divig Phuket in August?

[John2006]

Guys,

Any thoughts on what the conditions are like in Phuket in mid-August? Have been wanting to go there for a while, and was wondering how August stacks up (will be flying up from Syndey for 5 days). Doing a live aboard isn't an option as the significant other isn't a diver...

Thanks!

 

[stevenl]

In general the diving is good in August. August tends to be a quiet month without too much wind, so the waves won't get too high.
If you're unlucky and do have strong winds, the divesites may be limited.

But in general: good diving, good visibility, not too many divers.

 

[chocolate]

I could be wrong, but isn't then the monsoon season?

 

[goodeatsfan]

I thought it's the monsoon season in phuket then isn't it?

 

[stevenl]

Yes, it is monsoon season, but there are lots of misunderstandings about the monsoon season. Quite often the diving is good in the monsoon season, most of the locals prefer to dive that time of year because of more marine sightings, less divers and boats and good visibility.

 

[Batfish]

The word "monsoon" is rather too scary. We like to call this the "green season". The weather is often very nice, though you can never guarantee it. My family has visited 3 times during the "monsoon/green season" and the weather was almost always great.

The word monsoon refers to wind rather than rain, and in fact the months from November - March are also a Monsoon season, called the North east monsoon; whereas May - October is the South West monsoon.

It's the wind and unpredictable nature of the weather that stops most liveaboards from attempting to schedule trips to areas which are further offshore such as the Similan Islands. A few do, and in July/August the weather will probably be OK.

Day trips to local sites around Phuket and Phi Phi continue year round. Things are unlikely to be full and the best idea is to book on arrival so you are sure the weather looks fine.

Have a good trip

Jamie
Phuket