When To Go · Country Guide
Legendary wrecks, technicolor reefs, and desert wonders on the Red Sea
Updated Dec 7, 2025 • 13 sources
When To Go
Season planner for Egypt
Egypt is a true year-round destination, but comfort and sea state change with the wind. Autumn and spring are the easiest all-around windows for most travelers, mixing warm water with manageable boat rides. Summer brings the warmest water and long daylight, but also stronger winds and hotter topside conditions. Winter stays very diveable, especially for wrecks and reef life, but you will feel cooler on long boat rides and between dives.
At A Glance Heatmap
| Activity | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | ||||||||||||
| Scuba | ||||||||||||
| Freedive | ||||||||||||
| Snorkel | ||||||||||||
| Topside |
Activity Drilldowns
OverallApril to June & September to November·Crowd:Moderate·Cost:Moderate
Ideal: Warm water 25°C to 29°C, air easing 25°C to 31°C, winds often dropping to 17.0 kph to 26.0 kph
Regional differences: Sinai can feel windier and choppier than sheltered southern bays, especially in summer.
ScubaMarch to June & September to November·Crowd:Moderate·Cost:Moderate
Ideal: Great balance of comfort and sea state: water about 24°C to 28°C, winds commonly 17.0 kph to 24.0 kph
Wreckfocused trips: Winter and shoulder seasons can be excellent for wreck routes because water clarity is often strong and demand can be lower.
FreediveMarch to May & October to November·Crowd:Low To Moderate·Cost:Moderate
Ideal: Comfortable water 22°C to 27°C with more manageable winds 17.0 kph to 24.0 kph
Best base: Dahab is the most trainingoriented hub.
SnorkelApril to June & September to October·Crowd:Moderate·Cost:Moderate
Ideal: Warm water 24°C to 29°C and good visibility 20 m to 30 m
Best regions: Southern bays like Marsa Abu Dabab often stay comfortable even when offshore routes are rough.
TopsideNovember to March·Crowd:Moderate·Cost:Moderate
Decompressionday idea: Put long walking days in Cairo or Luxor after your last dives.
Seasonal Callouts Timeline
Turtle-heavy bay snorkeling
JanJanFebFebMarMarAprAprMayMayJunJunJulJulAugAugSepSepOctOctNovNovDecDecBays in the Marsa Alam region, including Marsa Abu Dabab, often deliver excellent turtle encounters in calm morning light.
Dolphin encounters (follow local rules)
JanJanFebFebMarMarAprAprMayMayJunJunJulJulAugAugSepSepOctOctNovNovDecDecDolphins are possible year-round on the Red Sea. Choose operators that brief strict approach distances and time limits, especially at sites like Marsa Samadai.
Warm-water coral color
JanJanFebFebMarMarAprAprMayMayJunJunJulJulAugAugSepSepOctOctNovNovDecDecSummer brings the warmest water, often 28°C to 30°C, which can make long reef sessions and photography days especially comfortable.
Best wreck comfort window
JanJanFebFebMarMarAprAprMayMayJunJunJulJulAugAugSepSepOctOctNovNovDecDecFor wreck routes like Thistlegorm and Abu Nuhas sites, spring and autumn often balance warmth with manageable winds.
Freedive training blocks
JanJanFebFebMarMarAprAprMayMayJunJunJulJulAugAugSepSepOctOctNovNovDecDecMany visiting athletes schedule depth and technique training around the calmer shoulder seasons, especially when based in Dahab.