Diving Hurghada in January: What to Expect, What to See, and How to Pack
January in the Red Sea is often overlooked by divers chasing the “bath-water” temperatures of summer. But for the savvy traveler, January is a hidden gem. It is a time of incredible water clarity, peaceful dive sites, and a refreshing topside climate that makes for the perfect winter escape.
At Scubadore Hurghada, we dive year-round. January offers a different perspective on our reefs—one that is tranquil, crisp, and full of unique life. If you are planning a winter getaway, here is everything you need to know about the conditions and the magic of diving Hurghada in the heart of winter.
The Conditions: Crisp Air and Clear Water
January is officially the “coolest” month in Egypt, but “cool” is relative!
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Water Temperature: Expect the water to be between 21°C and 23°C (70°F–73°F). While this might sound chilly to a tropical diver, it is incredibly refreshing. The key to enjoying your dives is thermal protection (more on that below).
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Air Temperature: Days are typically sunny with air temperatures ranging from 18°C to 22°C (64°F–72°F). It is perfect for relaxing on the boat without the intense heat of the summer sun. However, be aware that once the sun sets, the desert air cools down quickly, often dropping to 10°C–12°C at night.
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Visibility: This is the big January win! Cooler water means less plankton and fewer algae blooms. Visibility in January is often at its annual peak, frequently exceeding 30 to 40 meters. It feels like diving in a giant, crystal-clear swimming pool.
What to See: The Winter Residents
Butterfly Fish
While the resident fish of the Red Sea (Clownfish, Angelfish, Butterflyfish) are there year-round, January brings some specific highlights:
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Macro Treasures: The cooler water is fantastic for spotting Nudibranchs. These colorful “sea slugs” are much more active and easier to find in the winter months.
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Active Predators: Because the water isn’t as warm, large pelagic hunters like Tuna and Giant Trevally are often more active in the shallows and along the walls, providing high-energy encounters.
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Oceanic Visitors: While rare, January has been known to surprise us with sightings of larger rays or even the occasional shark cruising the deeper walls of the Giftun Islands.
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Dolphins: The resident pods of Spinner and Bottlenose dolphins don’t mind the cooler water! We still have excellent chances of seeing them playing in the waves or joining us on a dive at sites like Shaab El Erg.
Thermal Protection: Staying Warm with Scubadore
To have a great dive in January, you must stay warm. At Scubadore, we make this easy:
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High-Quality Wetsuits: 5mm or 7mm full-length wetsuits are recommended during the winter months. These are essential for maintaining your core temperature during 45–60 minute dives.
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Optional Hoods and Vests: If you tend to feel the cold, hoods and neoprene vests could give you that extra layer of insulation to keep you more comfortable although most don’t require this.
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The Wind-Chill Factor: The biggest “cold” factor isn’t the water—it’s the wind on the boat after you exit. Our boat has sheltered areas to keep you out of the breeze, and we recommend bringing a warm beanie hat and a windproof jacket for the surface interval.
The “Quiet Season” Advantage
One of the best reasons to visit in January is the atmosphere. The summer crowds have dissipated, and the dive sites of Hurghada are significantly quieter. You’ll often feel like you have the entire reef to yourself. This peace and quiet, combined with our small-group philosophy, leads to more intimate marine life encounters and a much more relaxed pace on the boat.
January Packing Checklist
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Diving Gear: We provide the heavy stuff, but bring your own mask and computer for comfort.
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Post-Dive Warmth: A warm hoodie, a beanie hat, and a windproof jacket are essential for the boat ride back to the marina.
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Topside Clothing: Pack layers! T-shirts for the day, but sweaters and a medium-weight jacket for the chilly Egyptian evenings.
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Sunscreen: Even in winter, the Egyptian sun is strong. Please ensure it’s reef-safe!
January is the perfect time for a “reset.” Trade the grey skies of home for the deep blues of the Red Sea. With the right gear and the expert guidance of the Scubadore team, you’ll discover that winter is one of the most beautiful times to be underwater. Contact Us to start planning your dive vacation in the Red Sea for this January!
