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To scuba dive in the Red Sea is to explore an underwater world teeming with vibrant marine life and fascinating shipwrecks with Hurghada Diving in Summer . The city of Hurghada, located on the stunning Red Sea coast, is a prominent hub for diving enthusiasts. Its crystal clear waters offer surreal visibility, making it a diver’s paradise. However, the question often arises – when is the best time to dive in Hurghada? Summer or Winter?
Let’s dive deeper into the details to comprehend the benefits and unique experiences both seasons offer to divers!
Hurghada: A Diving Powerhouse
Hurghada, once a small fishing village, has transformed into one of Egypt’s main tourist resorts on the Red Sea Coast. The city stretches over 36 kilometers along the coast, providing an array of diving sites, warm waters, and remarkable marine biodiversity.
Hurghada promises unobstructed opportunities to spot tropical marine life in crystal clear waters, ranging from sharks and dolphins to gorgonian fans and feather-stars.
Summer Diving in Hurghada
Weather Conditions:
The summer season in Hurghada is from June to August. With temperatures ranging between 26 to 40°C, it can be quite hot. However, the warm sea waters maintain a pleasant 28°C, reaching up to 31°C in August.
Diving Conditions:
Despite the hot weather, summer is a busy season in Hurghada. The warm waters are ideal for diving and snorkeling. Visibility is excellent, and the marine life is abundant. The summer months also coincide with the turtle breeding season, making it an exciting time for divers who enjoy observing these gentle creatures.
Marine Life:
In summer, divers can spot sea turtles, dolphins, and a variety of fish species. It’s also the best time for spotting hammerhead sharks, which are more active during these warmer months.
Diving Sites:
Popular diving sites during summer include Giftun Islands, Turtle Bay, Carless Reef, and Dolphin Reef. The offshore Giftun Islands, under nature protection since 1986, are a favorite among divers.
Nightlife and Other Activities:
For those who love to party, Hurghada is a great vacation spot. The city boasts several clubs, bars, cafes, and discos that host parties for tourists. Additionally, for astronomy enthusiasts, astronomical night trips into the desert offer a stunning view of the night sky.
Winter Diving in Hurghada
Weather Conditions:
Winter in Hurghada runs from December to February. The temperature during the day ranges from 21 to 26°C, dropping as low as 16°C on some nights. The water temperature, however, drops to 22°C.
Diving Conditions:
Winter is an excellent time for diving in Hurghada. The visibility during these months is at its peak, and there’s a high chance of encountering dolphins, turtles, and even harmless sharks. However, a 5-7mm full-length wetsuit is recommended during winter dives to keep warm.
Marine Life:
The winter months in Hurghada see an influx of manta rays, attracted by the plankton blooms in the late spring. Whale sharks can also be spotted from late May to early July, although sightings are rare.
Diving Sites:
Winter is a great time to explore the wreck of the Rosalie Moller, a cargo ship sunk in 1941, and Shaab Abu Nuhas, which houses seven wrecks, including the 90-meter Carnatic.
Sightseeing and Other Activities:
Winter is also a good time to indulge in sightseeing. Visitors can explore the colourful bazaar of Hurghada, go on excursions to ancient sites of the Pharaonic Empire on the Nile such as Luxor, or simply relax in the luxurious resorts that line the coast.
Best Time for Diving in Hurghada: Summer or Winter?
The best time to dive in Hurghada ultimately depends on individual preferences. If you enjoy hot weather, crowd, and warm water, summer is the best time. However, if you prefer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, winter would be the ideal time.
Remember, no matter what season you choose, diving in Hurghada will always be a unique and unforgettable experience!
Diving in Summer is a thrilling adventure that offers warm waters, abundant marine life, and an exciting nightlife. On the other hand, Winter in Hurghada provides excellent visibility, encounters with diverse marine species, and a chance to explore historical sites.
Whether you choose the vibrant energy of summer or the cool tranquility of winter, diving in Hurghada promises a remarkable underwater journey that you will treasure for a lifetime.
