The dry season runs from November to April — the best time to visit. The water is calm, the sky is clear, and the west coast beaches are at their best. December and January are the peak months, with European and Russian visitors making up a large share of the crowds.
The monsoon season runs from May to October, bringing heavy rain, rough seas, and reduced ferry services. The east coast (where Sao Beach is located) can be calmer in the wet season when west coast winds kick up. Diving is best from December to March when visibility is highest.
Year-round temperatures are warm (28–32°C), and the sea temperature rarely dips below 27°C. Humidity is high in the wet season. The island can be uncomfortably hot from March to May before the monsoon breaks.