Best Time of Year to Freedive in Dahab
One of the best things about freediving in Dahab is that there is no bad time to come. The Red Sea here is warm, calm and clear all year. That said, each season has its own character, so here’s an honest look at what to expect through the year.
The short answer
- May to October: warmest water, longest days, peak season. Best if you want summer.
- October to April: mild, quieter, cheaper, with slightly cooler but still very comfortable water. A favourite of ours.
You can do a course or train hard in any month. It really comes down to the weather and the crowd you prefer.
Water temperature by season
The sea in Dahab stays comfortable all year:
- Winter (December to February): around 22 to 23°C. A 5mm wetsuit and you’re happy.
- Spring (March to May): warming through the low-to-mid 20s.
- Summer (June to September): the warmest, around 27 to 28°C. A 3mm suit is plenty.
- Autumn (October to November): still warm, easing back through the mid-20s.
For repeated dives, warmth matters more than you’d think: a cold diver is a tense diver, and tension is the enemy of a good breath-hold. A suit that keeps you comfortable is part of good technique.
Weather and crowds
Dahab is sunny almost every day of the year. Summer afternoons get genuinely hot, high 30s and sometimes above, so most divers train in the morning and rest in the shade after. Winter days are mild and pleasant, cooler in the evenings.
Wind can pick up in spring, which matters more for kitesurfers than freedivers: our training sites are sheltered and the diving stays calm. High season (summer and the winter holidays) is busier and prices are higher; the shoulder months are quieter and better value.
What to pack
- A wetsuit suited to the season (3mm summer, 5mm cooler months), or rent ours.
- Sun protection: hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and a rash guard.
- Warm layers for winter evenings.
- A refillable water bottle. Staying hydrated helps your dives.
So, when should you come?
If you want guaranteed warmth and a lively town, come in summer. If you’d rather have calm, space and better prices with only slightly cooler water, the shoulder and winter months are hard to beat. Either way, the water will be clear and the diving will be good.
Ready to plan a trip? Have a look at our courses and training week, or read more about why Dahab works so well for learning.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to freedive in Dahab?
There is no single best month, Dahab works year-round. For the warmest water and long days, come between May and October. For mild weather, fewer people and lower prices, October to April is lovely, with slightly cooler water that a 5mm wetsuit handles easily.
How warm is the water in Dahab through the year?
Sea temperature ranges from about 22°C in the coldest months (January to March) to around 28°C at the height of summer (July to September), sitting around 25 to 26°C for much of the year. It is comfortable in a wetsuit all year.
Is it too hot to freedive in Dahab in summer?
Summer air temperatures can reach the high 30s or low 40s, but the water is warm and the diving itself is comfortable. Most people dive in the morning and relax in the shade during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Do I need a wetsuit to freedive in Dahab?
Yes, for repeated dives a wetsuit keeps you warm and relaxed. A 3mm suit is fine in summer; a 5mm is better from late autumn through spring. We can advise or rent you one.
Emilio & Liam
