Blue View Divers – Scuba Diving in Phi Phi Island

best time to dive phi phi

~ A Month by month guide ~

Is There Really a Best Time to Dive Phi Phi?

When is the Best Time to Dive dive Phi Phi ? It’s one of the questions we’re asked most often, and the honest answer is that there isn’t one perfect season. Thanks to sheltered dive sites, scuba diving is available all year round. While November to April generally brings calmer seas and more predictable weather, May to October offers quieter dive sites, lower prices and can still deliver exceptional visibility. After more than 20 years of diving these reefs, we’ve learned that local knowledge and daily conditions matter far more than the calendar.

The best time to dive Phi Phi depends on the experience you're looking for. High season offers calmer seas and predictable weather, while the Green Season provides quieter dive sites, excellent value and can still deliver fantastic diving.

scuba diving phi phi, jellyfish, best time to dive phi phi

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High Season vs Low Season

Phuket, Krabi + Koh Lanta

Visibility Throughout the Year

Month by Month Guide

Wetsuit Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Time to Dive Phi Phi | Can You Dive Year Round?

The good news is that scuba diving on Phi Phi Island is available all year round. However, each season offers slightly different conditions, water temperature and sea conditions. Fortunately, there isn’t a bad time to dive -it’s simply a matter of choosing the season that best suits your interests. At Blue View Divers we dive throughout the year and carefully plan each trip based on weather, sea conditions, and diver experience to ensure safe and enjoyable dives in every season.

Protected Dive Sites & Year Round Diving

Phi Phi is one of the few dive destinations in Thailand that truly offers 12-month, year-round scuba diving.

Thanks to surrounding islands, limestone formations, and sheltered bays, there are protected dive sites available in all seasons. This allows diving even when surface conditions are less calm, making Phi Phi a reliable choice at any time of year.

Weather, Currents & Moon Phases

Weather and currents play an important role in dive planning. We check conditions daily and choose sites accordingly.

A half moon phase often brings milder currents, making dives more relaxed and suitable for beginners. Even during stronger tidal periods, protected dive sites allow safe and comfortable diving.

Our Team use the following resources: Windguru, Windy, Phuket Marina Tide Table

Best Time to Dive Phi Phi | Understanding the Seasons

November - April

"High Season" Phi Phi Islands

The Northeast Monsoon generally brings Phi Phi Island its calmest and most predictable diving conditions. As a result, this period is widely regarded as the traditional high season and the best time to dive on Phi Phi. Although every year is slightly different, these months typically offer reliable weather, calmer seas and excellent opportunities to explore more of Phi Phi’s dive sites.

During this season you can generally expect:

Calm seas and more predictable weather
Underwater visibility typically ranging from 10–30 metres
Warm water temperatures of around 28–30°C
Access to the Bida Islands, the west side of Phi Phi Leh, and, on suitable days, other more exposed dive sites
Lunch breaks in the spectacular surroundings of Maya Bay

Because the sea conditions are usually flatter, this is an excellent time for PADI Discover Scuba Diving, Open Water courses and anyone who prefers calmer surface conditions. However, it’s also the busiest time of year on Phi Phi Island. Consequently, accommodation prices are generally at their highest, ferries are busier and popular hotels often sell out well in advance. If you’re planning to visit during high season, we recommend booking both your accommodation and diving early to secure your preferred dates.

The Southwest Monsoon | May - Oct

"Low Season" Phi Phi Island

The Southwest Monsoon brings Phi Phi Island into its Green Season, offering a completely different, but equally rewarding, diving experience. Although the weather becomes more variable, Phi Phi remains an excellent year-round diving destination. In fact, many experienced divers choose this season for its quieter atmosphere, fantastic value and uncrowded dive sites.

During the Southwest Monsoon, you can generally expect:

Occasional rain and more changeable weather
Changing winds that influence daily dive site selection
Underwater visibility typically ranging from 10–20 metres, although exceptional visibility is still possible
Warm water temperatures of around 29–31°C throughout the season
Fewer tourists, quieter dive boats and more relaxed diving experiences
Excellent accommodation deals and fantastic value across the island
Monsoon Periods of strong winds and waves with disruption to boat services

As the prevailing winds shift, our dive plans also adapt. Consequently, we often visit more sheltered sites on the east side of Phi Phi Leh, as well as Garang Heng and the local wreck, while the Maya Bay side is reserved for calmer days. Because our instructors assess the weather, wind and sea conditions every day, we can choose the most suitable dive sites for both safety and enjoyment.

Best Time to Dive Phi Phi | The Reality

Nature doesn’t always follow the calendar and after over 20 years, I don’t believe in seasons anymore!

For example, June is often considered one of the wettest months. However, in 2026 we enjoyed some of the best diving conditions of the year, with exceptional visibility, regular dives at Malong and Palong, eagle ray sightings and some of the quietest dive sites of the season.

Likewise, even during the traditional high season, occasional weather systems can bring rougher conditions and windy days. That’s why our instructors assess the wind, sea conditions and visibility every morning before selecting the best dive sites.

After over 2 decades of diving around Phi Phi Island, we’ve learned that local knowledge is far more valuable than simply looking at the month on the calendar so it’s up to the individual diver to decide when is the BEST time to dive on Phi Phi for THEM.

After 20 years of diving around Phi Phi Island, we've learned that seasons sometimes lie. While seasonal patterns guide our dive plans, every year is different. Which is why our local knowledge is often far more valuable than simply looking at the month you're planning to visit.

Diving From Phuket, Krabi + Koh Lanta in Low Season

Why Phi Phi Is The Best Place to Dive During the Green Season

Many visitors assume the Green Season means diving is poor everywhere on Thailand’s Andaman Coast. In reality, it often depends on where you choose to dive.

Phuket

During the Southwest Monsoon, some of Phuket’s southern dive sites, such as the Racha Islands, can become less accessible when sea conditions are rough. As a result, trips to Phi Phi involve a much longer journey across open water, making for an early start and a full day on the boat.

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta’s famous southern dive sites, including Koh Haa and Hin Daeng/Hin Muang, close for around six months each year as part of the Marine National Park’s seasonal closure. During this period, many operators focus on Phi Phi when conditions allow. However, the journey is considerably longer, and low-season demand means trips may run less frequently.

Ao Nang & Krabi

Dive centres in Ao Nang and Krabi occasionally offer trips to Phi Phi. However, during the Green Season, many choose to stay closer to shore and visit local dive sites when sea conditions are less favourable for the longer crossing.

Best Time to Dive | Why Stay on Phi Phi?

By staying on Phi Phi Island, you’re already in the heart of the Marine Park. Instead of spending hours travelling across open water, you can enjoy shorter boat journeys, greater flexibility when choosing dive sites and more time underwater.

Because our boats depart directly from Phi Phi each day, we can adapt our plans to the latest local weather and sea conditions, helping you experience the best diving available during your visit.

High Season vs Green Season: Which is the Best Time to Dive Phi Phi?

Why Wind Direction affects the Best Time to Dive

While many people focus on the time of year, experienced local dive teams know that wind direction has a much bigger impact on diving conditions than the month itself.

During the high season, northeasterly winds usually allow us to dive the west side of Phi Phi Leh, the Bida Islands and other more exposed sites with excellent visibility. In the Green Season, southwesterly winds often shift us to sheltered dive sites on the east side of Phi Phi Leh, Garang Heng and the local wreck, where conditions remain comfortable and enjoyable.

Rather than following a fixed schedule, we assess the wind, waves, tides and visibility every morning to choose the best dive sites for the day. This local knowledge allows us to dive safely and comfortably throughout the year while making the most of the day’s conditions.

Visibility + Thermoclines | A Sign of a Healthy Reef

Visibility around Phi Phi Island can change daily, and sometimes even between dives. While the High Season brings long periods of clear water, it’s normal for visibility to vary throughout the year.

Thanks to Phi Phi’s limestone cliffs and current flow, plankton blooms and nutrient-rich thermocline water can push up from the deep. Although this can temporarily reduce visibility, those tiny particles are actually the foundation of the marine ecosystem. Think of it as a protein shake for the reef.

It feeds small organisms, which attract larger fish, turtles, reef sharks and even the occasional eagle ray or whale shark. After a plankton bloom, the reefs tend to explode with life the following days. This natural cycle is one of the reasons Phi Phi supports such incredible biodiversity compared with other destinations in Thailand. While every diver loves 30 metre visibility, a little plankton in the water often means the reef is healthy, productive and full of life.

During certain times of year you may experience a thermocline - a layer of cooler, nutrient-rich water. Although visibility can briefly decrease, these nutrients support coral growth and often lead to an increase in marine life over the following days.

Best Time to Dive Phi Phi | Month By Month Guide

January | Best Time to Dive Phi Phi for Dive Sites

Typical Conditions: Calm seas, dry weather make January one of the most popular months for scuba diving on Phi Phi Island.
Water Temperature: 28–29°C
Typical Dive Sites: West side of Phi Phi Leh, the Bida Islands, wreck dives and special half-moon trips when conditions allow.
Crowds & Prices: Peak tourist season with the busiest dive boats and highest accommodation prices of the year.
Highlights: Fantastic visibility, calm conditions and excellent diving for beginners, certified divers and underwater photographers alike.

February | Best Time to Dive Phi Phi for Dive Sites

Typical Conditions: Stable weather, calm seas and consistent visibility
Water Temperature: 28–29°C
Typical Dive Sites: Similar to January, with the opportunities to explore the east side of Phi Phi Leh during calm mornings.
Crowds & Prices: Still one of the busiest months, with premium hotel prices and high visitor numbers.
Highlights: One of the most reliable months of the year for scuba diving, with excellent conditions across many of Phi Phi’s best dive sites.

Scuba Diving on Phi Phi in March

Typical Conditions: Mostly dry weather with calm seas, warm sunshine and excellent underwater visibility.
Water Temperature: 29–30°C
Typical Dive Sites: Similar to January and February, with popular lunch breaks at Maya Bay between dives.
Crowds & Prices: Slightly quieter than January and February while still considered high season.
Highlights: Warm tropical weather, beautiful visibility and fewer crowds make March a favourite among many returning divers.

April | Best Time to Dive Before Green Season

Typical Conditions: Winds gradually begin to change, although many days remain sunny and calm.
Water Temperature: 30°C+
Typical Dive Sites: West side dive sites remain accessible before dive plans gradually adapt to changing weather patterns.
Crowds & Prices: Busy during Songkran and Thai school holidays.
Highlights: Warm tropical water, excellent marine life and the beginning of seasonal changes beneath the surface.

Scuba Diving on Phi Phi in May | Transition Season

Typical Conditions: The Green Season begins, bringing more variable weather as the wind will change
Water Temperature: 30–32°C
Typical Dive Sites: Sheltered east side of Phi Phi Leh, Garang Heng, the Bida Islands and the wreck. Malong + Palong until wind changes
Crowds & Prices: Hotel prices drop noticeably and dive boats become much quieter.
Highlights: Excellent value, peaceful dive sites and surprisingly good diving on many days.

Phi Phi in June | Green Season

Typical Conditions: June is often considered one of the wetter months, although every year is different and conditions can be exceptional.
Water Temperature: 30–32°C
Typical Dive Sites: East side dive sites, Garang Heng, sheltered reefs and the Bida Islands depending on daily conditions.
Crowds & Prices: One of the quietest months of the year, with some of Phi Phi’s lowest hotel prices.
Highlights: Fantastic value, uncrowded dive sites and, in some years, some of the best visibility of the entire year.

July

Typical Conditions: Green Season continues with warm water, occasional afternoon showers and plenty of excellent diving.
Water Temperature: 30–31°C
Typical Dive Sites: Dive sites are selected each day according to weather and sea conditions.
Crowds & Prices: Slightly busier thanks to the European summer holidays, although still much quieter than peak season.
Highlights: Warm tropical water, excellent macro life and relaxed diving without the winter crowds.

August

Typical Conditions: Similar to July, with changing weather patterns and warm tropical conditions.
Water Temperature: Around 30°C
Typical Dive Sites: Daily site selection based on conditions, with western dive sites often becoming available during calmer periods.
Crowds & Prices: Moderate visitor numbers and good accommodation prices.
Highlights: Excellent marine life, warm water and fewer divers than during the high season.

Scuba Diving on Phi Phi in September

Typical Conditions: September is often listed as one of the wettest months, although careful dive site selection means excellent diving is still possible.
Water Temperature: 29–30°C
Typical Dive Sites: Protected east side reefs, the Bida Islands and other sheltered dive sites.
Crowds & Prices: Along with June, September often offers some of the lowest hotel prices on Phi Phi.
Highlights: Outstanding value, peaceful island atmosphere and quiet dive sites with excellent marine life.

Transition Season | Scuba Diving on Phi Phi in October

Typical Conditions: Another transition month as weather gradually improves and seasonal winds begin to change once again.
Water Temperature: 29–30°C
Typical Dive Sites: More dive sites become accessible as sea conditions improve.
Crowds & Prices: Visitor numbers begin increasing while accommodation remains reasonably priced.
Highlights: Beautiful diving, improving visibility and a fantastic time to visit before the high season crowds arrive.

November | High Season Diving Begins!

Typical Conditions: High season returns with calmer seas, improving visibility and increasingly stable weather.
Water Temperature: 28–29°C
Typical Dive Sites: West side of Phi Phi Leh, the Bida Islands and more exposed dive sites become regularly accessible again.
Crowds & Prices: Hotel prices begin rising from early November as tourism returns.
Highlights: Excellent visibility, calm conditions and the return of classic Phi Phi diving.

December | Peak Season for Diving

Typical Conditions: Consistently calm seas, reliable weather and excellent visibility make December one of the best months for diving.
Water Temperature: 28–29°C
Typical Dive Sites: Full access to the west side of Phi Phi Leh, the Bida Islands, wreck dives and special trips when conditions allow.
Crowds & Prices: Peak holiday season with busy dive boats, higher accommodation prices and advance booking recommended.
Highlights: Warm tropical weather, fantastic visibility and some of the very best scuba diving conditions of the year.

A Note About Diving in June and September

June and September are considered the wettest months on Phi Phi Island, but after 20| years of diving here, we’ve learned that nature rarely follows the textbook. In fact, June 2026 delivered some of the best diving conditions of the year, with excellent visibility, frequent dives at Malong and Palong, regular eagle ray sightings and wonderfully quiet dive sites.

While these months can bring occasional rain, they also offer excellent value, lower accommodation prices, fewer crowds and, on many days, outstanding diving.

Can Beginners Dive All Year Round on Phi Phi?

Absolutely! Scuba diving on Phi Phi Island is suitable for beginners throughout the year, including first-time divers completing a PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience.

Although the weather changes between seasons, our experienced instructors carefully select dive sites based on the wind, waves, visibility and current conditions each day. During the Green Season, we simply move to more sheltered dive sites, allowing beginners and certified divers to continue enjoying safe, comfortable dives.

Whether you’re learning to dive, completing your PADI Open Water Course or joining us as a certified diver, we’ll always choose the most suitable sites for your experience level and the conditions on the day.

The Best Time to Dive Phi Phi | What Wetsuit do I Need?

Another question we’re asked is “Do I need a wetsuit when diving on Phi Phi Island?” The answer depends your personal comfort level and how many dives you’re planning to do.

Thanks to our warm tropical waters, heavy wetsuits are never required for scuba diving on Phi Phi. Most divers are perfectly comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit, while many experienced divers choose to wear only a rash guard, skin suit or dive shorts during the hottest months.

Even though the water is warm all year, remember that you’re often making two dives, spending time on the boat between dives and may encounter cooler thermoclines at depth.

A little extra exposure protection can make a big difference to your comfort throughout the day and a long sleeved rash guard is strongly recommended for SPF protection on top of the added layer under your 3mm short suit.

Wetsuit Guide Throughout the Year

🌊 November – January

🌡️ Water Temperature: 27–29°C

👕 What Our Team Wears: 3mm long or short personal wetsuits

✅ We Recommend: A 3mm shorty which is provided

☀️ February – May

🌡️ Water Temperature: 29–31°C

👕 What Our Team Wears: Rash guards, 3mm suits, skin suits or dive shorts

✅ We Recommend: A rash guard or skin suit if you don’t get cold easily. Our 3mm shortie rental wetsuit is idea.

🌦️ June – November

🌡️ Water Temperature: 28–30°C

👕 What Our Team Wears: A mix of rash guards and 3mm wetsuits depending on the weather.

✅ We Recommend: Our 3mm shorty wetsuit, and a rashie if you have one

Our Recommendation

If you’re unsure what to wear, we’d recommend bringing some swim layers. It’s suitable for diving all year round on Phi Phi Island, provides extra protection from the sun and jellyfish, and keeps you comfortable during surface intervals and cooler thermoclines.

While everyone tolerates cold differently, we provide a 3mm shortie wetsuit which is suitable you’re planning multiple dives over several days. Bring a rashie to provides added protection from sun exposure, minor scrapes when entering and exiting the boat, and occasional plankton stings.

We provide 3mm shorty suits for all divers and we strongly recommend wearing your own SPF50 long sleeved rash guard

FAQs - Best Time to Dive Phi Phi?

FAQ: The Best Time to Dive Phi Phi

Is there a best time to dive Phi Phi Island?

There isn’t one “perfect” time to visit. If you prefer calmer seas, excellent visibility and more predictable weather, the High Season (November to April) is generally the best choice. However, if you enjoy quieter dive sites, lower hotel prices and excellent value, the Green Season (May to October) can be equally rewarding.

Is scuba diving in Phi Phi available all year?

Yes. Phi Phi is one of Thailand’s few true year-round diving destinations. Thanks to its sheltered dive sites and experienced local operators, scuba diving is available throughout all 12 months of the year.

What kind of diving experience are you looking for?

High Season vs Green Season

High Season (November–April)

Calmer seas
More predictable weather
Visibility often 20–30 metres
Access to more exposed dive sites
Ideal for beginners and training courses
Busier island and dive boats
Higher hotel prices

Green Season (May–October)

Warm water year-round (29–31°C)
More variable weather with occasional rain
Sheltered dive sites and flexible daily planning
Fewer tourists and quieter dive sites
Lower accommodation prices and excellent value
Relaxed island atmosphere
Can still produce exceptional visibility and marine life

Can beginners dive during the Green Season?

Absolutely. While December to March often provides the calmest surface conditions, beginners safely complete PADI Discover Scuba Diving, Open Water courses and Junior programs throughout the year. Our instructors simply choose the most suitable dive sites based on the daily conditions.

Does it rain every day during the Green Season?

No. Although short tropical showers are more common, they rarely last all day. Many Green Season days are sunny, and rain on the surface doesn’t necessarily affect underwater visibility.

Can you see sharks all year round?

Yes. Blacktip reef sharks are resident around Phi Phi Island and can be seen throughout the year. Sightings always depend on conditions and a little luck, but there isn’t one specific “shark season.”

What marine life can I expect to see?

Marine life changes slightly throughout the year, but divers regularly encounter blacktip reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, moray eels, octopus, cuttlefish, lionfish, nudibranchs and large schools of tropical reef fish. Seasonal plankton blooms can also attract larger pelagic species, including the occasional eagle ray or whale shark.

Do moon phases affect diving conditions?

Yes. Moon phases influence tides and currents around Phi Phi Island. Half-moon periods often bring gentler currents, while spring tides around the full and new moon can create stronger water movement. Our instructors consider these conditions when planning each day’s dives.

Is there ever a bad time to dive Phi Phi?

No. While some months are calmer than others, there isn’t a bad time to scuba dive on Phi Phi Island. Thanks to protected dive sites, flexible planning and daily weather assessments, diving is possible throughout the year.

Which months are the busiest?

December, January and February are usually the busiest months, with higher hotel prices and more visitors. If you prefer a quieter island atmosphere, consider travelling during the Green Season.

Which months offer the best value?

June and September often offer some of the lowest accommodation prices of the year. Combined with quieter dive boats and fewer visitors, these months are ideal for travellers looking for excellent value.

Should I book in advance?

If you’re travelling during the High Season, especially between December and February, we recommend booking both your accommodation and diving in advance. During the Green Season, there’s often more flexibility, although direct bookings still provide the widest choice of dates and seasonal offers.

Author: Caroline Lecky
PADI Staff Instructor | Manager at Blue View Divers

📍 Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
🤿 PADI Staff Instructor
🌊 20 years diving Phi Phi
🐢 10,000+ dives
♻️ Green Fins / PADI Eco Centre

Blue View Divers Founded in 2006 with an ethos of conservation, community and relaxed diving in small-groups. A boutique-style dive centre with a personal touch and the BEST location to hang out! Dive with us if you like small groups, flexible schedules & excellent customer service. We want you to feel welcome, not just a number. Our Eco-Minded Team of PADI Pros are trained under PADI Staff Instructors Caroline & Kris who have 20+ years experience on Phi Phi.