Why diving in the Red Sea?
General diving info for Egypt
Egypt’s reefs are teeming with life; bright corals and clouds of fish dazzle with a kaleidoscope of colour. With wonderfully calm and clear conditions, Egyptian reefs offer ideal conditions for new divers, marine life enthusiasts, wreck divers or anyone simply interested in exploring light-filled reef systems.
Due to the excellent visibility and the easy access to excess depths it’s an attractive location for technical diving and training. Egypt offers the full gambit of diving opportunities; wrecks, walls, drifts, pinnacles, shore dives, day boats and liveaboards.
Many of the diving destinations offer access to famous Egyptian historic sites, but it’s also easy to arrange a holiday split over a couple of locations so you can experience a variety of dive sites and some culture too.
Divers usually enter at Hurghada, Sharm el Sheik or Marsa Alam International airports. You can also fly through Cairo and connect to your destination from the same terminal.
Diving Season
When to dive Egypt?
The great thing about diving in Egypt is it's possible all year round with water temperatures ranging from 21°C to 28°C and you can expect visibility from 20-50 meters .
If Hammerhead sharks are on your bucket list then head to Egypt between June-September. This is also when the water temperature is at its warmest. The best time to spot a Whale Shark is between May-August although they have been known to be spotted at any time of year. But it is nature, so we can't promise you any specific sightings.
Winter diving conditions in the Red Sea
December – February (low season)
December through February is winter within the Red Sea region, with lower temperatures between 20-25°C, both on land and in the water. Though an ambient air temperature of 20°C+ is perfectly pleasant, divers are likely to feel the chill below the waves, while a reduction in the sun’s heat can make it harder to warm up during surface intervals. As a result, anyone visiting the Red Sea during winter should ensure they pack appropriately. A thick, full-length 5-7mm wetsuit will normally suffice, though suitably experienced divers might prefer a dry suit. Hoods and booties can really help to keep the heat in underwater, while a warm hoodie or dive robe can be a blessing back above the waves.
Temperatures begin to warm up in February towards the end of winter, making this a good month for anybody that is considering a winter dive trip but is concerned about getting cold.
Spring diving conditions in the Red Sea
March – May (high season)
Spring in the Red Sea runs from March through May and brings relatively warm conditions all-round. Air temperatures range between 25-35°C, while the waters fluctuate around the mid 20s. And, though the water may feel cool for some, a spot of sunbathing back on deck is a speedy way to warm up. Considering these months offer some of the best overall conditions, it’s no real surprise that spring is one of the most popular seasons to visit the Red Sea.
A full length wetsuit will likely be the best bet during a spring dive trip to the Red Sea, with the thickness depending largely on where you’re heading and how frequently you plan to dive. The further south visitors venture, the hotter the water will get.
Summer diving conditions in the Red Sea
June – August (low season)
June through August is summertime in the Red Sea when temperatures soar. In fact, things can get so hot and stifling during these months that summer is typically considered another low season throughout the region – particularly when it comes to diving. Air temperatures typically range between 30-40°C during summer, and can even climb to 45°C on occasions. In the water, temperatures climb from the mid 20s to highs of over 30°C by August. A thin, full-length wetsuit is easily enough for most divers in these conditions, with many visitors feeling comfortable in ‘shorties’ or even just swimwear, depending on where you visit and how often you plan to dive.
Back on the surface, sun protection is an absolute essential, including high SPF sunscreen, as well as hats and light-weight clothing should you need to cover-up.
Autumn diving conditions in the Red Sea
September – November (high season)
Autumn in the Red Sea is between September and November, and brings nicely balanced conditions. Air temperatures range between 25-35°C, while the waters are around the mid to high 20s, depending on where you visit. With similar conditions to those of March through May, autumn also attracts plenty of divers and is considered another high-season period within the Red Sea. That said, visitor numbers are still lower than they are in spring, making it a great option for anybody eager to avoid crowds.
Again, most divers will find a full length wetsuit the most comfortable option during autumn, though they may wish to adjust the thickness depending on the location and number of their dives.