Diving in Marsa Alam, month by month
Ten years of data (2016–2024) show the sea at Marsa Alam at its coolest in February (21.6°C) and its warmest in August (31.1°C). The calmest months are January, November and December, when about 58% of days have waves under 0.9 m and wind under 15 knots; the breeziest is September, with only 14%. Rain is very rare — under one day a month on average.
Right now in Marsa Alam
Fair — some chopFull conditions & 7-day outlook · Forecast data: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0). Model values for the area, not a reading at the reef — your skipper and guide make the call on the day.
Month by month
Averages of daily values, a typical year rather than a forecast. “Calm days” are days with waves under 0.9 m and wind under 15 knots.
| Month | Sea °C | Wetsuit | Air °C | Wind (kn) | Waves (m) | Calm days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22.7 | 5–7 mm suit, hood and gloves | 22° / 15° | 14 | 0.8 | 54% |
| February | 21.6 | 5–7 mm suit, hood and gloves | 23° / 16° | 15 | 0.9 | 38% |
| March | 22.5 | 5–7 mm suit, hood and gloves | 26° / 18° | 15 | 1.0 | 42% |
| April | 24.1 | 5 mm full wetsuit | 29° / 22° | 15 | 0.8 | 44% |
| May | 25.7 | 3 mm full wetsuit | 32° / 25° | 16 | 0.9 | 28% |
| June | 28.3 | 3 mm shorty or thin full suit | 35° / 29° | 17 | 0.8 | 23% |
| July | 30.6 | 3 mm shorty or thin full suit | 36° / 29° | 15 | 0.6 | 40% |
| August | 31.1 | 3 mm shorty or thin full suit | 36° / 30° | 16 | 0.8 | 30% |
| September | 29.5 | 3 mm shorty or thin full suit | 34° / 29° | 17 | 0.9 | 14% |
| October | 27.5 | 3 mm full wetsuit | 31° / 25° | 14 | 0.9 | 40% |
| November | 25.7 | 3 mm full wetsuit | 28° / 21° | 13 | 0.8 | 58% |
| December | 23.7 | 5 mm full wetsuit | 24° / 18° | 14 | 0.8 | 63% |
Sea temperature through the year
What to expect, season by season
Winter · Dec–Feb
Sea 22.7°C · Air 23° / 16° · Calm days 52%
5–7 mm suit, hood and gloves. A mix of calm and breezy days — the morning trips are usually the smoothest. Comfortable air temperatures for a day on the boat.
Spring · Mar–May
Sea 24.1°C · Air 29° / 22° · Calm days 38%
5 mm full wetsuit. A mix of calm and breezy days — the morning trips are usually the smoothest. Comfortable air temperatures for a day on the boat.
Summer · Jun–Aug
Sea 30.0°C · Air 36° / 29° · Calm days 31%
3 mm shorty or thin full suit. A mix of calm and breezy days — the morning trips are usually the smoothest. Hot on deck: shade, water and a rash vest matter.
Autumn · Sep–Nov
Sea 27.6°C · Air 31° / 25° · Calm days 37%
3 mm full wetsuit. A mix of calm and breezy days — the morning trips are usually the smoothest. Comfortable air temperatures for a day on the boat.
Dive and snorkeling sites near Marsa Alam
16 guides with depth, difficulty and marine life. Open one to see today’s sea at that reef.
Frequently asked questions
What is the water temperature in Marsa Alam in winter?
In winter (December–February) the sea averages 22.7°C, and it bottoms out at 21.6°C in February. Most divers use 5–7 mm suit, hood and gloves then.
Is the sea at Marsa Alam too hot to dive in summer?
No. In summer (June–August) the sea averages 30.0°C, up to 31.1°C in August — warm but comfortable, and 3 mm shorty or thin full suit is enough. The heat is on deck: air reaches 36°C in August, so bring shade, water and sun protection.
When is the sea calmest at Marsa Alam?
In January, November and December: roughly 58% of days have waves under 0.9 m and wind under 15 knots, against only 14% in September. Morning departures are calmer than afternoons in any month.
Does it rain at Marsa Alam?
Rain is very rare — under one day a month on average.
Data: Open-Meteo historical weather & marine APIs, 2016–2024. Averages of daily values for the area, not a reading at each reef. Licence CC BY 4.0. Open-Meteo.com