Red Sea Water Temperatures Through the Year (for Divers and Swimmers)

For divers and swimmers alike, water temperature can make or break the experience — it determines whether you're blissfully comfortable or shivering, and what wetsuit (if any) to pack. The good news is the Red Sea is warm by global standards all year. But it does vary by season and region, and knowing the rhythm helps you pack right and plan your time in the water. Here's a year-round guide.

The short answer: the Red Sea is warm year-round — warmest in summer/early autumn and coolest in winter/early spring. Swimmers are comfortable most of the year; divers need a thicker wetsuit in the cooler months. The south is warmer than the north.

Why water temperature matters

For swimmers and snorkellers, water temperature affects how long and comfortably you can stay in. The Red Sea is warm enough for enjoyable swimming most of the year, but the cooler months feel noticeably brisker, especially for longer sessions. For divers, it's even more important: you spend long periods immersed and lose heat faster, so the right wetsuit thickness matters for comfort and safety. Knowing the seasonal water temperature tells you what exposure protection to bring.

The seasonal rhythm

While exact figures vary by year and location, the general pattern is:

• Summer (roughly June–August): Warmest water of the year — beautifully warm, often bath-like, ideal for long swims and comfortable diving with minimal exposure protection.
• Autumn (roughly September–November): Still warm, holding much of the summer heat early on and gradually cooling — excellent for diving and swimming.
• Winter (roughly December–February): Coolest water — still swimmable and divable, but noticeably cooler; divers want a thicker wetsuit, and longer immersion feels chilly.
• Spring (roughly March–May): Warming up from the winter low toward summer — comfortable and improving through the season.

North vs. south

A key point: the southern Red Sea (Marsa Alam and below) is warmer than the north (Hurghada and above) year-round. This matters especially in winter, when the south stays more comfortable for swimming and diving while the north feels cooler. If warm water in the cooler months is a priority, the south is the better bet.

What it means for swimmers

Swimmers and snorkellers will find the Red Sea comfortable for most of the year, gloriously warm in summer and autumn, and cooler but still swimmable in winter (a rash guard or shorty can extend comfort then). A rash guard is worth wearing year-round anyway for sun protection and a little warmth. In the cooler months, expect a brisker entry and shorter comfortable sessions, especially in the north.

What it means for divers

Divers should match their wetsuit to the season:

• Summer/early autumn: A thinner wetsuit (or shorty) is often enough.
• Winter/early spring: A thicker wetsuit (and possibly a hood) for comfort, as you'll feel the cooler water over a long dive.
• Always: Consider that you lose heat faster diving than swimming, so err toward a bit more protection than you'd think, especially for multiple dives a day.

Ask your dive operator about current water temperatures and recommended wetsuit thickness when booking, as they know the local, seasonal conditions best.

Practical tips

Pack your wetsuit thickness to match the season (thicker for winter, lighter for summer), or confirm rental options with your operator. Wear a rash guard year-round for sun and a little warmth. Consider the warmer south for cooler-month trips. Ask operators about current water temperatures before you travel. And remember that diving feels cooler than swimming, so bring slightly more exposure protection than you'd expect.

The Red Sea's warm water is one of its great gifts — comfortable year-round, gloriously warm in summer, and cool-but-manageable in winter. Match your wetsuit and expectations to the season and region, and you'll spend your time in the water happily comfortable, whatever the month.

Planning your time in the water? Plan your Red Sea diving and swimming on packnplan, and pack the right gear for the season's water temperatures.