort & Spa
For a truly luxurious stay on the island, Koh Tao Montra Resort & Spa offers relaxed four-star accommodation in an idyllic beachfront setting. Located in Mae Haad, the resort combines traditional Thai-style décor with contemporary touches and modern facilities. Rooms feature private bathrooms, wooden furnishings and private balconies with a pool or ocean views. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar and a dive centre for guest use.
Beaches in Koh Tao in November
November may not sound like the perfect time to hit the beach, but when there's a break in the rain it is possible to spend a few hours relaxing on the sand.
Sai Nuan Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches on the whole island is Sai Nuan beach, a small bay that's hidden away in the south west corner of the island. Sai Nuan can be reached by boat or via a walking path through the jungle. Facilities are thinly spread here there's just one resort and restaurant but the amazing views more than make up for it. With clear blue water, soft white sands and palm trees, the secluded beach feels like a hidden paradise.
Bars and Restaurants
Koh Tao may be small, but it has a surprisingly varied food scene, with everything from tasty and cheap street food to fine dining restaurants.
Pranee's Kitchen Restaurant
Traditional sala-style Pranee's Kitchen Restaurant is an old favourite, specialising in authentic and home-cooked Thai food. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are served in a cushioned video lounge setting where movies are shown every night.
The Hacienda Bar & Grill
The Hacienda Bar & Grill is a unique place to eat in Koh Tao and a great choice for those traveling with kids. The restaurant is set in a large garden with a pool, ping pong, a movie theatre and mini golf on site. Hacienda's menu has something for everyone, from pizza and Mexican dishes to traditional British fare.
Mint Kitchen
Finally, Mint Kitchen is a great spot for lunch or dinner in the Sairee Beach area and has an indoor seating area for rainy November days. The food here is simple, fresh and cheap, with dishes such as pad Thai, green curry and tempura chicken coming highly recommended. Find it next to the Rocktopus Dive School.
Things to Do in Koh Tao in November
Jamakhiri Resort & Spa
The heavy rains of November won't spoil your fun in terms of a spot of pampering. Head to Jamakhiri Resort & Spa for a range of relaxing and invigorating treaqtments. This peaceful and serene place is surrounded by lush tropical garden and has fantastic views of the sea. Being a resort as well, there are luxurious rooms if you want to stay a night or two.
The Shambhala Yoga Centre
Yoga classes are especially great on rainy days and Koh Tao has its fair share. The Shambhala Yoga Centre offers daily guided lessons on yoga techniques including breath work, meditation, vinyasa, hatha and yin yoga. Holiday makers can learn how to relax, breathe deeply and stretch in the studio or outside when the sun is out.
