Spring Awakening: Why March is the Hidden Gem of Hurghada Diving

When planning a dive trip to the Red Sea, most divers naturally gravitate towards the sizzling heights of summer or the warm transition of autumn. But if you ask the locals and the seasoned dive guides when their favorite time to hit the water is, you will often hear a surprising answer: March.

March is the bridge season in Egypt. It is the month when the crisp winter air softens into a beautifully warm spring, but the intense summer heat has not yet arrived. For divers, this translates into a “Goldilocks” scenario—conditions that are just right both above and below the surface.

At Scubadore Hurghada, we consider March to be one of the best-kept secrets of the diving calendar. If you are looking for an excuse to shake off the end-of-winter blues, here is exactly what the diving in Hurghada offers in March, and why you should pack your regulators and visit.

The “Goldilocks” Weather Conditions

The biggest draw of March is the absolute comfort of the climate.

• Topside Temperatures: The daytime air temperature hovers around a perfect 24°C to 26°C (75°F to 79°F). It is warm enough to sunbathe on the deck of the boat between dives, but cool enough that you won’t be sweating profusely while zipping up your wetsuit.
• Water Temperatures: The Red Sea is beginning its slow warm-up, typically sitting between 22°C and 23°C (71°F – 73°F). While you will still definitely want a 5mm wetsuit for multiple dives, the water feels incredibly refreshing.
• Epic Visibility: Because the water hasn’t hit its peak summer temperatures, algae and plankton blooms are minimal. This means the visibility in March is frequently spectacular, often exceeding 30 meters, giving you that famous Red Sea “flying” sensation.

Spring Marine Life: Mating Season and Macro Heaven

Spring is a time of renewal on the reef, and March kicks off some of the most fascinating behavioral events of the year.

• Cephalopod Action: March is a fantastic time to spot octopuses and cuttlefish. Cuttlefish in particular begin their mating displays in the spring, flashing mesmerizing, pulsating colors across their skin to attract mates. Watching a pair of Pharaoh Cuttlefish interact is a photographer’s dream.
• Nudibranchs: The slightly cooler water still lingering from winter means that macro life, especially colorful nudibranchs, is highly active. Keep your eyes peeled on the reef walls and sandy patches for these tiny, vibrant “sea slugs.”
• Pelagic Possibilities: With the changing seasons and currents, March can also bring surprise visitors from the deep. It is not uncommon to spot cruising Eagle Rays or even dolphins playing in our boat’s wake as we head out to the sites.

The “Uncrowded” Reef Experience

July and August are the peak European holiday months, and October is the traditional peak diving season. March, falling right before the Easter holiday rush, is wonderfully quiet.

For you, this means uncrowded dive boats and empty dive sites. You can explore the famous wrecks of Abu Nuhas or the coral gardens of Gota Abu Ramada without feeling like you are in a traffic jam of other divers. It is a much more peaceful, intimate experience with the underwater world.

The Ultimate “Dual-Center” Holiday Month

If you want to combine world-class scuba diving with Egypt’s world-class ancient history, March is the single best month to do it.

Visiting the Valley of the Kings in Luxor or the Pyramids of Giza in August is a grueling, sweltering endurance test. In March, the desert weather is pleasant and breezy. You can spend four days diving the pristine reefs with Scubadore, and then take a comfortable day trip to explore the tombs of the Pharaohs without melting in the sun. It is the ultimate Egyptian itinerary.

The Scubadore Spring Setup

Diving in March requires a little bit of smart packing. While the sun is warm, the wind on the boat after a dive can still carry a slight chill. We recommend bringing a windproof jacket or a warm hoodie for your surface intervals.

Don’t have a 5mm wetsuit? Don’t worry. Our Scubadore rental fleet is fully stocked with high-quality wetsuits to ensure your core stays warm and you can enjoy every single minute of that 30-meter visibility.

Trade the unpredictable spring weather at home for the guaranteed sunshine and vibrant reefs of Hurghada. March is waiting for you.