10 Reasons to Dive the Red Sea This July: A Hurghada Highlight
The sun beats down, the azure waters beckon, and beneath the surface, a world of unparalleled vibrancy awaits. While the Red Sea is a year-round diving destination, there’s a special kind of magic that electrifies its depths during the peak of summer. July, in particular, transforms Hurghada into a diver’s utopia. The water is balmy, the visibility is gin-clear, and the marine life is putting on its most dazzling display.
If you’re contemplating a dive trip, let there be no doubt: July in Hurghada is a fantastic time and the place. And experiencing it with a dedicated, small-group operator like Scubadore Hurghada elevates an amazing trip into an unforgettable one. Here are ten reasons why you need to pack your dive bag and head for the Red Sea this July.
1. Blissfully Warm Water Temperatures
Let’s start with the most immediate and delightful sensation: the water. In July, the Red Sea around Hurghada boasts bathtub-warm temperatures, typically ranging from an incredibly comfortable to ( to ). Forget about cumbersome thick wetsuits and the shock of a cold entry. You can comfortably dive in a 3mm shorty or even just a rash guard. This unparalleled comfort allows for longer, more relaxed dives, where your focus is entirely on the spectacle around you, not on a shivering countdown to your next surface interval. This warmth penetrates the entire water column, making safety stops feel like a pleasant soak in a sun-drenched aquarium.
2. Gin-Clear Visibility
Imagine floating in space, weightless, with stars all around you. That’s the closest you’ll get to describing the visibility in Hurghada in July. With minimal plankton bloom during this time, visibility often extends beyond 30 meters (100 feet). This incredible clarity reveals the Red Sea’s grandeur in its entirety. From the boat, you can see the intricate details of the reef below, building anticipation before you even get wet. Underwater, this means you can appreciate the dramatic drop-offs, the vast coral gardens, and the approach of larger marine life from a great distance. For underwater photographers, July offers the perfect conditions for capturing those stunning, wide-angle reefscapes that define Red Sea diving.
3. A Symphony of Marine Life
Summer is a time of explosive life on the reefs. The warm water temperatures kick the ecosystem and marine life of Hurghada into high gear. Expect to be mesmerized by dense, shimmering schools of anthias painting the coral bommies in clouds of orange and purple. You’ll navigate through curtains of glassfish and encounter vast schools of fusiliers. Iconic Red Sea species are out in force: the regal Emperor Angelfish, Picasso-like triggerfish (mind their nests!), masked butterflyfish, and the ever-curious Napoleon wrasse are all common sights. It’s also a fantastic time for spotting eagle rays gliding gracefully in the blue and turtles peacefully munching on soft corals.
4. The Perfect Classroom for New Divers
If you or a travel companion have ever considered learning to dive in Hurghada, July in Hurghada is the ultimate classroom. The calm, warm, and clear conditions eliminate many of the anxieties new divers face. There’s no battling cold or poor visibility, allowing students to focus entirely on mastering their skills and gaining confidence. Completing a PADI Open Water Diver course here isn’t just a certification; it’s a breathtaking introduction to an incredible underwater world. With Scubadore Hurghada, the small group sizes ensure that new divers receive the patient, personalized instruction needed to become safe and comfortable underwater explorers.
5. Prime Access to World-Class Dive Sites
Hurghada is the gateway to some of the most legendary dive sites in the Red Sea, and in July, they are at their absolute best. The Giftun Islands National Park is a must-visit. Dive sites like Small Giftun offer a spectacular combination of a vibrant coral plateau and a breathtaking deep wall, perfect for a gentle morning dive followed by a thrilling drift. Gota Abu Ramada, often called “The Aquarium,” lives up to its name with its incredible density of fish life and beautiful coral pinnacles. The stable weather of July ensures reliable access to these slightly more exposed sites, allowing you to experience the full, awe-inspiring diversity of the region.
6. Coral Reefs in Full, Vibrant Bloom
The intense summer sun provides the energy for the coral’s symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) to photosynthesize at their peak. This results in reefs that appear more colourful and vibrant than at any other time of year. The hard coral formations are a tapestry of intricate shapes and subtle hues, while the soft corals, from delicate gorgonian fans to rubbery leather corals, are fully extended and feeding in the gentle currents. It’s a photographer’s dream and a naturalist’s delight to witness a reef ecosystem in such a state of health and activity.
7. Longer Days, More Diving, More Relaxing
The long, sun-drenched days of July mean more time for what you came here to do: dive! An early start means you can get two fantastic dives in and still have a huge part of the afternoon to relax, snorkel, or simply soak up the Egyptian sun on the boat deck. The surface intervals are not something to be endured but a genuine pleasure. Stripping off your shorty and basking in the warmth while enjoying lunch with a view of the turquoise sea is an essential part of the Hurghada diving experience.
8. The Chance for Playful Dolphin Encounters
While never guaranteed, July is a fantastic time for spotting pods of dolphins in the waters around Hurghada. They often make appearances during the boat journey to and from dive sites, leaping in the wake and adding a touch of pure magic to the day. On occasion, these curious mammals will even check out divers in the water. Experiencing a dolphin encounter in their natural habitat, guided by a responsible operator that respects their space, is a memory that will last a lifetime.
9. A Quintessential Sun and Sea Vacation
The appeal of a July trip to Hurghada extends beyond the water’s edge. The weather is consistently hot and sunny, with air temperatures hovering between and ( to ). It’s the perfect weather for a true holiday escape. Your non-diving hours can be spent lounging by the pool, exploring the vibrant local markets, or enjoying a delicious meal at a seaside restaurant. The warm, breezy evenings are perfect for relaxing and recounting the day’s underwater adventures.
10. The Small-Group Advantage with Scubadore Hurghada
July is a popular time to visit Hurghada, and for good reason. But “popular” doesn’t have to mean “crowded.” This is where choosing the right dive center makes all the difference. With Scubadore Hurghada, the core philosophy is built around small groups and a personalized experience. While other boats may be packed, you’ll be on a comfortable vessel with a handful of fellow divers. Underwater, this translates to more space to explore, more personal attention from your guide, and a greater sense of peace and connection with the marine environment. You get all the benefits of peak season diving—the warm water, the incredible visibility, the abundant life—without any of the drawbacks of the crowds.
Final Take
July in Hurghada is more than just a dive trip; it’s an immersion in the Red Sea at its most brilliant and alive. It’s the feeling of warm water on your skin, the awe of seeing a reef stretch out to the limits of visibility, and the thrill of being surrounded by a flurry of marine life. It is the perfect confluence of conditions, creating an underwater paradise that beckons to be explored. So, answer the call. This July, let the currents of the Red Sea carry you to an adventure you’ll never forget.
