Diving the Red Sea in December: Water Temperature, Weather & Liveaboards

Diving the Red Sea in December can be a rewarding experience for divers who want to explore Egypt’s coral reefs, historic wrecks, and offshore dive sites during winter. Water temperatures remain suitable for recreational diving, but cooler air, wind, and surface intervals make thermal protection more important. If you are planning a liveaboard safari, understanding the seasonal conditions, choosing the right itinerary, and preparing for changes in the weather will help you make the most of your trip.

 

Key Takeaways

• Red Sea water temperatures around Hurghada are commonly in the mid-20s °C during December, with variations by location and year.
• A 3–5 mm wetsuit is a useful starting point, depending on your cold tolerance and dive schedule.
• Wind and sea conditions can affect offshore access and liveaboard itineraries.
• Northern wreck routes and southern offshore reefs offer different experiences and may have different experience requirements.
• Check your departure dates, route, and certification requirements before booking.

 

Is December a Good Time to Dive in the Red Sea?

Yes, December can be a good time to dive in the Egyptian Red Sea. The water generally remains warmer than the winter air, and the cooler daytime temperatures can make time spent outdoors more comfortable than during the hottest months. However, winter diving requires more attention to thermal comfort and weather conditions, particularly on liveaboard trips involving several dives per day. December is worth considering if you want to:

• Explore wrecks and reefs: Northern routes can combine famous wrecks, including the SS Thistlegorm, with coral reefs and drift dives.
• Visit offshore dive sites: Southern itineraries can include remote reefs known for pelagic marine life, subject to weather and route conditions.
• Avoid intense summer heat: Cooler air temperatures can make time on deck more comfortable, although evenings and windy surface intervals may feel cold.
• Plan a year-end diving holiday: December offers opportunities for a winter escape, but departures around Christmas and New Year should be checked well in advance.

The important distinction is that December is not automatically calm or suitable for every dive site. Wind, waves, currents, and local restrictions can change the planned route. Choose your safari based on your experience and interests, and remain flexible about the exact sites visited.

 

Red Sea Water Temperature and Weather in December

December brings cooler conditions to the Egyptian Red Sea, especially outside the water. For divers, the key is to prepare for both underwater temperatures and the time spent on the boat between dives. Around Hurghada, water temperatures are generally in the mid-20s °C during December, although exact readings vary between years and locations. Offshore sites and different depths may feel cooler, and repeated dives can increase heat loss. Air temperatures are typically milder than in summer. Early mornings, evenings, and windy days can feel noticeably colder, particularly when you leave the water.

 

What wetsuit should you wear in December?

A full 3–5 mm wetsuit is a reasonable starting point for many recreational divers in December. The right thickness depends on your personal cold tolerance, dive duration, depth, and number of dives per day.

• 3 mm wetsuit: May be sufficient for divers who stay warm easily and prefer shorter dives.
• 5 mm wetsuit: A useful option for cold-sensitive divers or those planning multiple dives daily.
• Hood and additional thermal protection: Consider these if you tend to feel cold underwater, while ensuring your equipment fits correctly.
• Warm clothing for the boat: Bring a windproof jacket, dry layers, and a towel for surface intervals.

Do not choose your exposure protection based on water temperature alone. A diver who feels comfortable during the first dive may become colder over several consecutive dives. Staying warm between dives is especially important on a winter liveaboard.

 

Best Red Sea Liveaboard Routes in December

A liveaboard safari provides access to dive sites spread across a wider area than many daily boat trips can cover. The best December itinerary depends on your interests, diving experience, departure port, and the conditions expected during your travel dates. Sadko Safari Fleet operates a variety of northern and southern Red Sea routes, allowing divers to choose between wreck exploration, reef diving, and offshore expeditions.

 

Northern Red Sea: Wrecks and Coral Reefs

If you enjoy historic wrecks and varied reef diving, a northern itinerary is worth considering. The North+Tiran diving safari combines northern wreck sites, including the SS Thistlegorm and wrecks around Abu Nuhas, with the reefs of the Straits of Tiran. This combination offers a varied diving experience, from exploring wreck structures to reef and drift dives. Conditions can differ considerably between sites, so divers should review the requirements for the planned dives and follow the briefing provided by their guides.

 

Southern Red Sea: Offshore Reefs and Marine Life

Divers looking for remote reefs and possible encounters with larger marine species can explore southern offshore itineraries. The Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone safari focuses on offshore reefs known for dramatic walls, currents, and the possibility of encountering sharks and other pelagic species. These sites may demand stronger buoyancy control, current awareness, and suitable diving experience. Check the specific requirements before booking rather than assuming every certified diver is suitable for every route. Marine-life encounters are never guaranteed. Weather, currents, wildlife movements, and operational restrictions can also affect the final itinerary.

 

How to Choose a December Safari

Before choosing a route, consider the following:

• Experience level: Confirm that your certification and logged dives meet the requirements of the itinerary.
• Preferred diving: Choose between historic wrecks, coral reefs, and more demanding offshore sites.
• Departure dates: Check availability around Christmas and New Year rather than assuming your preferred week will have space.
• Departure port: Confirm whether your trip starts and ends in Hurghada or Port Ghalib.
• Weather flexibility: Understand that the captain may adjust the itinerary to maintain safety.

You can compare the available Red Sea liveaboard itineraries and review the departure schedule before making your decision.

 

How to Prepare for a December Diving Trip

Winter diving preparation involves more than packing a wetsuit. On a liveaboard, you need to stay comfortable between dives, have the right equipment, and understand the requirements of your planned route. Use this checklist before departure:

• Check your exposure protection: Make sure your wetsuit and accessories are appropriate for repeated dives in cooler water.
• Pack warm, dry layers: A windproof jacket and dry clothing can make surface intervals more comfortable.
• Review your dive equipment: Check your mask, fins, exposure suit, and other personal gear before travelling.
• Confirm your experience requirements: Some offshore routes require more experience than reef-focused itineraries.
• Review travel arrangements: Allow time for airport transfers and follow the operator’s guidance on arrival and departure.
• Follow dive briefings: Pay attention to site-specific currents, entry and exit procedures, and safety instructions.

If you are comparing winter months, read our guide to Diving the Red Sea in November for an overview of late-autumn conditions. For trips later in the winter, our Diving the Red Sea in January guide focuses on preparing for the colder part of the season.

 

Plan Your December Red Sea Diving Safari

December can be an excellent time to explore Egypt’s Red Sea by liveaboard, provided you prepare for cooler air, choose suitable thermal protection, and select a route that matches your experience. Compare the available Sadko Safari Fleet itineraries, then check the departure schedule to find a suitable trip.

 

FAQs

Is December too cold for scuba diving in the Red Sea?

No. Water temperatures around Hurghada generally remain in the mid-20s °C during December. With suitable exposure protection and warm clothing between dives, many recreational divers can enjoy the conditions. Individual comfort varies, and repeated dives can make the water feel colder.

 

Can you see sharks in the Red Sea in December?

Sharks inhabit parts of the Red Sea, and some offshore reefs are known for potential encounters with different species. Sightings depend on the location, conditions, and natural movements of marine life. No particular sighting can be guaranteed.

 

Are Red Sea liveaboard trips available over Christmas and New Year?

December departures may include trips around the Christmas and New Year period, but availability depends on the operator's schedule and remaining places. Check the Sadko Safari Fleet schedule for current departure information.

 

What should I pack for a December liveaboard?

Bring a suitable wetsuit, personal diving equipment, warm dry clothing, and a windproof layer for the deck. Check the specific equipment and certification requirements for your chosen itinerary before travelling.