Red Sea Water Temperature by Month 2026: Diving & Snorkeling Guide

Red Sea sea temperature by month 2026

This dataset provides decision-making data: average water temperature plus realistic daily minimum and maximum ranges you'll experience on repetitive dives. The baseline uses Hurghada's Red Sea water climatology (1991–2021) as the northern reference, sourced from Climate-Data's published monthly minimum, average, and maximum water temperatures.

Hurghada water temperature by month with wetsuit guidance

Wetsuit recommendations follow standard Red Sea operator practice for 2–3 dives per day with 45–60 minute dive times and 60–90 minute surface intervals. If you run cold, select one category thicker.

Month	Avg water (°C)	Typical daily min/max (°C)	Wetsuit guidance	Why this works for most divers
January	23	23–24	5mm full suit	Repetitive dives at 23°C cool you quickly, especially with wind on deck
February	22	22–23	5mm full suit + optional 3mm hooded vest	Coldest month in northern Red Sea; short surface intervals amplify chill
March	23	22–23	5mm full suit + hooded vest for 3 dives/day	Lowest monthly minimum at 22°C
April	23	23–24	5mm for most; warm divers can use 3mm	Water starts rising but mornings still feel cool
May	25	24–26	3mm full suit	Comfort month: warm enough for long dives with good protection
June	26	26–27	3mm or shorty with rash guard	Warm water but windier season begins
July	28	27–29	Rash guard or 1–3mm	Heat management matters more than insulation
August	29	29–29	Rash guard or 1–3mm	Warmest month; sun protection and hydration are key
September	28	28–28	3mm	Still warm, but long boat rides can cool you with wind
October	27	27–28	3mm	Prime comfort with stable conditions on most day-boat routes
November	26	26–27	3mm; 5mm for night dives or 3 dives/day	Noticeable cooling after sunset
December	25	24–26	5mm for most; warm divers can use 3mm with vest	Transition back to winter; minimum drops to 24°C

Data source: Climate-Data.org (Hurghada, Red Sea monthly water temperature climatology 1991–2021).

Air vs water planning

Most "I was freezing" reviews happen on the boat, not underwater. You exit 22–24°C water wet into moving air, and evaporative cooling becomes the dominant comfort factor. Hurghada's average monthly wind speed ranges from 10–13 knots, peaking during summer and early autumn at 12–13 knots (WeatherSpark).

Hurghada monthly air temperature, wind speed, and wind chill risk

Month	Avg air (°C)	Avg wind (knots)	Felt-cold risk	What to prioritize
January	17	10	High	5mm wetsuit + windproof jacket for surface intervals
February	18	10	High	5mm wetsuit + windproof layer; coldest water month
March	20	11	High	5mm wetsuit + wind shell; water still at annual minimum
April	23	11	Medium	3–5mm wetsuit; wind shell for speedboat transfers
May	26	12	Medium	3mm wetsuit; light wind shell for longer surface intervals
June	29	13	Low	3mm or shorty; windproof layer still useful on fast boats
July	30	12	Low	Rash guard; focus on sun protection and hydration
August	31	12	Low	Rash guard; heat management is priority over insulation
September	29	13	Low	3mm wetsuit; wind can cool you on longer boat rides
October	27	11	Low	3mm wetsuit; excellent balance of warmth and comfort
November	23	10	Medium	3mm wetsuit; 5mm for multiple dives or night dives
December	19	10	High	5mm wetsuit + windproof jacket; winter conditions return

Risk thresholds:

• High felt-cold risk: water ≤23°C AND wind ≥10 knots (prioritize 5mm + windproof layer)
• Medium risk: water 23–25°C OR wind 10–11 knots (3mm minimum for 3 dives)
• Low risk: water ≥26°C AND wind ≤13 knots (rash guard to 3mm sufficient)

Data sources: WeatherSpark (Hurghada monthly wind and air temperature); Climate-Data (water temperature).

Diving and snorkeling conditions by month

The Red Sea delivers 15–40 meter visibility depending on exposure, route (northern reefs vs offshore seamounts vs deep south), and wind-driven surface conditions. Plankton levels, current strength, and marine life activity vary significantly by season.

Monthly conditions planning table

Month	Typical visibility (m)	Plankton likelihood	Current strength	Standout encounters	Best for
January	25–35	Low	Low–Medium	Clear reefs, macro life, comfortable training conditions	Photography, courses, wreck diving
February	25–35	Low	Low–Medium	Clearest water of the year, fewer crowds	Underwater photography, training
March	22–35	Low–Medium	Medium	Transition month with occasional surface chop	Reef diving, wreck exploration
April	22–35	Medium	Medium	Warming water increases reef fish activity	Advanced courses, reef diving
May	18–30	Medium	Medium	Comfortable for long bottom times in 3mm	Open Water courses, family snorkeling
June	18–30	Medium	Medium	Warm water but windier; choose sheltered routes	Snorkeling, beginner diving
July	15–25	Medium–High	Medium	Warmest water; some routes show increased particulate	Long snorkel sessions, warm-water training
August	15–25	Medium–High	Medium	Peak warmth; hydration critical	Warm-water diving, snorkeling
September	18–30	Medium	Medium–High	Stronger drift options on advanced sites	Drift diving, advanced courses
October	22–35	Low–Medium	Medium	Prime balance of warmth and improving visibility	AOW courses, specialty training, all levels
November	22–35	Low	Low–Medium	Stable clear conditions return	Wreck diving, relaxed reef dives
December	25–35	Low	Low–Medium	Clear water with quieter boats	Photography, wreck diving, courses

Visibility reference: Oyster Diving (Red Sea visibility range 15–40 meters depending on season and site).

Red Sea base comparison

Egypt's Red Sea diving regions show distinct seasonal patterns based on latitude and wind exposure. The northern Red Sea (Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Safaga, Soma Bay) offers extensive day-boat access to reefs and wrecks but experiences stronger north winds in summer. The southern Red Sea (Marsa Alam) runs approximately 1°C warmer in winter and provides access to pristine reefs and pelagic encounters, while Sinai (Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab) features different exposure patterns in the Gulf of Aqaba and access to Ras Mohammed and the Straits of Tiran.

Regional water temperature and conditions comparison

Base	Feb (°C)	Apr (°C)	Jun (°C)	Aug (°C)	Oct (°C)	Dec (°C)	Wind exposure	Best for beginners	Best for advanced
Hurghada	22	23	26	29	27	25	North winds; summer windier	Apr–Jun, Oct–Nov	Sep–Nov, winter wrecks
El Gouna	22	23	26	29	27	25	Very wind-exposed lagoons	Apr–Jun, Oct	Sep–Nov
Makadi Bay	22	23	26	29	27	25	Sheltered bays available	May–Jun, Oct	Sep–Nov
Safaga	22	23	26	29	27	25	More offshore access; can be choppy	Apr–Jun, Oct–Nov	Sep–Nov
Soma Bay	22	23	26	29	27	25	Open-water edges; wind builds chop	May–Jun, Oct	Sep–Nov
Marsa Alam	23	24	27	29	28	25	Generally warmer; some exposed sites	Mar–May, Oct–Nov	Oct–Dec pelagic routes
Sharm El Sheikh	22	23	26	28	27	25	Sinai headlands; Ras Mohammed currents	Apr–Jun, Oct	Oct–Dec Tiran/Ras Mohammed
Dahab	22	23	26	28	27	25	Gulf of Aqaba winds; shore-based	Apr–Jun, Oct	Sep–Nov technical/freediving

Notes: El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Safaga, and Soma Bay use Hurghada water averages as a practical northern Red Sea proxy (same coastline; adjust ±0.5°C by local exposure). Dahab uses regional Sharm-based sea temperature normals as the nearest published reference.

Data sources: Climate-Data (Hurghada); World Beach Guide (Marsa Alam); Weather2Travel (Sharm El Sheikh); WeatherSpark (wind patterns).

Best months by activity

Comfort trigger: Water ≥25°C (May Hurghada average) for extended training sessions without cold stress (Climate-Data). Heat trigger: Air ≥29°C (June Hurghada average) requires earlier departures and increased hydration planning (Climate-Data). Wind trigger: ≥12 knots average (June–September Hurghada) necessitates sheltered snorkel routes and windproof layers (WeatherSpark).

Activity recommendations by month

Activity	Best months	Condition triggers optimized
Discover Scuba Diving	April, May, October, November	Water 23–27°C; manageable air temps; predictable comfort
Open Water course	May, June, September, October	Water 25–28°C reduces cold stress during skills; long daylight hours
Advanced Open Water	September, October, November	Warm water with improving visibility; currents available for drift specialty
Liveaboard north routes	March, April, November, December	Cooler water but clearer conditions; fewer crowds on wrecks
Liveaboard south routes	October, November, December	Transition to clearer season; better comfort than winter minimum temps
Family snorkeling day boats	May, June, September, October	Warm water; select sheltered routes during windier months
Freediving shore days	April, May, October, November	Comfortable air and water for repeated breath-holds without overheating
Kitesurf and snorkel combo	June, July, August, September	Windier season with warm water; plan wind chill management after sessions

What to pack by month

Packing recommendations assume typical boat days of 6–8 hours with 2–3 dives. If you're doing 3 dives per day in February–April, plan one thermal step warmer than single-dive tourists.

Monthly packing checklist

Month band	Wetsuit	Hood	Boots	Surface interval layer	Sun and skin protection
Jan–Mar	5mm full suit	3mm optional	3–5mm	Windproof jacket + dry top	Reef-safe SPF 50; lip balm; beanie after dive 2
April	3–5mm	Optional	3mm	Wind shell on speedboats	SPF 50; rash guard for UV protection
May–Jun	3mm	None	3mm	Light wind shell	SPF 50; hydration salts
Jul–Sep	Rash guard or 1–3mm	None	3mm for entries	Dry T-shirt + shade	SPF 50; electrolytes; after-sun lotion
Oct–Nov	3mm	Optional in Nov	3mm	Light jacket late afternoon	SPF 50; rash guard for extended snorkeling
December	5mm for most	Optional	3–5mm	Windproof jacket	SPF 50; wind protection for exposed skin

Note: Glove policies vary by marine park and operator to prevent coral contact; follow your dive briefing.

Sea-state seasonality and route selection

Practical sea-state comfort is driven by wind patterns. In Hurghada, the windier season runs from late May through early October, with the highest average monthly wind speeds occurring June–September at 12–13 knots (WeatherSpark). Experienced captains adjust routes to provide sheltered conditions even during windier months.

Sea-state and seasickness planning by month

Month	Sea-state risk	Most comfortable itinerary type	Seasickness management
Jan–Mar	Low–Medium	Shorter rides, sheltered reefs, later starts	Choose closer reefs; prioritize warm gear to prevent cold-induced nausea
April	Medium	Mix of reefs and wrecks	Select larger boats; avoid fast zodiacs in wind
May–Jun	Medium–High	Sheltered bays; flexible captain routing	Medicate early; windproof layer reduces cold-induced nausea
Jul–Sep	High	Early departures; lagoon-side routes; stable boats	Choose large stable boats; avoid long offshore runs
October	Medium	Widest choice: reefs, wrecks, courses	Excellent balance month for all boat types
Nov–Dec	Low–Medium	Wreck-focused and relaxed reef days	Pack warmth; cold is main issue, not chop

Safety and regulations by month

Cold stress risk:

• Highest risk: February–March (water 22–23°C Hurghada average) (Climate-Data)
• Mitigation: Extend surface interval warmth with wind shell and dry layers; keep core warm between dives

Dehydration and heat illness risk:

• Highest risk: June–September (air averages 29–31°C in Hurghada) (Climate-Data)
• Mitigation: Electrolytes plus shade; maintain hydration to reduce DCS risk factors

Surface marker buoy (SMB) use:

• Critical year-round, especially September–November when drift diving is more common
• Follow operator briefing for local marine traffic patterns and current conditions

Marine park regulations:

• No-touch policies enforced at most sites
• Glove restrictions vary by location
• Reef-safe sunscreen increasingly required

Myths vs reality

Myth: "The Red Sea is warm year-round." Reality: Hurghada averages 22°C in February, which requires a 5mm wetsuit for most divers doing repetitive dives (Climate-Data). Myth: "Visibility is always 30 meters." Reality: Visibility ranges from 15–40 meters depending on season, site exposure, and plankton levels; 30 meters is possible but not guaranteed on every dive (Oyster Diving). Myth: "You don't need thermal protection in summer." Reality: Even in 28–29°C water, wind chill during surface intervals on speedboats creates significant evaporative cooling; a rash guard or thin wetsuit plus windproof layer prevents discomfort.

Local Insight

The second-day cold effect: The day you feel coldest is usually day two of diving, not day one. Nitrogen loading, accumulated fatigue, and repeated wet exposure make 23–24°C water feel 1–2°C colder than your first dive day. Plan your thickest wetsuit for your second and third consecutive dive days, not your first. Route selection trumps forecast: In windier months (June–September), an experienced captain can deliver a calm, comfortable snorkeling day by selecting leeward reefs and sheltered bays. A poor route choice can turn a "perfect forecast" into a wet, cold, choppy experience. Always ask your operator about route flexibility and their plan for wind conditions. Speedboat wind chill amplification: Private speedboat transfers amplify wind chill dramatically. Even in 26–28°C water during summer months, fast boat rides create intense evaporative cooling that can leave you shivering despite warm water temperatures. Pack a windproof shell year-round if you plan speedboat-based snorkeling or diving excursions from Hurghada, and request slower speeds or covered seating if available. Morning vs afternoon water feel: Water temperature readings are daily averages, but most divers notice that morning dives (7–10 AM) feel 1°C cooler than afternoon dives (1–3 PM) at the same site, especially in winter months. If you're borderline on wetsuit thickness, the timing of your dive can make the difference between comfortable and cold.

Sources

This guide is built on verified data from the following authorities and long-term monitoring sources:

Water temperature data:

• Climate-Data.org: Hurghada Red Sea water temperature climatology (1991–2021), providing monthly minimum, average, and maximum water temperatures for the northern Red Sea (Climate-Data)
• World Beach Guide: Marsa Alam monthly sea temperature averages based on 20+ years of oceanographic data (World Beach Guide)
• Weather2Travel: Sharm El Sheikh Red Sea monthly sea temperature and climate overview (Weather2Travel)

Wind and air temperature data:

• WeatherSpark: Hurghada monthly wind speed and air temperature based on MERRA-2 satellite-era reanalysis (WeatherSpark)

Visibility and diving conditions:

• Oyster Diving: Red Sea visibility operational range (15–40 meters) and seasonal diving conditions overview (Oyster Diving)

Regulatory and safety standards:

• PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors): Thermal protection guidelines and repetitive dive planning standards
• Egyptian Tourism Authority: Marine park regulations and seasonal tourism patterns for Red Sea governorates

All data verified as of March 2026. Water temperature projections for 2026 are based on 30-year climatological averages (1991–2021) and do not account for short-term anomalies or El Niño/La Niña effects.