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Spanish Sharm El Sheikh is widely considered the crown jewel of the Red Sea for scuba diving. While it shares the same desert climate as Hurghada, its location at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula provides unique access to the Straits of Tiran and Ras Mohammed National Park. Here, deep-water currents bring in a class of marine life that differs significantly from the northern reefs.
To help you rank well when searching for the best time for diving in Sharm El Sheikh, this guide focuses on the specific seasonal shifts in water temperature, visibility, and pelagic activity. Whether you are chasing Hammerheads or the perfect wreck shot of the SS Thistlegorm, timing your Diving trip is everything.
Sharm el Sheikh · dive & weather complete
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Sea °C | Wind km/h | Dir | Viz m | Dive rating | Wetsuit |
|---|
humidity · UV · cloud cover
UV 12 extreme in summer| Month | Humidity % | UV index | Cloud % | Comfort |
|---|
🦺 wetsuit guide: 5mm (Jan–Mar, Dec) · 3mm (Apr, May, Oct, Nov) · rashguard/3mm shorty (Jun–Sep)
Best Time for Diving in Sharm El Sheikh
❄️ Winter Diving in Sharm El Sheikh: December – February
Best for: Wreck photography, Eagle Rays, and “crowd-free” reefs.
Winter in Sharm is characterized by crisp air and crystal-clear water. While it is the coldest time of the year, the lack of plankton means visibility is often at its annual peak, frequently exceeding 30 meters.
- Water Temp: 21°C to 23°C (70°F to 73°F).
- Air Temp: 18°C to 23°C (64°F to 73°F).
- Visibility: 25–40+ meters.
- Exposure Protection: A 5mm or 7mm full suit is a must. If you are doing 3 dives a day, consider a hooded vest. The “North Wind” can be biting during surface intervals, so a windproof jacket is essential.
- Marine Life: Look for Eagle Rays and larger reef inhabitants like Napoleon Wrasse. This is also the quietest time at the major wreck sites, making it the best time for diving in Sharm El Sheikh for photographers.
🌿 Spring Diving in Sharm El Sheikh: March – May
Best for: Whale Sharks and Manta Rays.
Spring is the season of renewal in the Sinai. As the water warms, plankton blooms occur, which slightly reduces visibility but acts as a magnet for the ocean’s biggest filter feeders.
- Water Temp: 23°C to 26°C (73°F to 79°F).
- Air Temp: 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F).
- Marine Life: This is Whale Shark season in Sharm El Sheikh. Sightings are common in the blue near Ras Mohammed. You also have the best chance of seeing Manta Rays cruising the reefs.
- Exposure Protection: A 5mm full suit is usually the perfect balance for most divers during this transitional period.
☀️ Summer Diving in Sharm El Sheikh: June – August
Best for: Hammerhead Sharks and schooling fish.
If you can handle the 40°C land heat, the underwater rewards in summer are unmatched. This is when the “big fish” action peaks due to spawning seasons and rising water temperatures. For pelagic lovers, this is the best time for diving in Sharm El Sheikh.
- Water Temp: 27°C to 29°C (81°F to 84°F).
- Air Temp: 35°C to 42°C (95°F to 108°F).
- Marine Life: Summer is Hammerhead Shark season in the Straits of Tiran (specifically Jackson Reef). You will also see massive schools of Snapper, Barracuda, and Jackfish gathering at Shark & Yolanda Reef.
- Exposure Protection: A 3mm full suit or shorty. The water is so warm you’ll rarely feel a chill.
🍂 Autumn Diving in Sharm El Sheikh: September – November
Best for: Optimal comfort and long dive times.
For most experienced divers, Autumn is the “Goldilocks” season. The brutal summer heat has faded, but the water remains tropical, allowing for long, relaxed dives without the need for heavy neoprene.
- Water Temp: 26°C to 28°C (79°F to 82°F).
- Air Temp: 28°C to 35°C (82°F to 95°F).
- Visibility: Excellent (25–35 meters).
- Marine Life: High activity across all reefs. This is a great time for Grey Reef Sharks and Oceanic Whitetips at the Ras Mohammed drop-offs.
- Exposure Protection: A 3mm or 5mm suit depending on your cold tolerance.
📊 Sharm El Sheikh Monthly Diving Stats
| Season | Water Temp | Air Temp | Visibility | Suit Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 21-23°C | 18-23°C | ★★★★★ | 7mm Full | Wrecks & Eagle Rays |
| Spring (Mar-May) | 23-26°C | 25-32°C | ★★★★☆ | 5mm Full | Whale Sharks & Mantas |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 27-29°C | 35-42°C | ★★★★☆ | 3mm Shorty | Hammerheads |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 26-28°C | 28-35°C | ★★★★★ | 3mm/5mm Full | Reef Health & Comfort |
🤿 Sharm El Sheikh Diving Travel Tips
To ensure you find the best time for diving in Sharm El Sheikh for your specific goals, keep these logistical tips in mind:
- Currents: Sites like Ras Mohammed and the Straits of Tiran are famous for strong drift diving. Always carry a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) and ensure your dive guide provides a thorough current briefing before you descend.
- The Thistlegorm Trip: This world-famous wreck is a full-day trip involving a very early start (around 4:00 AM). Check the wind forecast; if the wind is above 20 knots, the crossing can be very rough. Winter offers the clearest water, but the choppiest seas.
- National Park Fees: Divers visiting Ras Mohammed or Tiran Island must pay a daily park fee (approx. €10-€15). Ensure this is factored into your dive budget, as it applies year-round.