Best Time to Go Diving in Marsa Alam: A Month-by-Month Guide

Marsa Alam, the gem of Egypt’s Red Sea, offers world-class diving year-round, but the experience can vary dramatically depending on when you visit. The decision of when to book your trip ultimately depends on your priorities: are you chasing the thrill of a shark encounter, seeking the warmest water possible, or simply looking to avoid the crowds?

This comprehensive, month-by-month guide will break down the conditions, temperatures, and marine life highlights, helping you determine the Marsa Alam best time to go diving for your perfect underwater adventure.

 The Red Sea Diving Seasons in Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam’s climate can be divided into three distinct diving seasons, each offering a unique experience:

1.The Sweet Spot (Mid-March to May & September to November)

This is widely considered the optimal time to visit Marsa Alam. The air temperatures are pleasantly warm (around 25∘C to 35∘C) without the intensity of mid-summer, and the water temperatures are comfortably warm (mid- 20s∘C). This period offers the perfect balance of comfort, marine life activity, and excellent visibility.

2. Summer Heat (June to August)

The warmest months of the year. Air temperatures can soar to 40∘C (104∘F) or more, but the water is at its maximum warmth, peaking around 30∘C (86∘F) in August. Wetsuits can be thin (3mm shorty or rash guard), making surface intervals hot, but the water immersion is heavenly.

3. Winter Solitude (December to Mid-March)

This is the low season in terms of tourists and temperature. Air temperatures drop to 20∘C to 25∘C (68∘F to 77∘F), and water temperatures hit their annual minimum of around 22∘C to 23∘C (72∘F to 73∘F). While a 5mm or 7mm wetsuit is needed, the reward is often phenomenal visibility and blissfully quiet dive sites.

 Marsa Alam Month-by-Month Breakdown

Month Air Temp (≈) Water Temp (≈) Wetsuit Guide Highlights & Conditions

  • Jan & Feb 20−25∘C 22−23∘C 5−7mm (with hood) Coolest months. Best Visibility. Quieter resorts. Highest chance of wind.
  • March 25−30∘C 23∘C 5mm Temperatures start to climb. Excellent balance. Start of Dolphin Season.
  • April 28−33∘C 24−25∘C 5mm Perfect air temperature. Water is warming. Prime diving conditions.
  • May 30−35∘C 25−27∘C 3mm Warmer water. Start of Shark Season (pelagic life) at remote reefs.
  • June 35−40∘C 27−28∘C 3mm (or less) Very hot air. Water is very warm. Great for all-day water activities.
  • July & Aug 38−41∘C 29−30∘C Rash Guard/Shorty Warmest water of the year. Surface intervals are challenging due to heat.
  • Sept 33−37∘C 29∘C 3mm (or less) Air temperature drops to a more comfortable level. Excellent balance.
  • Oct 30−35∘C 27−28∘C 3−5mm Peak shark season for Oceanic Whitetips at Elphinstone. Beautiful all-around conditions.
  • Nov 27−32∘C 26∘C 5mm A fantastic month—warm water from summer is still here, air is pleasant. Great for pelagic sightings.
  • Dec 23−28∘C 25∘C 5mm Water is still pleasant. Great for avoiding crowds and enjoying excellent visibility.

If you are traveling for a specific animal, timing your trip can increase your odds of a magical encounter:

The Best Time for Sharks (Hammerheads & Oceanic Whitetips)

While sharks are wild animals and sightings are never guaranteed, the period from May to October is traditionally referred to as “Shark Season” across the Red Sea, particularly for large pelagics at offshore reefs like Daedalus and Elphinstone.

  • Oceanic Whitetip Sharks (Longimanus): The prime window for these iconic creatures at Elphinstone Reef is the late autumn/early winter, specifically October to December. They are known to be more numerous during this time.
  • Hammerhead Sharks: Your best chance to spot large schools of hammerheads at sites like Daedalus Reef is generally during the summer months (June to August), when the water is at its warmest.

The Best Time for Dugongs and Dolphins

The resident populations of Dugongs (at Abu Dabbab/Marsa Mubarak) and Spinner Dolphins (at Shaab Samadai/Sataya) can be encountered year-round.

  • Dolphins: The optimal time for a calm, pleasant, and highly active dolphin encounter at the “Dolphin House” is typically Spring and early Summer (March to June), as the weather is mild and the sea conditions are often calm.
  • Dugongs: Since dugongs are protected and feed in sheltered bays, sightings are consistent, but your chance of a private encounter is best early in the morning or late in the afternoon to beat the day-trip crowds.

In conclusion, for the perfect blend of comfortable air temperatures, warm water, and high activity, the Marsa Alam best time to go diving is undeniably April/May and October/November. However, regardless of the month you choose, Marsa Alam’s healthy reefs and unique marine life guarantee an unforgettable dive holiday.