Sun, Sea, and Seasons: Why Hurghada is the Perfect Year-Round Diving Destination
One of the most common questions we get from divers planning a trip is, “When is the best time to visit Hurghada?” It’s a great question, but the honest answer is beautifully simple: anytime.
Unlike many dive destinations around the world that have distinct “on” and “off” seasons dictated by monsoons or cold winters, Hurghada is blessed with over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and incredible diving conditions 365 days a year. The Red Sea is always open for adventure.
That said, each season offers its own unique character, its own subtle charms, and its own special highlights. At Scubadore Hurghada, we dive through them all, and we’ve come to love what each time of year brings. So, let’s break down the year in Hurghada to help you find the perfect season for your perfect dive trip.
Winter (December – February): The Cool and Crystal Clear Season
While Europe is shivering, Hurghada is enjoying clear blue skies and pleasant sunshine. This is the “cool” season, but for most of our guests, it’s a welcome escape.
- Topside Weather: Air temperatures are comfortably warm, typically ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F). It’s perfect weather for relaxing on the sundeck between dives without the intense heat of the summer.
- Underwater Conditions: The water temperature is at its coolest, usually between 21-23°C (70-74°F). A 5mm or 7mm wetsuit is recommended, but the trade-off is often spectacular. The cooler water can bring even better visibility, with gin-clear conditions that feel like you’re flying through air.
- Marine Life Highlights: The diving is fantastic. The reefs are just as vibrant, and some divers report that certain species are more active in the cooler water. It’s a great time for underwater photography due to the incredible clarity of the water.
Why we love winter: It’s a wonderfully relaxed time to dive. The days are beautiful, the water is crystal clear, and escaping the cold of home to plunge into the Red Sea feels like the ultimate luxury.
Spring (March – May): The Season of New Life
As the days get longer and the temperatures begin to climb, the Red Sea starts to bloom. Spring is a time of transition and new life, both above and below the water.
- Topside Weather: Air temperatures become warmer, moving from 25°C up to the low 30s°C (77-90°F). It’s the perfect “not too hot, not too cold” weather.
- Underwater Conditions: The water warms up steadily from 23°C to around 26°C (74-79°F). The most significant event is the seasonal plankton bloom, which can slightly reduce visibility at times but brings with it a huge benefit…
- Marine Life Highlights: The plankton blooms attract larger filter feeders. While never guaranteed, spring can be a good time to keep an eye out in the blue for the possibility of larger pelagic encounters. Many reef fish are also in their reproductive cycles, so you can witness fascinating schooling and courtship behaviours.
Why we love spring: It’s a dynamic time to be in the water. The reefs are buzzing with the energy of new life, and the chance of seeing something big adds an extra layer of excitement to every dive.
Summer (June – August): The Season of Blissful Warmth
This is the peak of the Egyptian summer, and for divers, it’s pure bliss. The heat on land is no match for the perfect conditions at sea.
- Topside Weather: It’s hot, with air temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F). But as a diver, you have the perfect escape: the sea breeze on the boat and the cool embrace of the water.
- Underwater Conditions: The water temperature is at its absolute warmest, reaching a bath-like 28-30°C (82-86°F). This is the time for diving in a shorty or even just a rash guard. The comfort level is unmatched.
- Marine Life Highlights: The marine life is at its most active. Turtles are commonly seen, eagle rays often glide by, and the entire reef is a hive of activity. The long, sunny days mean the underwater world is brightly illuminated, making the colours of the fish and corals incredibly vibrant.
Why we love summer: The sheer comfort of the warm water is a game-changer. It allows for long, incredibly relaxed dives where you can simply focus on the beauty around you without ever feeling a chill.
Autumn (September – November): The “Sweet Spot” Season
For many experienced divers, autumn is the absolute sweet spot. It combines the best of all worlds, offering a perfect balance of conditions.
- Topside Weather: The intense heat of the summer subsides to a very comfortable 25-30°C (77-86°F). The evenings are beautiful and pleasant.
- Underwater Conditions: You get the best of both worlds. The water retains its summer warmth, typically staying between 26-28°C (79-82°F), while the visibility often returns to the crystal-clear conditions of the winter.
- Marine Life Highlights: This is a fantastic time for all-around marine life sightings. It’s a great time to spot larger pelagics, and the reefs are still bursting with the energy of summer. Many consider this the best time for underwater photography, with warm water, great visibility, and active marine life.
Why we love autumn: It’s the perfect combination. You get the warm water of the summer and the crystal visibility of the winter. It’s no wonder so many of our returning guests choose this time of year.
The Scubadore Guarantee: A Perfect Dive, Any Day
Ultimately, the “best” time to dive in Hurghada is a matter of personal preference. Do you prefer cooler, clearer days, or the blissful warmth of the summer sea? No matter when you choose to visit, two things remain constant: the incredible beauty of the Red Sea’s reefs and our unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional, small-group diving experience.
Our expert guides know the dive sites intimately and understand the seasonal patterns. We always choose the best dive sites for the day’s conditions, ensuring you have a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable dive, whether it’s a sunny day in January or a warm afternoon in August.
So, the real answer to “when is the best time to visit?” is simple: as soon as you can get here. We’ll be waiting for you.
