Hi, could somebody give me some info on the subject. What's the weather like around Similans in July? I know it's monsoon season, but there's been several posts saying that diving is okay still. I'm planning a trip next summer and it has to be July. I'd like to go to Khao Lak and maybe get a liveaboard. Other option would be Ko Tao but I'm not too keen on that.
1
quero
peehoo--this past July we had several boats with scheduled sailings. It's a bit early now to know what boats will be scheduling trips next July, but it is likely there will be a couple of options. Generally the middle of the summer brings a few dry weeks, although the winds can still make the sea conditions somewhat rough. Once the boat gets across from the mainland to the islands, it seeks the leeward sides of the islands for diving and sleeping, so the diving itself is fine--it's just the getting there that can be uncomfortable. Even when boats publish schedules for the low season, there is no guarantee that a particular trip will take place. There are passenger minimums to be met in order for the trip to be financially viable for the op, and booking requests may not be confirmed until just shortly before the sailing, so you should always have fallback options in mind, such as daytrip diving from Phuket, in case the trip you were hoping for doesn't materialize.
3
stevenl
Normally July is fine, with a few boats going. This year we had no trips that were cancelled because of bad weather or not enough guests, but both are always a risk of course.
But if you book really early, chances are your trip will be confirmed.
July: lovely diving, no other boats, good visibility, so I really recommend it. Others have different opinions though.
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
trusted partner
trusted partner