The Ultimate Diver’s Calendar: A Month-by-Month Guide to Diving in Hurghada
Hurghada is a name whispered with reverence in the global diving community. Perched on the pristine coast of the Red Sea, it’s a destination that offers spectacular underwater adventures 365 days a year. But what truly sets it apart is how the experience subtly shifts with the seasons, offering a different kind of magic with each passing month.
Many divers ask, “When is the best time to dive in Hurghada?” The honest answer is: it depends on what you’re looking for. Are you chasing bathtub-warm water? Do you dream of encounters with rare pelagics? Or do you prefer cooler, quieter reefs all to yourself?
This guide is your ultimate calendar to the Red Sea. At Scubadore Hurghada, we navigate these waters daily, and we’ve poured our expertise into this breakdown to help you plan the perfect dive trip tailored to your dreams.
A Quick Glance: Hurghada Diving Seasons
- Winter (December – February): Cool, quiet, and crystal clear. For the dedicated diver who loves pristine visibility and having the reef to themselves.
- Spring (March – May): The awakening. Temperatures rise, and the sea explodes with life, offering chances for big encounters.
- Summer (June – August): Peak perfection. The water is warmest, the sun is guaranteed, and the reefs are at their most active.
- Autumn (September – November): The sweet spot. A perfect blend of warm water, comfortable air temperatures, and fewer crowds.
Winter Wonderland: Diving from December to February
For those who don’t mind a thicker wetsuit, winter in Hurghada is a well-kept secret. The crowds of summer are gone, leaving behind tranquil dive sites and a serene atmosphere on the boat.
December
- Air Temperature: 18-24°C (64-75°F)
- Water Temperature: 23-25°C (73-77°F)
- Wetsuit Guide: 5mm full suit.
- Visibility: Excellent, often 30m+ (100ft+).
- Highlights: The water is still holding onto its autumn warmth, making December surprisingly pleasant. The visibility is often phenomenal, offering breathtaking views of the Red Sea’s famous walls and coral gardens. It’s a great month for macro life photographers, as smaller critters are easier to spot on the quiet reefs.
January & February
- Air Temperature: 15-22°C (59-72°F)
- Water Temperature: 21-23°C (70-73°F) – The coolest months.
- Wetsuit Guide: A 5-7mm suit, and perhaps a hood or vest for extra comfort, is recommended.
- Visibility: Mythical. With less boat traffic and minimal plankton, the water clarity can be astonishing.
- Highlights: These are the quietest months, perfect for those seeking peace and solitude. The cooler water can bring unique encounters, such as the beautifully patterned torpedo ray. The clear, crisp light is fantastic for wide-angle photography. A warm jacket for surface intervals is a must, but the underwater reward is a pristine, silent world.
Spring Awakening: Diving from March to May
As Europe thaws, the Red Sea begins to bloom. Spring is a time of transition and explosive growth, both on the reef and in the water column, attracting some very special visitors.
March
- Air Temperature: 20-27°C (68-81°F)
- Water Temperature: 22-23°C (72-73°F)
- Wetsuit Guide: 5mm to 7mm full suit.
- Visibility: Good, but can decrease slightly with early plankton blooms.
- Highlights: The water temperature begins its slow climb. The most significant event is the start of the plankton bloom. While this can slightly reduce visibility, it’s the dinner bell for larger filter feeders.
April
- Air Temperature: 24-31°C (75-88°F)
- Water Temperature: 23-25°C (73-77°F)
- Wetsuit Guide: A 5mm suit is usually perfect.
- Visibility: Good to great, around 20-30m (65-100ft).
- Highlights: April is a fantastic balance. The weather is comfortably warm without the intensity of summer. The reefs are buzzing with mating and nesting behaviors. It’s a prime time for underwater photography, with vibrant colours and active marine life.
May
- Air Temperature: 27-35°C (81-95°F)
- Water Temperature: 25-27°C (77-81°F)
- Wetsuit Guide: A 3mm full suit or even a shorty for some.
- Visibility: Good, plankton is present but often manageable.
- Highlights: This is a magical month. The water is warming up nicely, and the chances of encountering pelagic giants are at their peak for the year. This is considered the prime time for potential whale shark and manta ray encounters in and around Hurghada. The reefs are teeming with life preparing for the summer spawn.
Peak Summer: Diving from June to August
Welcome to the Red Sea in all its sun-drenched glory. Summer is the high season for a reason: the conditions are idyllic, the water is incredibly warm, and life underwater is a vibrant, chaotic spectacle.
June & July
- Air Temperature: 30-40°C (86-104°F)
- Water Temperature: 27-29°C (81-84°F)
- Wetsuit Guide: 3mm shorty or just a rash guard.
- Visibility: Excellent, typically 25-40m (80-130ft).
- Highlights: Diving simply doesn’t get more comfortable than this. The warm, clear water is perfect for long, relaxing drift dives along sites like the Giftun Islands. This is the ideal time to get your PADI certification, as the conditions are calm and inviting. It’s also turtle nesting season, increasing the chances of seeing Hawksbill and Green turtles.
August
- Air Temperature: 30-41°C (86-106°F)
- Water Temperature: 28-30°C (82-86°F) – The warmest water of the year.
- Wetsuit Guide: Rash guard and board shorts are often enough.
- Visibility: Excellent.
- Highlights: The pinnacle of summer diving. The reefs are incredibly active, with huge schools of anthias and fusiliers. It’s a fantastic time for encountering pods of playful dolphins on the journey to the dive sites of Hurghada. With Scubadore Hurghada’s small group policy, you can enjoy these perfect conditions without the crowded feeling of the high season.
Autumn’s Prime Time: Diving from September to November
Many seasoned Red Sea divers consider autumn to be the absolute best time to visit. It combines the warm water of summer with the comfortable air temperatures and quieter atmosphere of the changing season.
September & October
- Air Temperature: 28-36°C (82-97°F)
- Water Temperature: 27-29°C (81-84°F)
- Wetsuit Guide: 3mm shorty or full suit.
- Visibility: Consistently exceptional.
- Highlights: This is the sweet spot. The water is still beautifully warm from the summer sun, but the air temperature is slightly cooler and more pleasant. The summer crowds have thinned, but the marine life activity remains high. This is a potential time for seeing certain sharks, especially on the deeper sites. Conditions are perfect for all types of diving, from deep walls to shallow coral gardens.
November
- Air Temperature: 23-29°C (73-84°F)
- Water Temperature: 25-27°C (77-81°F)
- Wetsuit Guide: A 3mm to 5mm full suit is advisable.
- Visibility: Excellent.
- Highlights: A fantastic month that blends the best of autumn and the quiet of early winter. The water is still warmer than in the spring, and visibility remains superb. You get the benefit of quiet dive sites before the chill of winter truly sets in.
So, When Should YOU Come?
- For the Warmest Water: June, July, and August are unbeatable.
- For the Best Chance at Whale Sharks: Late April, May, and June are your best bet.
- For the Ultimate Balance (Warmth & Fewer Crowds): September and October are prime.
- For Crystal Clear Visibility & Solitude: January and February are your sanctuary.
- For Underwater Photographers: Any month offers opportunities, but the light in winter is crisp, and the life in spring and summer is abundant.
No matter which month you choose, the underwater world of Hurghada is waiting. The key to the perfect trip is aligning your visit with your personal diving style. At Scubadore Hurghada, we’re here year-round, ready to guide you through the wonders of the Red Sea. Contact us today, and let’s plan your personalized dive calendar adventure.
