Water temperature in Similan in January?

[katsea]

I'm going to Similan islands in January. What's the water temperature like at that time?

I rang up one dive centre in Khao Lak. The lady in the phone said the water is from 25 to 30 degrees.
That is a big range... If it's 25 degrees, I'll need a 5mm wetsuit (I'm not very big and I get cold easily in the water). I only have a 3mm one.
Can anyone also recommend some diving shops in Phuket, Khao Lak, or Koh Tao? I might need to buy a 5mm wetsuit there.

Many thanx

 

[BigJeff]

You should use the one you called, they told you the truth!

Temperature is normally 27-28C at depth and 30C at surface - however there can be thermoclines "Green Monsters" where the temp and visibility drop.

In these it can go down to 24-25C, but they are normally short lived and you have the option of moving to a shallower spot.

Don't worry about finding a wetsuit, there are lots of shops that'll sell you one readymade, or even custom make one for you.

 

[aquamarin]

Katsea, the water temperature in the Similans and Surins is 28-29 C at the moment (I just came back from a trip yesterday ) They shouldn't be much different in January - but yes, with the occasional green monster.

Most people are happy with 3 mm shorties, I wear either a 5 mm full suit or 3 mm shorty with a hooded vest underneath - I get cold very easily. I'd recommend going for a hooded vest. You could wear your 3 mm in the daytime and avoid getting super-hot while gearing up. And for the sunset or night dives you just wear the vest in addition and stay warm

There are quite a few places to buy wetsuits here - I always have mine custom-made at Hotwave in Chalong (Phuket). Excellent quality and very good price.

Enjoy your Similan trip
Karin

 

[lord khram]

I'm going to Similan islands in January. What's the water temperature like at that time?

I rang up one dive centre in Khao Lak. The lady in the phone said the water is from 25 to 30 degrees.
That is a big range... If it's 25 degrees, I'll need a 5mm wetsuit (I'm not very big and I get cold easily in the water). I only have a 3mm one.
Can anyone also recommend some diving shops in Phuket, Khao Lak, or Koh Tao? I might need to buy a 5mm wetsuit there.

Many thanx

You really dont need to worry about getting a little cold even if the temp is as low as 25c!! It is Thailand, when you get out from the water you will soon warm up, unless you are a technical diver and are in the water for extended periods and doing long deco stops, cold is not usually an issue, a 3mm wetsuit is more than sufficient.

 

[stevenl]

If possible, use a 3 mm full suit. If you get cold, at the end of a trip you might get chilly easily, wear a shorty on top of the full suit.

 

[katsea]

Loads of thanks

btw, I have to say people here are veeeery warm. I'm relatively new here. Every time I ask a question, there're always lots of people trying to help. A big Thank You

 

[Arizona]

One more option to consider I personally really like. I generally just dive in a skin when in Thailand. Getting one will provide a good under layer and also give you an option for snorkeling without getting burnt by the sun. Having been on several Similans' liveaboards, most of my dives were done in a skin and thin hood (sun protection) and it was fine. I tend not to get too cold. They are relatively easy to pack and dry quick. With a 3m and skin you will be more than comfy and have something quite useful if you dive with a 5m at other dive destinations. It makes slipping a wetsuit on much easier.

Pinnacle Skin

 

[limpabit]

I know an old post. But I found this post via google. So thought it would be good information.

Just did four dives out here at Island 4 and 7. Dive computer registered between 31 degree and 28 degrees at the deepest.

3mm shortie was fine. Though was a little shock going though the thermocline.