Krabi Water Temperature by Month (Dive Guide)

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Krabi water temperature at a glance

Monthly averages in the Andaman Sea off Krabi run from about 28°C in January to about 31°C in April. Monthly minimums rarely fall below 27°C, and maximums reach about 32°C to 33°C in the hottest months. Think of 28°C to 31°C (82°F to 88°F) as the everyday range. Figures here are surface readings. Deeper water at dive sites can feel cooler than the number on the beach. Prices and conditions change, but the temperature pattern itself is stable from year to year.

Krabi sea temperature by month

Monthly ranges below are rounded to the nearest degree and blend several satellite and buoy-based datasets. Individual sources differ by about a degree, so treat every row as approximate. Averages peak in April and May, then ease slightly through the wetter months. December and January are the coolest, yet still near 28°C.

Seasons in Krabi: what the water feels like

Three broad seasons shape the experience more than the thermometer does. From about November to February, air is drier and the sea averages 28°C to 29°C. March to May is the hot season, when averages reach 30°C to 31°C and swimming gives little relief from the heat. From roughly June to October, the monsoon brings rain, wind and chop. Water stays near 29°C to 30°C, yet rain runoff can cool and cloud the top layer. Visibility and sea state matter more than degrees in those months.

What to wear in the water

With water above 27°C, nobody needs a thick suit for comfort. Exposure protection is mostly about sun, stings, scrapes and long sessions. Use this as a general guideline. Rental policies vary by shop, so ask when you book.

• Count your dives: three dives a day cools a body even in 29°C water.
• Know your tolerance: some divers shiver at 28°C after an hour.
• Ask about rental: suit hire adds to your bill, so check the dive cost breakdown before you pack.

Warm water, but not the same conditions

Mistake to avoid: assuming warm water means good diving. In monsoon months, rain, wind and waves can cut visibility and cancel boat departures even though the sea reads 29°C. Strong winds can also pull cooler, deeper water toward the surface, so nearshore readings can swing by several degrees. Thermoclines can make deeper sites feel noticeably cooler than the surface figure. Ask your operator about current conditions rather than relying on a chart. Our monsoon and visibility breakdown explains the month-by-month trade-offs. For depth and site choice, see the site-by-site dive guide. Local operators are listed in the Krabi dive shop directory.

Does temperature differ between Ao Nang, Railay, Phi Phi and Ko Lanta?

Barely. Satellite readings for Railay, Ao Nang, the Phi Phi Islands and Ko Lanta typically fall within about one degree of each other, and Phuket is similar. Pick a base for access, boat times and sites instead. Ao Nang suits travelers who want restaurants and many shops, and our Ao Nang diving overview explains the setup. Railay is reached by boat, and the Railay dive center page covers that option.

Staying comfortable: heat, hydration and surface intervals

Water near 30°C offers little cooling, so heat becomes the main comfort issue. Drink water before and between dives, and shade yourself on deck. Use reef-safe sun protection and a rash guard on long snorkel sessions. Keep surface intervals relaxed, and skip alcohol before diving. Divers Alert Network publishes general guidance on hydration and dive safety at DAN. Anyone with a medical concern should consult a doctor before diving.

Plan your next step

Once temperature is settled, choose dates by sea conditions and visibility. First-time divers can compare course options through our PADI Krabi courses overview. The agency also describes its beginner course on the PADI Open Water Diver page. Return to the main Krabi diving hub for the full planning picture.