News Details

Diving in Koh Lipe During New Year : Is It Really the Clearest Water of the Year?

Koh Lipe during the New Year holiday is considered one of the most beautiful seasons in the lower Andaman Sea. Many divers call it the “golden period” for snorkeling and freediving because the sea is calm, the weather is perfect, the sky is clear, and the visibility often reaches the point where you can see the sandy bottom from the surface.

But the big question many travelers ask is:

“Is the New Year period really when the water is the clearest of the entire year?”

Let's find out.

1) Weather Conditions During New Year: Why Is the Water Extra Clear?

December to January is the High Season in Koh Lipe, and several natural factors work together to create exceptional water clarity:

✔ Weak Monsoon Winds (Northeast Monsoon)

Calmer winds mean gentler waves and excellent underwater visibility.

✔ Almost No Rain

With very little rainfall, there’s no freshwater or sediment mixing into the ocean.

✔ Clear Skies & Strong Sunlight

Bright sunlight enhances underwater visibility, making corals and fish appear vibrant.

✔ Sea Conditions Reach Seasonal Balance

After the low season passes, the sea becomes calm and settles into its clearest state.

Summary:

Yes—New Year is one of the periods with the highest chance of crystal-clear water, especially around the Adang–Rawi diving zone.

2) Best Diving Spots for Clear Water During New Year

Most of Koh Lipe enjoys good visibility during this season, but certain areas are especially outstanding.

2.1 Adang–Rawi Zone

This is the highlight of Koh Lipe dive trips during New Year.

• Visibility commonly reaches 10–20 meters
• Healthy “Seven Colors Coral”
• Large schools of fish including moray eels, clownfish, and butterflyfish

Recommended spots:

• Hin Chu (Hinluang / Hinchu)
• East Adang Island
• Inner Rawi Island

2.2 Hin Ngam (Stone Island)

Famous for ultra-clear water reflecting black shiny stones; great for snorkeling and photos.

2.3 Koh Yang

Ideal for beginners with calm water and easy snorkeling conditions.

2.4 Koh Dong

Excellent visibility during New Year and a good chance to spot large fish schools.

3) Is It Truly the Clearest Time of the Year? Can the Water Still Get Murky?

Even though New Year is known for its clearest seas, there are still a few factors that may cause temporary murkiness:

1) Sudden Wind Direction Changes

Some spots may experience stronger waves, though diving is usually still possible.

2) Offshore Waves

While sheltered bays stay calm, you may encounter waves during boat transit.

3) Crowds of Tourists

During peak season, multiple groups entering the water can stir up sediment.

However, in 85–90% of days between late December and early January, water visibility remains good to excellent.

4) When Exactly Is Water Clearest During New Year?

✔ Clear-sky days with strong midday sunlight

Best for underwater photos: 10:00–14:00

✔ 1–2 weeks before New Year (Dec 20–28)

Fewer crowds, very calm seas.

✔ Early January

After the holiday peak, the sea is still calm—considered a “golden period for divers.”

5) Why Do Divers Love Visiting Koh Lipe During New Year?

✔ Almost no rain — you can dive all day

No need to worry about rainstorms like in the monsoon season.

✔ Excellent underwater visibility

Clear views of corals and fish at long distances.

✔ Smooth boat rides

Calmer seas ideal for children or people prone to seasickness.

✔ All dive sites are open

Unlike the monsoon season when some sites may be closed.

6) Which Type of Dive Trip Is Best for New Year?

A) Outer Zone Trips (for experienced snorkelers/divers)

✔ Hin Chu

✔ Koh Dong

✔ Koh Rawi (inner bay)

Best for maximum visibility and vibrant coral.

B) Inner Zone Trips (beginner & family friendly)

✔ Hin Ngam

✔ Koh Yang

✔ Koh Rahu

Calmer waters, easy snorkeling.

C) Freediving / Underwater Photography Trips

New Year offers some of the best visibility of the year for freedivers.

7) What to Prepare for New Year Diving Trips

• UV-protection rash guard
• Personal mask & snorkel
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Dry bag
• Personal medication
• GoPro or underwater camera

8) Extra Tips for Diving During New Year

• Book dive tours 2–4 weeks in advance
• Choose operators with certified guides
• Morning trips offer calmer water
• On windy days, choose inner-bay sites for better visibility

Conclusion: Is New Year Truly the Clearest Water of the Year?

Yes — the New Year period (late December to early January) is one of the clearest-water seasons in Koh Lipe.

Clear skies, calm winds, no rain, and stable underwater conditions create ideal visibility for both snorkeling and freediving.

For diving enthusiasts—whether beginners or professionals—this is considered the “golden season” and a time you should experience at least once in your life.