The best time for a Red Sea liveaboard

Updated 28 Oct 2026. Written by the ScubaDahab team, divers based in Dahab on the Red Sea.

Winter: December to February

The water drops to about 21–23 °C and the northerly winds can make crossings rough, especially to the Brothers. In return, this is the cheapest time of year, boats are quieter and visibility is often excellent. Bring a 7 mm suit or a semi-dry and a hood. Northern routes and the south run reliably; some marine-park trips can change itinerary in strong wind.

Spring: March to May

The water warms from about 22 to 25 °C, winds ease and prices rise slowly. It is a good all-round season for every route, and May is the start of the best period for hammerheads at Daedalus and the Brothers.

Summer: June to September

Warmest water (27–29 °C), calm seas most days and the best conditions for the marine parks and the Deep South. Early summer is the main hammerhead season. It is also high season for European holidays, so popular boats fill early and prices are at their highest.

Autumn: October and November

Water is still 26–28 °C and October to December is the best time for oceanic whitetip sharks at the Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone. Many divers think this is the best season overall. Prices are high in October and start to drop in late November.

Which month for which route

North (wrecks and reefs): all year; cheapest in winter. Marine parks: May to July for hammerheads, October to December for oceanic whitetips. South and Deep South: April to November for the calmest seas. First liveaboard: April to June or September to November.

Prices by month

Median price of 7-night departures with free space on Divebooker, checked 28 Oct 2026. Prices may change.