Dive Conditions
Diving conditions in the Red Sea are idyllic, with water temperatures rarely falling below 71°F/22°C even in the Egyptian winter (December - February). Topside weather conditions are equally pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 68°F-104°F (20°C -40°C) depending on the time of year.
Located in the Middle East, the Red Sea is a northern offshoot of the Indian Ocean. While these bodies of water share many of the same habitats and marine life, the Red Sea has evolved to provide unique habitats for numerous endemic species. Due to little rainfall, high evaporation, and a relatively isolated location, the Red Sea has one of the world's highest rates of salinity. These same factors also provide excellent diving conditions, and the Red Sea boasts a phenomenal 360 dive days a year. Furthermore, the Red Sea has few river tributaries feeding into it, which means limited microalgae allowing excellent dive visibility.
Diving is available in the Red Sea year-round. However, March to May and September to November are often cited as the best times to visit. Topside weather conditions are comfortable and the sea temperature isn’t too cold during these months, but this also attracts many other tourists, and dive sites can be extremely busy. During June, July, and August, uncomfortably hot topside temperatures mean resorts are quieter, but it's still worth considering since you may encounter hammerhead sharks on the outer dive sites.
Shore dives from the northern resorts and beaches are generally organized by the inhouse resort dive centers, and many offer unlimited diving on their house reef. Day trips out to Ras Mohammed and Tiran usually offer two or three dives from a day boat, often at busy sites with a lot of other divers and snorkelers. Many divers opt for a liveaboard trip which gives better access to remote areas where there are no crowds. Dives are generally from the back of the liveaboard or from tenders which take divers close to the reefs. Many Red Sea dives are drift dives, so the use of a safety sausage is mandatory.