October in Hurghada: Diving in the Red Sea’s Golden Month

For seasoned travellers and divers in the know, there is often a “golden month” for any destination—a time when the weather, the crowds, and the natural world align to create a truly perfect experience. For scuba diving in Hurghada, that month is unequivocally October.

While Hurghada offers incredible diving 365 days a year, October represents the absolute sweet spot. It’s a magical time when the lingering warmth of the summer sun blends with the fresh, clear calm of the approaching winter. It’s a month of perfect balance, both above and below the water.

At Scubadore Hurghada, October is a month we eagerly anticipate. The conditions are sublime, the marine life is spectacular, and the atmosphere is simply unbeatable. If you’re planning a trip, let us take you on a deep dive into what makes diving in Hurghada in October so special.

The Perfect Conditions: What to Expect Above and Below

October is all about comfort and clarity. The intense heat of the peak summer months subsides, leaving behind a perfectly pleasant and predictable climate that is ideal for a diving holiday.

Topside Weather: The Sun Without the Sizzle

The days in October are consistently sunny with clear blue skies, but the air temperature is wonderfully comfortable, typically ranging from 28-32°C (82-90°F). It’s warm enough to feel like a true tropical getaway, but without the scorching intensity of July and August. The evenings are balmy and beautiful, perfect for relaxing at the marina after a fantastic day of diving.

Underwater Conditions: A Diver’s Dream

This is where the magic truly happens.

• Bath-Like Water Temperatures: The Red Sea is a vast thermal battery, and it holds onto the summer heat long after the air begins to cool. In October, the water temperature is a blissful 26-28°C (79-82°F). This is the perfect temperature for long, comfortable dives, often requiring only a 3mm shorty or a 5mm full wetsuit for those who get cold easily.
• Calm Seas and Crystal Clarity: October typically sees a reduction in the winds that can sometimes be present in the spring and early summer. This results in calm, glassy seas, making for smooth boat journeys. Underwater, the visibility is often at its peak, frequently exceeding 30-40 meters, offering that iconic, gin-clear Red Sea experience.

The Underwater Spectacle: Marine Life in October

With such perfect conditions, the marine life in October is vibrant, active, and endlessly rewarding. The comfortable water temperatures and excellent visibility make it an ideal time for long, observational dives and underwater photography.

The Reefs are Buzzing

All the famous residents of our reefs are out in full force. The vast, shimmering schools of Anthias and Fusiliers are ever-present, creating a constant sense of movement and energy. Our iconic Clownfish, Butterflyfish, Angelfish, and Picasso Triggerfish are as colourful and active as ever. The comfortable conditions allow for long, relaxed dives, which are perfect for “critter hunting”—spotting the masters of camouflage like Scorpionfish, Stonefish, and the incredible Reef Octopus.

Peak Time for Iconic Encounters

October is a fantastic month for encounters with some of the Red Sea’s most beloved larger species.

• Sea Turtles: Both Green and Hawksbill turtles are very active on the reefs, and sightings are extremely common. The calm conditions make for beautifully serene encounters.
• Rays: The famous Blue-spotted Stingrays are a frequent sight on the sandy patches, but October is also a great time to keep an eye out in the blue for a majestic Eagle Ray soaring past in the current.
• Moray Eels: From the giant to the geometric, moray eels are a constant presence, often more willing to peek out of their crevices during this pleasant season.

The Possibility of Pelagic Visitors

As the water begins its slow, gradual cooling from the peak summer heat, the conditions can be very favourable for pelagic (open ocean) species. While never a guarantee in Hurghada, the chances of a special encounter with a pod of Dolphins on the way to the dive site are excellent. On the deeper, offshore reefs, the conditions are also favourable for spotting larger hunters like Trevallies and Tuna.

The Scubadore Advantage in the Golden Month

The perfect conditions of October are best enjoyed with a diving approach that matches.

• Long, Relaxed Dives: Our small-group philosophy means we dive at your pace. The amazing water temperatures of October are perfect for long, multi-level profiles, and we give you the time to truly explore and soak in the beauty without being rushed.
• Flexibility to Find the Best: Because we run a flexible operation, we can choose the dive sites that are benefiting most from the calm October weather, ensuring you get the absolute best experience the Red Sea has to offer on that given day.
• Perfect for Photography: If you are an underwater photographer, October is your month. The combination of great light, clear water, calm seas, and active marine life is unbeatable. Our small groups ensure you have the space and time to compose that perfect shot.

October in Hurghada truly is the full package. It offers the ideal balance of summer’s warmth and winter’s clarity, creating a diving experience that is comfortable, visually stunning, and full of life. It’s a month that reminds us why we are so lucky to call this incredible place home.