The best time of the year to dive depends on the weather conditions of the destination. In fact, the weather is an important factor to consider when evaluating diving conditions. It affects both underwater and overwater conditions. It is, therefore, necessary to know the best time of year to dive depending on the destination.
Diving in Egypt and Maldives
The Red Sea generally offers diving opportunities throughout the year. During the hot season, which peaks from July to August, the water temperature reaches 29°C and the air temperature reaches 50°C. The water temperature during the cooler seasons can drop to 26°C and the air is cool at night. In the Maldives, diving conditions depend on 2 monsoon seasons. Indeed, the northeast monsoon lasts from December to May, which brings calm seas and clear waters (visibility from 20 m to 40 m) on the eastern atolls, but often rough conditions (visibility from 8 m to 15 m) on the western atolls. In general, this is the hottest period for diving. The southwest monsoon brings, from June to November, clear waters to the western atolls, but also rougher seas for the whole island. In the Maldives, the water temperature varies between 26°C and 29°C. Thus, a 3 mm wetsuit is sufficient.
Diving in Thailand
The south of Thailand has 2 seasons with lower temperature differences: 28 to 30°C. Moreover, the water temperature is also constant around 26°C to 27°C. The west coast of the Andaman Sea, where the Similan Islands are located, has the dry season from November to May, while the east coast has the dry season from March to November. The Marine National Park, where the Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock, and Surin Islands are located, is closed during the non-dry season due to the strength of the wet monsoon.
Diving in the Philippines
The climate of the Philippines is unique but varies considerably from one region to another. Generally speaking, the coldest months are from November to February, after which it is very hot.) The rainy season starts in July, with the central regions in June. Typhoon activities last from July to September, reaching their peak in August, then cooling down again around November, and then, everything starts over.