Best Time to Dive in Egypt
Best Time to Dive in Egypt: A Month-by-Month Guide
One of the most common questions before any diving trip: when is the best time to dive in the Red Sea? The good news: Egypt offers excellent diving conditions year-round. Still, there are seasonal differences worth knowing when planning your trip — whether you're chasing sharks at Elphinstone Reef, exploring house reefs in Marsa Alam, or simply looking for the warmest water possible.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
| Month | Water Temp | Visibility | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21-23°C | 20-30m | Calm seas, fewer tourists, excellent visibility |
| February | 21-22°C | 20-30m | Best visibility of the winter months |
| March | 22-23°C | 25-35m | Spring transition, warming water |
| April | 23-25°C | 25-35m | Pleasant temperatures, quieter than summer |
| May | 25-27°C | 20-30m | Start of high season, good all-round conditions |
| June | 27-28°C | 20-30m | Warm, stable — great for beginners |
| July | 28-29°C | 15-25m | Peak season — book early |
| August | 28-29°C | 15-25m | Warmest water, most visitors |
| September | 27-28°C | 20-30m | Best month for sharks at Elphinstone |
| October | 26-27°C | 25-35m | Ideal: best balance of warmth + visibility |
| November | 24-25°C | 25-35m | Quieter, great conditions, fewer crowds |
| December | 22-23°C | 20-30m | Transition to winter, still good diving |
The Three Best Travel Windows
For shark sightings — September to November
If Elphinstone Reef is on your list — and it should be — this is your window. Oceanic whitetip sharks are most active and visible in autumn, combined with improving visibility as summer plankton clears. September in particular is considered the peak month for shark encounters at Elphinstone.
For best visibility — October to February
During this period, Red Sea visibility regularly exceeds 30 meters. The combination of lower tourist numbers and exceptional underwater clarity makes October-November one of the best kept secrets in Red Sea diving. The Salem Express wreck and deeper reef walls are at their most spectacular.
For warmest water — June to September
If you prioritize comfort in the water and prefer a thinner wetsuit, summer is your season. Water temperatures reach 28-29°C, making it ideal for beginners in Marsa Alam and families exploring house reefs for the first time.
Is There a "Bad" Time to Dive?
Not really. Even in the coolest winter months — December to February — water temperatures stay at 21-23°C, significantly warmer than any European diving destination. With a 5mm wetsuit, year-round diving is easy and comfortable.
The only consideration: July and August bring peak tourist traffic, meaning more boats on the water and busier dive sites. If you prefer quieter conditions, October-November or February-April offer the same excellent diving with far fewer crowds.
Seasonal Differences by Location
Marsa Alam — being further south, Marsa Alam typically has water 0.5-1°C warmer than northern sites year-round. Its house reefs are accessible in all seasons and rarely affected by wind. Dolphin House (Marsa Samadai) and Abu Dabbab are best visited morning — year-round.
Makadi Bay — the northern Red Sea around Makadi Bay is slightly cooler in winter but benefits from easier boat access to the Safaga dive sites, including Salem Express. Ideal for combining house reef diving with day trips.
El Gouna — excellent year-round access to Abu Nuhas wrecks and the northern reef systems. Slightly more exposed to winter swells than Marsa Alam, but conditions are generally excellent from April onwards.
Zanzibar — operates on a different seasonal calendar from Egypt. For Zanzibar diving conditions month by month, read our dedicated Zanzibar best time to dive guide.
What to Pack by Season
Summer (June-September): 3mm wetsuit or shorty is sufficient. Water is warm enough for some divers to dive in a rash guard only.
Spring/Autumn (March-May, October-November): 5mm wetsuit recommended for multiple dives per day.
Winter (December-February): 5mm wetsuit with hood for comfort on multiple-dive days.
Combining Your Dive Trip with Courses
The time of year also affects which courses work best with your trip. Nitrox certification is worthwhile year-round — but especially valuable in summer when bottom times matter most in warm water. The PADI Advanced Open Water course is ideal in autumn when the newly unlocked deeper sites are at their most spectacular.
For beginners wondering whether the season affects their learning experience — read our full beginner's guide to diving in Marsa Alam.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is peak season on the Red Sea?
July and August are the tourist high season with the warmest water and most visitors. Book accommodation and courses well in advance for these months.
When are wreck dives best?
Salem Express and other wreck dives are excellent year-round, but October-February offers the clearest visibility for the most dramatic wreck photography.
Should I dive in winter?
Yes — winter is underrated. Visibility is often at its best, dive sites are quieter, and prices at resorts are lower. The water at 21-23°C is still very comfortable with a 5mm suit.
When is the best time for Dolphin House?
Dolphin House / Marsa Samadai is best visited in the morning, year-round. The dolphin pod is resident and present regardless of season — though calm sea conditions (October-May) make the boat trip more comfortable.
Is October really the best overall month?
For most divers, yes. Warm water (26-27°C), excellent visibility (25-35m), fewer crowds than summer, and peak shark season at Elphinstone all combine in October to create ideal conditions.
Plan Your Diving Trip with Scuba World Divers
Whatever season you're planning for, our teams are ready across all locations — Makadi Bay, Marsa Alam, El Gouna, Soma Bay, Sahl Hasheesh and Zanzibar. Book online and save 10% on all courses and dive packages.
Not yet certified? Read our PADI course cost guide for Egypt to plan your first certification alongside your trip.