Are you traveling to Phu Quoc? You want to explore the undersea ecosystem and see the most beautiful coral reefs in Vietnam, don’t you? But worrying about the weather, especially the rainy season.
Many articles you grab on the internet said that it is bad and worst to snorkeling or diving in Phu Quoc in the rainy season? It is not true? OnBird does provide advanced information and explain more about rainy season which run from May to October in Phu Quoc. The video below recorded by OnBird on our soft-adventure snorkeling in August 2023.
A lot of concerns come out when thinking of snorkeling in Phu Quoc Island in the rainy season or wet season (summer time): heavy rain, cloudy, wavy… but let’s follow the article to know that Rainy season is one of the best period for snorkeling and diving to explore southern coral reefs of Phu Quoc Island.
MAIN CONTENTS
- First, Rainy and Snorkeling or Diving do not have anything to do with
- The rainy season in Phu Quoc does not start in May but from August
- Better water conditions for snorkeling & diving than in the dry season
- ABOUT PROFESSIONAL SNORKELING WITH ONBIRD
- PHU QUOC WEATHER INFORMATION by ONBIRD
- ASSESSMENT OF SNORKELING POTENTIALS – TIME TO EXPLORE “CORAL CITY”
- SNORKELING WITH ONBIRD IN THE RAINY SEASON
- DISADVANTAGES FOR SNORKELING IN THE RAINY SEASON
First, Rainy and Snorkeling or Diving do not have anything to do with
It is a misconception that rainfall clouds or muddies the water, rendering snorkeling or diving impossible. Contrary to this belief, numerous successful snorkeling and diving activities have taken place in the rain. Underwater visibility is primarily influenced by currents and wave conditions. In Phu Quoc, based on OnBird’s data, the average underwater visibility in South Phu Quoc Island is actually better during the rainy season compared to the dry season. Surprisingly, on days with heavy rain, early morning underwater visibility has been optimal, reaching approximately 7-8 meters. These conditions have provided ideal lighting effects and enhanced visibility for both snorkeling and diving experiences.
Light, moderate, or heavy rainfall generally does not significantly impact the overall experience, aside from enduring the rain itself. On the other hand, rough waters, strong currents, and storms can disturb the seabed, trigger river runoffs, create hazardous tidal situations, and reduce underwater visibility. Therefore, it is essential to possess a comprehensive understanding of water conditions and underwater topography at the coral reefs in Phu Quoc Island. OnBird has developed proprietary water condition forecasting models to provide highly precise forecasts up to 5-7 days in advance for planning snorkeling and diving activities. Moreover, OnBird can accurately predict underwater visibility by specific dates and months within a given year.
Understand more about OnBird Marine Life Discovery Snorkeling built with a scientific approach and low-impact reef standards:
SCIENTIFIC SNORKELING: THE BEST TIME TO SNORKEL IN PHU QUOC ISLAND BY ONBIRD PHU QUOC
Professional Small Group Discovery Snorkeling Experience in Phu Quoc Island
The rainy season in Phu Quoc does not start in May but from August
At OnBird Phu Quoc, we diligently curate comprehensive and cutting-edge information regarding the weather and water conditions on Phu Quoc Island. For a considerable duration, it was commonly perceived that the rainy season spanned from May to October, dissuading potential visitors from planning trips to Phu Quoc during this period.
Advanced Explanations by OnBird: From May to August, Vietnam, including Phu Quoc, experiences the summer season, offering a splendid opportunity to relish the pristine waters of Phu Quoc. During this period, the water temperature rises significantly to 29-30 degrees Celsius, contrasting sharply with the cooler 22-23 degrees Celsius observed during the island’s dry season. Moreover, this timeframe is characterized by predominantly sunny days with minimal rainfall, except for sporadic occurrences during rare tropical storms, which may occur for approximately 8-10 consecutive days, typically in July.
From May to August, Phu Quoc Island experiences its summer season. During this period, the water temperature rises, and occasional morning or late-night rain showers are common. However, the weather typically clears up, with sunny conditions prevailing for the remainder of the day.
Better water conditions for snorkeling & diving than in the dry season
The average underwater visibility during the rainy season surpasses that of the dry season (October to April). Notably, periods of excellent underwater visibility ranging from 6-8 meters persist for 20 to 24 consecutive days in the southern region of Phu Quoc, a phenomenon uncommon during the dry season.
Note that the rainy season or summertime is the best time to explore one of the most biodiversity coral reefs in South Phu Quoc: the North-east Coral Reef. Please read more about coral reefs in Phu Quoc Island.
ABOUT PROFESSIONAL SNORKELING WITH ONBIRD
Snorkeling, a form of diving with a snorkel, is an inclusive activity suitable for individuals of all ages, including children. Even non-swimmers can partake in this activity under the guidance of underwater instructors. It accommodates participants ranging from individuals and couples to groups of friends and families. To better understand the appeal of snorkeling over scuba diving, explore the key distinctions between the two activities.
5 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SNORKELING VS. SCUBA DIVING THAT YOU MAY DON’T KNOW
PHU QUOC WEATHER INFORMATION by ONBIRD
Situated in a tropical region, Phu Quoc experiences two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season, spanning from October to April, offers abundant sunshine, minimal rainfall, and calm waters, making it an ideal period for engaging in snorkeling excursions. Contrarily, the rainy season encompasses the remaining months and is characterized by unpredictable weather patterns. This season can be further divided into two phases: the initial phase (from May to July) and the peak period (August to September). During the onset of the rainy season, one can expect sunny and invigorating weather with occasional short-lived showers. Surprisingly, some days in the rainy season boast superior water conditions compared to those in the dry season.
The video was recorded in September 2022 which is considered the rainy season in the South Phu Quoc Island
Even in the beginning time of rainy season, the sea water conditions sometimes are much better than it is in the dry season and you can gain snorkeling & diving expereince much more fascinating than in the dry season. Read the article below to get updated on the latest weather details and choose the right time and area to participate in diving in Phu Quoc.
COMPREHENSIVE PHU QUOC WEATHER GUIDES BY MONTH BASING ON ONBIRD’S OBSERVATIONS
ASSESSMENT OF SNORKELING POTENTIALS – TIME TO EXPLORE “CORAL CITY”
During the rainy season, various weather conditions may influence the decision to partake in snorkeling activities. While optimal conditions typically involve sunny weather, it is still viable to engage in snorkeling on less favorable days after consulting weather forecasts and seeking advice from seasoned snorkelers or reputable tour operators. Embarking on a guided tour that includes snorkeling at sites such as the Coral Mountain, the Shallow Reef, the Coral Garden or the North-east Coral Reef, on a private speedboat tour to avoid crowds, presents a sensible option for exploring the sea.
The rainy season is the ideal time to explore one of the most biodiversity coral reefs in South Phu Quoc: the North-east Coral Reef which is likened coral city in South Phu Quoc
1. Light, Moderate, and Short-Time Rain at the beginning of the
The Rainy season (May – July)
If the weather forecast indicates rain during your planned snorkeling excursion, there is no need for concern. Instead, consider reaching out to OnBird for a more detailed weather forecast. OnBird has developed a proprietary water conditions forecasting model, boasting a high accuracy rate of 90-95%, which can predict water conditions for the upcoming 5-7 days. This information allows us to create precise itineraries and schedules for snorkeling and diving trips, ensuring safety protocols and optimizing the overall snorkeling and diving experience. We repeat the rainy has nothing to do with underwater visibility.
During light rain, changes occur swiftly without significantly impacting the water flow, temperature, or visibility underwater. Proficient snorkelers can navigate deeper waters with ease. Moreover, snorkeling in Phu Quoc during light rain can enhance the experience, as the rain carries nutrient-rich silt, oxygenating the water rapidly and invigorating marine life, resulting in a more vibrant aquatic environment.
2. The cloudy weather
The common belief that bright sunlight enhances the snorkeling experience by making coral reefs more vibrant is a misconception. Several factors contribute to the quality of snorkeling, including underwater visibility, wave conditions near the reef, and the intensity of light. Interestingly, a cloudy sky, without being too dark, can actually be more beneficial for coral observation. Cloud cover helps diffuse UV rays that can otherwise cause coral to appear blurry or bleached, providing better lighting conditions that allow the coral’s colors to shine. Therefore, optimal lighting conditions for snorkeling are often found on cloudy days rather than during intense sunlight.
The video below was recorded by OnBird on a cloudy weather day
The important thing is your experience when you can immerse yourself in the calmness and splendor of the ocean.
3. Persistent heavy rain
During the period between August and September, heavy rainfall and strong waves are prevalent, posing risks for snorkeling and diving activities. The turbulent waters stirred up from the seabed, can result in poor visibility and challenging conditions, hindering boat navigation and water excursions. To mitigate these challenges, accurate forecasting becomes paramount. OnBird has developed a proprietary water conditions tracking model to provide highly precise forecasts up to 5-7 days before scheduled departure dates. This proactive approach allows us to avoid unfavorable conditions and optimize the snorkeling and diving experiences for our guests. While we strive to maximize guest satisfaction, it is essential to consult with us before finalizing any decisions, as there may still be days with optimal water conditions and lighting suitable for snorkeling. But do not worry, aside from bad water conditions there are still around 8-15 days of good water conditions to discover the coral reefs in South Phu Quoc between August and September.
4. There are still many days of good water conditions
Despite the rainy season, there are still occasions with favorable water conditions suitable for snorkeling and scuba diving. It is worth noting that during the rainy season, the availability of diving spots for scuba diving is relatively limited compared to the dry season. The accompanying images were taken during the rainy season (August – September) on Phu Quoc Island, specifically at Coral Mountain and the North-east Coral Reef. From May to July, the water conditions are generally optimal, characterized by numerous days of placid and warm water. Notably, the water temperatures during the rainy season in Phu Quoc are warmer than those in the dry season. Particularly in the rainy season, visitors have the opportunity to explore one of Phu Quoc’s most diverse coral reefs, the North-east coral reef.
SNORKELING WITH ONBIRD IN THE RAINY SEASON
We always care about the holistic experiences and safety of our guests on each snorkeling journey. Our tours which are combined with snorkeling activity are always carefully researched in advance to advise our guests on what’s suitable snorkeling/ free-diving spots according to the weather, water flow, current conditions… all factors which can affect the snorkeling process.
Here are some pics and reviews from our guests joining us on rainy days.
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Click on the picture to view the full review. |
After all, the best time for snorkeling is sunny weather, clear skies, and calm waters. But life doesn’t always go so perfectly. You need to have an accurate assessment of the weather and water condition by referring to Onbird’s advanced advices based on our water conditions data of Phu Quoc Island so that you can choose the right place for your snorkeling plan in Phu Quoc in the rainy season.
What you may consider about:
- Low impact reef & real snorkeling with small group of 8 PAX in maximum:
- Small-group to explore hidden coral spots in South Phu Quoc (Available in the rainy season: May and October)
- Small-group to explore the healthiest coral reef in Phu Quoc (Available in the dry season only: October to April, sometime in the rainy season)
DISADVANTAGES FOR SNORKELING IN THE RAINY SEASON
That is worry about sudden thunderstorms happen late in the morning or late in the afternoon so a professional operator will need to have good understanding about the weather in the area to plan snorkeling experience effectively and safety. For OnBird, in the rainy season we focus on snorkeling experience and try to finish snorkeling experience before or after sudden thunderstorms so we plan kind of perfect timing for snorkeling in this time. The time for relaxing spot after snorkeling will be shortened for the safety. So if you think about the incorporation of snorkeling and island hopping in the rainy season so it is not always good ideal but we recommend an experience that focuses solely on snorkeling.