Egypt
Photo: Janek Valdsalu / Unsplash
Sharm El Sheikh is the premier dive destination on Egypt's Red Sea coast, situated at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Gulf of Suez. This world-famous diving hub offers an extraordinary range of underwater experiences: the legendary drift walls of Ras Mohammed National Park, the pelagic-rich Straits of Tiran with four major reef systems, and some of the most celebrated wreck dives on Earth including the iconic SS Thistlegorm. With 365 days of sunshine, water temperatures never dropping below 22°C, visibility regularly exceeding 30m, and the best hyperbaric chamber infrastructure in any diving destination, Sharm El Sheikh delivers a complete, safe, and unforgettable Red Sea diving holiday for every experience level — from first-time Open Water students to advanced technical wreck divers.
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22–28 °C
15–40 m
3–40 m
Moderate
March to May and September to November
| Month | Summary |
|---|---|
| Jan | January brings cooler air (22-24°C) but water stays a comfortable 23°C with visibility around 15-25m. Fewer crowds and lower prices make this an excellent month for divers wanting quiet reefs, though winter winds can bring surface chop on exposed sites. |
| Feb | February has the coolest water at 22°C but remains perfectly diveable in a 5mm wetsuit. Visibility holds at 15-25m with gentle to moderate currents. The quietest month of the year — book with flexibility as rough sea days are possible. |
| Mar | March marks the beginning of prime season with water warming to 23°C and visibility improving to 20-30m. Moderate currents bring pelagic action to Ras Mohammed and Tiran. Comfortable air temperatures (28-32°C) make surface intervals pleasant. |
| Apr | April delivers peak visibility of 25-35m and water at 24°C. This is one of the best months for Shark & Yolanda Reef drift dives and Tiran shark encounters. Moderate currents, excellent conditions, and manageable crowds before the European summer rush. |
| May | May continues the prime spring window with 25°C water, 25-35m visibility, and moderate currents fueling rich pelagic life. Hammerhead sightings at Jackson Reef are most reliable during spring months. Air temperatures climb to 32°C — hydrate well between dives. |
| Jun | June brings summer warmth with water at 26°C and air temperatures reaching 38°C. Visibility holds at 20-30m with gentle to moderate currents. Peak tourist season begins — book dive trips and accommodation in advance. Morning dives avoid the midday heat. |
| Jul | July is the hottest month with 27°C water and 35-38°C air. Visibility at 20-30m with gentle currents — ideal for relaxed reef dives and training. The shallow local sites are perfect for beginners escaping the heat. Summer brings the liveliest atmosphere to Naama Bay after diving. |
| Aug | August peaks at 28°C water temperature — the warmest of the year. Visibility remains solid at 20-30m with gentle currents. Peak tourist month with high demand; book well ahead. Shore diving and night dives are especially pleasant in the warm water. Shorties are sufficient for most divers. |
| Sep | September maintains 28°C water while visibility improves to 25-35m as autumn clarity sets in. Moderate currents return, bringing better pelagic action. Air temperatures remain high (35°C+) but crowds thin after the European school holidays end. An excellent crossover month — summer warmth, autumn visibility. |
| Oct | October is the golden month — water at 27°C, visibility peaking at 25-40m (best of the year), and moderate currents delivering exceptional diving at all sites. Peak tourism month with perfect conditions. The Thistlegorm, Ras Mohammed, and Tiran are all at their very best. Book everything well in advance. |
| Nov | November cools slightly to 25°C water and 20-35m visibility with moderate currents. Still excellent diving as the autumn window continues. Crowds moderate after the October peak. A sweet spot month for divers wanting prime conditions without the October crowds and prices. |
| Dec | December brings winter conditions with 24°C water and 15-25m visibility. Gentle to moderate currents, fewer boats on the water, and a peaceful atmosphere on the reefs. The holiday period (Christmas/New Year) sees a spike in visitors — book early for festive-season diving. A 5mm wetsuit recommended. |
5–30m · Intermediate
Swim-throughs
Artifact · Overhang
3–15m · Beginner
Coral garden · Macro life · Photography
15–27m · Intermediate
Wreck · Photography
High Biodiversity
15–30m · Intermediate
Wreck · Photography
Historical
5–20m · Beginner
Sandy bottom · Macro life · Photography
3–30m · Beginner
Coral garden · Wall
High Biodiversity
3–20m · Beginner
Coral garden
5–30m · Intermediate
Coral garden · Wall
Turtle
Species recorded in this destination's wider regional catalogue. A species being listed here does not mean it is seen at this destination — check the note on each card.
Loggerhead Turtle
General species description, not specific to this destination
The Loggerhead Turtle is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle, named for its massive head. While less common than Green and Hawksbill turtles on Caribbean reefs, they can be spotted at deeper reef sites.
Spotted Eagle Ray
Destination note
Common year-round; regularly sighted at Tiran reefs, Ras Mohammed, and local sites
Green Sea Turtle
Destination note
Common year-round; reliable sightings at Ras Mohammed seagrass beds and Shark & Yolanda
Hawksbill Turtle
Destination note
Common year-round on all reef sites; particularly abundant at Ras Mohammed and local fringing reefs
Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin
Destination note
Year-round resident in the Red Sea; frequently sighted in Tiran Strait and en route to Ras Mohammed
Great Barracuda
Destination note
Common year-round at all reef edges; frequently sighted at Ras Mohammed, Tiran reefs, and local wall sites where they patrol drop-offs
Hilarious Nudibranch
General species description, not specific to this destination
A colorful dorid nudibranch with a smooth body, exposed gill plume, and prominent rhinophores used to sense chemicals in the water. Its markings can include pale, purple, yellow, or orange tones that advertise chemical defenses. It is a small sponge-feeding mollusk best appreciated slowly with a macro lens or careful reef search.
Red Sea Garden Eel
General species description, not specific to this destination
A marine species with typical characteristics for its taxonomic group. Found in various marine habitats.
Spotted Snake Eel
General species description, not specific to this destination
A marine species with typical characteristics for its taxonomic group. Found in various marine habitats.
Anemone Hermit Crab
General species description, not specific to this destination
A hermit crab that lives in sea anemones for protection, often carrying the anemone on its shell. Found in shallow tropical waters.
Masked Puffer
General species description, not specific to this destination
A pufferfish species found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It has a black mask-like pattern on its face and yellow spots on its body. It can inflate itself when threatened.
Moorish idol
General species description, not specific to this destination
The Moorish idol, a true icon of tropical reefs, is instantly recognizable by its striking disc-shaped body adorned with bold vertical bands of black, white, and yellow. Its most distinguishing feature is the dramatically elongated, sickle-shaped dorsal fin, which trails gracefully behind as it swims. Divers often spot them singly or in pairs, meticulously grazing on algae and small invertebrates from the reef surface with their small, protrusible mouths. Their elegant, almost ethereal movement makes them a joy to observe. Though often confused with bannerfish due to similar patterns, the Moorish idol's unique fin and body shape set it apart. Encountering this peaceful grazer is a highlight for many, adding a touch of classic marine beauty to any dive.
Dive the legendary SS Thistlegorm, Ras Mohammed walls, and the Straits of Tiran. Complete guide to diving Sharm El Sheikh — 36+ sites, wrecks, and marine life.
22–28°C water, visibility up to 40 meters, and year-round diving. Here's exactly what Sharm El Sheikh's conditions look like month by month.
From the iconic SS Thistlegorm to Shark Reef's pelagic walls — compare Sharm El Sheikh's best dive sites and choose your next adventure.
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