One of the best things about diving in Egypt is simple: there is no bad time to do it. The Red Sea delivers warm water, 20–30 metre visibility and healthy reefs all year. But each season has its own personality — and picking the right month can mean the difference between sharing a reef with a dozen boats or having it to yourself. Here is the honest 2026 breakdown.

Red Sea water temperature by month (2026)

Surface water swings from about 22°C in February to 30°C in August. A 5mm wetsuit is comfortable year-round; in the coolest months (January–March) many divers add a hood or a 7mm suit for repetitive dives.

  • December–March: 22–24°C, air cooler in the evenings. Fewer crowds, lowest prices.
  • April–June: 24–27°C — arguably the sweet spot: warm, calm and not yet peak-busy.
  • July–September: 28–30°C bath-warm water and long sunny days. Peak season and peak prices.
  • October–November: 26–28°C with the best big-animal action of the year.

When to go for the big stuff

Timing matters most if you are chasing a specific encounter:

  • Oceanic whitetip sharks & hammerheads: October–December on offshore reefs like Elphinstone and the southern marine parks.
  • Dolphins: reliable year-round at Sha’ab Samadai (Dolphin House) near Marsa Alam.
  • Turtles & dugong: Abu Dabab seagrass bays, best in calm summer months.
  • Coral spawning & macro life: late spring warmth brings triggerfish nesting and vibrant reef activity.

Crowds and prices

European school holidays (July–August and Christmas/New Year) are the busiest and priciest weeks. For the best value in 2026, target May–June or late September–October: warm water, thinner crowds and softer prices — the same reefs, a calmer experience.

What about wind?

The Red Sea can get breezy, especially in spring. Sheltered sites around Hurghada’s Giftun islands stay diveable on windy days, which is why local guides always plan the route each morning around conditions — one reason booking with an experienced local dive operator beats a rigid fixed itinerary.

The bottom line

Learning to dive or travelling with a mixed group? Any month works — pick warm, calm April–June. Serious about sharks and pelagics? Book October–December. Chasing bath-warm water and the longest days? July–September. Whatever you choose, browse our Red Sea dive trips — instant booking, free cancellation up to 48 hours, and PADI-certified guides on every boat.