Is the weather really that bad in the Gulf of Thailand in December?

[silent running]

Hello all, just wondering if the Lonely Planet guide is correct about the wind/weather conditions in the gulf in Dec. being the worst of the year. Anybody had a different experience? What is the earliest it might calm down, January? Thanks, -Andy

 

[Zippsy]

it is / not me / early April (maybe late March)

 

[OnTheSpot]

That would be about right, but just like the SW monsoon season on the Andaman coast, you will still get plenty of good weather at that time, just don't count on it. Both sides generally very calm March/April before the SW monsoon kicks in again.

 

[mase]

I've been in Koh Tao in January and the weather was fine.

 

[silent running]

Thanks for the info. Sounds more like a gamble than an absolute. -Andy

 

[OnTheSpot]

The weather is never absolute. I wouldn't let weather stats dictate your travel plans.

 

[Matty]

Hi there. If you go down south then it can be a bit off season. Come to Pattaya and the weather is great. Its the best visability but the water temp drops to 27 degrees!! Bit chilly as now its 31 degrees. Ok it might not be sunny now but who cares!!!
Matty
www.personal-scuba.com

 

[Mako Mark]

Tao has the best vis, best sea state for the whole year. The worst part of the year is often better than the best part on the other side or up in Pattaya.

OTOH, a rainy day in Thailand has to be better than a good day at home..

 

[stevenl]

The worst part of the year is often better than the best part on the other side or up in Pattaya.

The weather is unpredictable, so you could be lucky in December.
But Mark, this is nonsens.

 

[Mako Mark]

Steven, perhaps I should have worded it that the season is generally longer on Koh Tao than anywhere else.

OTOH I only spent five years there so I could be wrong.