26 October 2026

Diving the Red Sea in January: Conditions, Wetsuits & Liveaboards

Diving the Red Sea in January can be a rewarding option for divers who want to explore Egypt’s coral reefs, historic wrecks, and offshore dive sites during winter. Water temperatures are cooler than in warmer months, and wind can make surface intervals feel cold, particularly on multi-day liveaboard trips. Choosing suitable thermal protection, checking your itinerary, and understanding the experience requirements of your preferred dive sites will help you plan a more comfortable and suitable safari.

Key Takeaways

January is one of the cooler months for diving in the Egyptian Red Sea, although water temperatures vary by location and year.
A 5 mm wetsuit may suit many divers, while cold-sensitive divers may prefer additional thermal protection.
Wind and sea conditions can affect offshore routes and access to exposed dive sites.
Northern wreck itineraries and southern offshore expeditions offer different diving experiences and experience requirements.
Check the planned route, departure dates, and certification requirements before booking.

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

Yes, January can be a good time to dive in Egypt’s Red Sea if you prepare for cooler conditions and choose a suitable itinerary. The water generally remains warmer than the air, but divers may feel colder after repeated dives or during windy surface intervals.

The best experience depends on your priorities, comfort in cooler water, and preferred type of diving.

For wreck diving: Northern itineraries can combine historic wrecks, including the SS Thistlegorm, with coral reef sites.
For experienced divers: Southern offshore reefs may offer opportunities to explore dramatic underwater walls and encounter pelagic marine life, depending on conditions.
For divers who prefer moderate air temperatures: January avoids the intense summer heat, although mornings, evenings, and windy days can feel cold.
For winter travel: January can be an option for a diving holiday outside the main summer season, but prices, availability, and visitor numbers vary.

Winter weather does not automatically prevent diving, but wind, waves, and currents may affect the planned itinerary. Offshore sites can be particularly sensitive to changing conditions, so flexibility is important.

If you are comparing the earlier winter months, see our guides to Diving Red Sea in November and Diving Red Sea in December for information on late-autumn and early-winter conditions.

Red Sea Water Temperature and Weather in January

January is generally among the cooler months for diving in the Egyptian Red Sea. Water temperatures around Hurghada are often approximately 22–24°C, although readings vary by location, depth, and year. Offshore sites may have different conditions, so check local forecasts and current information before departure.

Air temperatures are usually mild compared with many winter destinations, but the difference between being underwater and standing on a windy deck can be significant. Early mornings, evenings, and the period immediately after a dive may feel especially cold.

What wetsuit should you wear in January?

A 5 mm full wetsuit is a sensible starting point for many recreational divers in January. Divers who feel the cold easily, make longer dives, or complete several dives daily may need additional thermal protection.

5 mm full wetsuit: A practical option for many divers in winter conditions.
7 mm wetsuit or additional thermal protection: May be appropriate for cold-sensitive divers, depending on fit and diving conditions.
Hood and suitable accessories: Can help reduce heat loss when properly fitted and appropriate for your equipment.
Warm, dry clothing: Bring a windproof jacket and dry layers for the boat, especially between dives and in the evening.

There is no single wetsuit thickness that suits everyone. Consider your personal cold tolerance, dive duration, depth, and how quickly you cool down between dives. If you are unsure, ask the dive operator for recommendations based on the expected conditions.

Best Red Sea Liveaboard Routes in January

A liveaboard safari lets you visit multiple dive sites across the Egyptian Red Sea without returning to shore each evening. In January, choosing the right route means considering both the type of diving you want and the possibility that weather may change the planned itinerary.

Sadko Safari Fleet offers northern and southern Red Sea itineraries, with different combinations of wrecks, reefs, and offshore dive sites.

Northern Red Sea: Wrecks and Reefs

The northern Red Sea is worth considering if you want to combine wreck exploration with reef diving.

The North+Tiran itinerary includes famous northern wreck sites, such as the SS Thistlegorm and wrecks around Abu Nuhas, alongside the reefs of the Straits of Tiran.

This type of safari can offer variety across several days, from exploring historic wrecks to diving coral reefs and experiencing currents at suitable sites. Conditions vary between locations, so follow the dive team's briefings and confirm that your experience matches the planned dives.

Southern Red Sea: Offshore Reefs and Pelagic Encounters

Divers seeking remote reefs and the possibility of encountering larger marine species may want to consider southern offshore routes.

The Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone itinerary visits offshore reefs known for steep walls, currents, and potential encounters with sharks and other pelagic species.

These locations can demand stronger buoyancy control, current awareness, and suitable diving experience. Some sites may be unsuitable when conditions are unfavourable, and the final route depends on weather, operational decisions, and applicable restrictions. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

How to Choose a January Safari

Before booking, consider these practical factors:

Experience and certification: Confirm that you meet the requirements for your preferred itinerary and dive sites.
Diving interests: Decide whether wrecks, coral reefs, or offshore marine life are your main priority.
Departure dates: Check available departures rather than assuming a particular itinerary operates on your preferred dates.
Departure port: Confirm whether your trip begins and ends in Hurghada or Port Ghalib.
Weather flexibility: Ask how route changes are handled if wind or sea conditions prevent access to planned sites.

You can compare the available Sadko Safari Fleet itineraries and check the departure schedule before choosing your trip.

How to Prepare for a January Diving Trip

Preparing for January diving is mainly about staying warm, checking your equipment, and choosing a route that suits your experience. On a liveaboard, you may complete several dives each day, so small details can make a meaningful difference to your comfort.

Use this checklist before departure:

Prepare your thermal protection: Make sure your wetsuit fits properly and provides sufficient warmth for repeated dives.
Pack for the boat: Bring a windproof jacket, dry clothes, and warm layers for evenings and surface intervals.
Check your equipment: Inspect your mask, fins, exposure suit, and personal diving gear before travelling.
Confirm dive requirements: Ask about certification, logged dives, and any experience requirements for offshore sites.
Review travel arrangements: Allow sufficient time for airport transfers and follow the operator's pre-departure instructions.
Stay warm between dives: Change out of wet clothing when appropriate, dry off promptly, and follow the crew's advice.
Follow dive safety procedures: Pay attention to briefings, currents, entry and exit procedures, and any changes to the planned route.

January conditions can vary from one location to another, so avoid planning around a guaranteed temperature, sea state, or wildlife encounter. Current forecasts and the dive team's local assessment are more useful than general seasonal averages alone.

Plan Your January Red Sea Diving Safari

January can offer rewarding diving in Egypt, provided you prepare for cooler water and changing weather conditions. Choose an itinerary that matches your experience, bring suitable thermal protection, and remain flexible about the final route.

Explore the Sadko Safari Fleet liveaboard itineraries and review the departure schedule to plan your next Red Sea diving trip.

FAQs

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

No. January diving is possible in the Egyptian Red Sea, but the water is cooler than during much of the year. Around Hurghada, temperatures are often approximately 22–24°C. A suitable wetsuit and warm clothing between dives can help you stay comfortable.

Can you see sharks in the Red Sea in January?

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

Which Red Sea liveaboard route is best in January?

The best route depends on your experience and interests. Northern itineraries can combine wrecks and reefs, while southern offshore routes may appeal to experienced divers seeking remote reefs and pelagic marine life. Always check the itinerary's requirements and weather-dependent access.

What should I pack for a January liveaboard safari?

Bring a suitable wetsuit, personal diving equipment, a windproof jacket, and warm, dry clothing. Check the operator's equipment recommendations and confirm the experience requirements for your chosen route before travelling.