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When To Go · Destination Guide

Marsa Alam (Abu Dabbab and Elphinstone)

Easy wildlife bays on shore, advanced shark walls offshore

Updated Mar 25, 2026 • 26 sources

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When to go

Best time to visit Marsa Alam (Abu Dabbab and Elphinstone)

Marsa Alam is a yearround destination, but the best balance of water comfort, manageable wind, and topside heat usually falls in March to May and September to November.

Best overall window

March to May and September to November

Balanced air temperatures, water around 23°C to 29°C, and good odds of pleasant sea state.

Outside that window

Warmest water around 29°C to 30°C, but with peak heat and strong midday sun on land.

Choose your trip style

Start with the overall answer, then switch only when scuba, freedive, snorkel, or topside timing changes the trip in a meaningful way.

Month-by-month planner

The overall row stays visible so you can compare it against the currently selected scope.

BestGoodTradeoffsMore variable
ScopeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Overall
Wildlife goals and seasonal highlights

These do not replace the overall planner. Use them only if a specific animal or event is driving your trip dates.

  • Green turtles and the occasional dugong at Abu Dabbab

    Best for Snorkel, Scuba

    Year-round

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    Abu Dabbab's shallow seagrass and sandy channels make it one of the bestknown Red Sea bays for turtle encounters from both the snorkel and scuba side.

  • Elphinstone oceanic whitetip window

    Best for Scuba

    Oct to Dec

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    Late autumn is the season most often associated with oceanic whitetip encounters at Elphinstone, especially around the southern plateau and dropoff zones.

  • Warmest-water window for long sessions

    Best for Freedive, Snorkel

    Jul to Oct

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    Late summer into early autumn brings the warmest sea temperatures, helpful for longer inwater blocks at house reefs, freedive lines, and easy bay snorkeling.

Always true for this destination
  • This is a flexible region, so pick your month by trip style.
Seasonal cautions
  • Dec to Feb, Jun: Winter brings cooler water near 23°C to 25°C, while June can feel windier on boats.
  • Jul to Aug: Warmest water around 29°C to 30°C, but with peak heat and strong midday sun on land.

Built from climate references, access rules, and destination operators. Wildlife timing and route flexibility can shift year to year.