Where to dive in April

Coral Triangle48 at their peak

1. 

   Ambon

   Indonesia

   Oct–Apr is the main season; June to August brings wind and rain that make the outer sites rough, though the bay stays divable.

   Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 235 mm · 9.3 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

2. 

   Anda — Bohol

   Philippines

   Nov–Jun is the main season; the south-west monsoon and typhoons make Jul–Oct unreliable on this exposed coast.

   Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 63 mm · 2.5 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

3. 

   Anilao

   Philippines

   Main season mid-November to May; July to September is typhoon season, with choppy seas and poor visibility.

   Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 33°C · 91°FRain 58 mm · 2.3 inVis 20 m · 66 ft

4. 

   Apo Island

   Philippines

   Dived year-round; April and May give the calmest crossings, and the December–February trade winds can chop up the open crossing and the exposed points.

   Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 79 mm · 3.1 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

5. 

   Apo Reef

   Philippines

   Nov–Jun is the season with Mar–May best; the south-west monsoon and typhoons close the reef entirely from July to September.

   Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 32°C · 90°FRain 49 mm · 1.9 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

6. 

   Balicasag

   Philippines

   Nov–Jun gives the calmest crossings; the south-west monsoon and typhoons make Jul–Oct unreliable and can close the exposed sides.

   Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 62 mm · 2.4 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

7. 

   Bangka Island

   Indonesia

   Mar–Nov is the settled season with the calmest channels; the north-west monsoon from December to February brings wind and swell.

   Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 154 mm · 6.1 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

8. 

   Batanes

   Philippines

   March to May brings calm seas and the warmest, clearest water; typhoon season from June to November often cancels flights and dives.

   Water 24–28°C · 75–82°FVis 30 m · 100 ft

9. 

   Cabilao

   Philippines

   Dived year-round; Nov–Jun is the main season and the low season runs roughly May–Oct, when the south-west monsoon works the exposed sides.

   Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 33°C · 91°FRain 76 mm · 3.0 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

10. 

    Camiguin

    Philippines

    Nov–Apr is the dry, settled run; May–Oct rain is heavy but short and rarely stops diving, and the small typhoon risk falls in Sep–Oct.

    Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 119 mm · 4.7 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

11. 

    Coron

    Philippines

    Dry December to April brings glassy seas and the best visibility; in the wet months bad weather sometimes stops diving.

    Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 33°C · 91°FRain 36 mm · 1.4 inVis 20 m · 66 ft

12. 

    Dauin

    Philippines

    Diveable year-round on the sheltered coast; December–February trade winds can raise chop on the shallow sand slopes.

    Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 79 mm · 3.1 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

13. Davao Gulf & Samal Island

    Philippines

    November to May is the best window for diving around Samal Island.

    Water 27–31°C · 81–88°F

14. 

    Derawan & Sangalaki

    Indonesia

    April–October dry season gives the clearest water and most reliable manta encounters at Sangalaki.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 188 mm · 7.4 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

15. 

    Donsol & Ticao Pass

    Philippines

    Whale sharks are in Donsol Nov–Jun, peaking Feb–May; manta activity at the Bowl follows a similar window before typhoon season.

    Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 33°C · 91°FRain 114 mm · 4.5 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

16. 

    Gili Islands

    Indonesia

    Divable year-round; Apr–Nov brings the calmest crossings, and mola mola occasionally appear Aug–Oct on the deeper sites.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 126 mm · 5.0 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

17. 

    Iron Bottom Sound

    Solomon Islands

    Apr–Jun and Oct–Dec are calmest; the Jan–Mar wet season brings runoff that cuts visibility on the shore wrecks.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 225 mm · 8.9 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

18. 

    Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands)

    Indonesia

    Diving runs year-round; the April to October dry season is calmest and clearest, while November to March brings rain, stronger currents and lower visibility.

    Water 28–30°C · 82–86°F

19. 

    Komodo

    Indonesia

    Liveaboards run all year: April is often rated the best month, July to September is the big-fish peak, and the rainy months bring the best visibility and the mantas.

    Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 189 mm · 7.4 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

20. Kota Belud — Usukan Bay & Mayne Rock

    Malaysia

    Boats run all year when the weather allows; February to July is the best stretch, and from October to December rough seas can cancel trips.

    Water 27–30°C · 81–86°F

21. Labuan & Brunei Wrecks

    Brunei

    Calm seas and better visibility run March to October, with April to July the best stretch; the wet season from November to February is rougher and murkier.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 216 mm · 8.5 inVis 20 m · 66 ft

22. 

    Mabul & Kapalai

    Malaysia

    Diveable year-round with little seasonal variation; muck subjects are present in all months.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 177 mm · 7.0 inVis 20 m · 66 ft

23. 

    Mactan & Olango

    Philippines

    Mar–May, the hot dry season, is the usual window; the Jun–Nov rains cut visibility on the house reefs, and typhoon risk runs highest around Nov–Dec, as Typhoon Rai showed in December 2021.

    Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 32°C · 90°FRain 85 mm · 3.3 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

24. 

    Malapascua

    Philippines

    Threshers visit Kimud Shoal all year. March to May is calmest and clearest; October to January brings rough seas, green water and the most cancelled crossings.

    Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 32°C · 90°FRain 104 mm · 4.1 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

25. 

    Mantanani Islands

    Malaysia

    February to July is the best season; rough seas from October to December can cancel the crossing.

    Water 27–30°C · 81–86°FVis 40 m · 130 ft

26. 

    Marovo Lagoon

    Solomon Islands

    Apr–Jun and Oct–Dec are calmest and clearest; Jan–Mar is the cyclone and wet season with rougher crossings.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 254 mm · 10.0 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

27. 

    Maumere Bay

    Indonesia

    April to October is the calmest and clearest window; January to March brings rougher crossings, though the sheltered inner bay still dives.

    Water 26–29°C · 79–84°FVis 30 m · 100 ft

28. 

    Menjangan & West Bali

    Indonesia

    Divable all year thanks to the lee of Java; Apr–Nov is driest, and the wet season only affects surface conditions.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 211 mm · 8.3 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

29. 

    Moalboal

    Philippines

    Diveable year-round; the sardine school is present nearly every day regardless of season.

    Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 33°C · 91°FRain 69 mm · 2.7 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

30. 

    Morotai

    Indonesia

    Calm dry-season water from March to November; rain from November to March, when mobulas also visit GaloGalo from February.

    Water 28–30°C · 82–86°F

31. 

    Pamilacan

    Philippines

    Nov–Jun is the workable season; the crossing is exposed and trips are called off on the wind, so Jul–Oct is unreliable.

    Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 62 mm · 2.4 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

32. 

    Panglao

    Philippines

    Nov–Jun is the main season; the south-west monsoon and typhoons disrupt Jul–Oct, though the sheltered south coast keeps working through much of it.

    Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 62 mm · 2.4 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

33. 

    Puerto Galera

    Philippines

    November–May dry season is calmest; June–October southwest monsoon brings rain and swell.

    Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 32°C · 90°FRain 76 mm · 3.0 inVis 20 m · 66 ft

34. 

    Raja Ampat

    Indonesia

    October to April is the drier stretch and November to April the manta season at Manta Ridge; July to mid-September can bring strong winds and rough seas.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 219 mm · 8.6 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

35. 

    Romblon

    Philippines

    Nov–Jun is the settled season; typhoons and the south-west monsoon make Jul–Oct unreliable for the boat crossing.

    Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 77 mm · 3.0 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

36. 

    Sangihe — Banua Wuhu

    Indonesia

    Mar–Sep is the settled window for the crossing north from Manado; the north-west monsoon closes the chain from December to February.

    Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 115 mm · 4.5 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

37. Siargao

    Philippines

    March to May brings the calmest seas and clearest water; from November to February bay diving continues but the Pacific sites, Blue Cathedral included, are less predictable.

    Water 26–30°C · 79–86°FVis 25 m · 82 ft

38. 

    Sipadan

    Malaysia

    Diving runs all year; March to May brings the calmest seas and clearest water, while wind and rain can cloud it from December to February and in August.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 183 mm · 7.2 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

39. 

    Siquijor

    Philippines

    November to May is the main season; from June to October the south-west monsoon moves the diving from the western walls to the sheltered north-east coast.

    Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 70 mm · 2.8 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

40. 

    Southern Leyte — Sogod Bay

    Philippines

    Whale sharks are off Pintuyan roughly Oct–Apr; the bay is sheltered but Jul–Oct brings typhoon risk and rougher water.

    Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 148 mm · 5.8 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

41. Subic Bay

    Philippines

    November–May dry season is clearest, best February–May; the July–September monsoon cuts inner-bay visibility and cancels rough days.

    Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 35°C · 95°FRain 49 mm · 1.9 inVis 20 m · 66 ft

42. 

    Sumbawa — Moyo, Satonda & Saleh Bay

    Indonesia

    Diving runs all year; April to November has the best conditions, and January to March can bring inclement weather.

    Water 24–28°C · 75–82°F

43. 

    Takabonerate & Selayar

    Indonesia

    Apr–Nov is the season; the north-west monsoon makes the crossing from Makassar impractical from December to February.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 134 mm · 5.3 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

44. 

    Togian Islands

    Indonesia

    Mar–Sep is driest and calmest; the wet season from November to February brings rain and rougher inter-island crossings.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 171 mm · 6.7 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

45. 

    Tubbataha Reefs

    Philippines

    Park diving is permitted only mid-March through mid-June; closed the rest of the year for monsoon safety and reef recovery.

    Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 65 mm · 2.6 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

46. 

    Tufi

    Papua New Guinea

    Apr–Jun and Oct–Dec are calmest for the offshore reefs; the fjords stay divable year-round whatever the weather does.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 183 mm · 7.2 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

47. 

    Tulamben

    Indonesia

    Diveable all year. April to July and October to November give the calmest, clearest water; December to March is the rainy season, with more run-off and fewer divers.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 125 mm · 4.9 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

48. 

    Wakatobi

    Indonesia

    Diveable all year; April–May and September–November are the peak months, and January and February the wettest.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 153 mm · 6.0 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

Also good in April: Alor, Amed, Ataúro Island, Banda Islands, Belitung, Belongas Bay & South Lombok, Bunaken, Cenderawasih Bay, El Nido & Bacuit Bay, Gizo, Halmahera — Kusu & Sali Islands, Kimbe Bay, Krakatau & Sangiang Island, Lembeh Strait, Madang & the North Coast, Milne Bay, Misool, Nusa Penida, Padangbai & Candidasa, Pulau Aur & Pulau Dayang, Rabaul & Simpson Harbour, Rote Island, Sangeang & Bima Bay, Sibu & Tinggi Islands, Solomon Islands — Munda

Caribbean42 at their peak

1. 

   Ambergris Caye (San Pedro)

   Belize

   Dry season December–May with the least rain in February–March; wet-season storms, peaking September–October, can suspend diving for two or three days. Thimble jellyfish spawn in May.

   Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 33°C · 91°FRain 43 mm · 1.7 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

2. Anguilla

   Anguilla

   January to April is the high season; July to November brings the risk of tropical storms and hurricanes.

   Water 25–30°C · 77–86°F

3. Antigua — English Harbour & Falmouth

   Antigua and Barbuda

   December to April brings the best visibility; May to November has calmer seas, and July to October is hurricane season.

   Water 26–31°C · 79–88°FVis 30 m · 100 ft

4. 

   Bay of Pigs

   Cuba

   Nov–Apr is Cuba's dry season and the settled half of the year; May–Oct is the rainy season and sits inside the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June to November.

   Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 41 mm · 1.6 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

5. 

   Bayahibe

   Dominican Republic

   January to April is the driest stretch and October the wettest; Atlantic hurricane season runs June to November and peaks from late August into September.

   Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 33°C · 91°FRain 63 mm · 2.5 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

6. 

   Belize Barrier Reef

   Belize

   March to May is the dry season, when visibility at Turneffe can pass 30 m (100 ft); rain and northerly winds take the shine off the other months.

   Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 39 mm · 1.5 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

7. 

   Cat Island

   Bahamas

   The oceanic whitetip season runs Apr–Jun; outside it the sharks disperse and operators do not run blue-water trips.

   Sea 26°C · 79°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 43 mm · 1.7 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

8. 

   Cayman Brac

   Cayman Islands

   Seas are calmest Nov–May; Aug–Oct is hurricane season, when sites often move to whichever shore is in the lee.

   Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 43 mm · 1.7 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

9. 

   Cozumel

   Mexico

   January–April is prime with December close behind; lighter trades keep the leeward side calm, though winter nortes can shut the port for a day. Peak hurricane risk falls in September and October.

   Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 40 mm · 1.6 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

10. 

    Dominica

    Dominica

    Diving is favourable all year; December to May is the driest and calmest stretch, and occasional summer rain does little to dive quality.

    Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 77 mm · 3.0 in

11. 

    Grand Cayman

    Cayman Islands

    December to April is drier and calm enough for the exposed south side; August to October is hurricane season, and the rain peaks in October.

    Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 19 mm · 0.7 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

12. 

    Grenada

    Grenada

    December to April is the dry season, with calm, clear water; July to November is hurricane season, worst in September and October.

    Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 43 mm · 1.7 in

13. 

    Guadeloupe — Cousteau Reserve

    Guadeloupe

    Dec–May is the dry season with the calmest water; Aug–Oct brings hurricane risk and the heaviest rain.

    Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 64 mm · 2.5 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

14. Isla de la Juventud & Punta Francés

    Cuba

    November to April is the dry season, with the calmest and warmest water; rates across Cuba can be lower in the off-season from mid-April to December.

    Water 23–29°C · 73–84°FVis 40 m · 130 ft

15. 

    Jardines de la Reina

    Cuba

    Best conditions run November–May; summer stays diveable but hot, and September–October carries the peak hurricane risk.

    Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 95 mm · 3.7 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

16. 

    Little Cayman

    Cayman Islands

    Calmest conditions and best visibility run December through April; September–October bring the greatest hurricane risk.

    Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 43 mm · 1.7 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

17. 

    Little Corn Island & the Corn Islands

    Nicaragua

    Blowing Rock and the east-side sites need calm seas, which come in April and May and from mid August to mid October.

    Water 26–30°C · 79–86°F

18. 

    Long Island, Bahamas

    Bahamas

    Atlantic hurricane season runs June–November, peaking late Aug–Sep; Dec–Apr is calmer for the boat-based reef and wall dives. Dean's Blue Hole itself is sheltered and diveable year-round.

    Sea 26°C · 79°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 33 mm · 1.3 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

19. 

    Los Roques

    Venezuela

    Jan–Apr is the dry season with the calmest water and best visibility; Oct–Nov brings the most rain and the murkiest lagoon.

    Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 15 mm · 0.6 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

20. María la Gorda

    Cuba

    Nov–Apr is the dry season with the calmest, clearest water; Aug–Oct carries hurricane risk on this exposed western tip.

    Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 46 mm · 1.8 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

21. 

    Martinique — Saint-Pierre Wrecks & Rocher du Diamant

    Martinique

    February to April is the best window; the wet season runs June to November, with cyclone risk in September and October.

    Water 26–31°C · 79–88°F

22. 

    Nassau & New Providence

    Bahamas

    Diving is year-round; Nov–May is calmest and clearest, and Aug–Oct hurricane season brings the most cancelled days.

    Sea 26°C · 79°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 71 mm · 2.8 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

23. Negril & Bloody Bay

    Jamaica

    December to April is the dry peak season; July to October brings rain and hurricanes, and the rain can cut visibility.

    Water 26–30°C · 79–86°F

24. 

    Ocho Rios

    Jamaica

    December to April is the dry season and Jamaica's peak; July to October is the rainy and hurricane season, when rain can cut visibility.

    Water 26–30°C · 79–86°F

25. 

    Playa del Carmen

    Mexico

    Dry season (Dec–Apr) brings the calmest seas; June–November is Atlantic hurricane season, wettest and roughest around September–October.

    Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 40 mm · 1.6 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

26. 

    Providencia & San Andrés

    Colombia

    Dec–Apr is driest with the calmest water; Sep–Nov brings the heaviest rain and the region's hurricane risk.

    Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 14 mm · 0.6 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

27. 

    RMS Rhone & Salt Island

    British Virgin Islands

    Nov–Jun is calmest and clearest; Aug–Oct hurricane season brings swell that can close the exposed Rhone site entirely.

    Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 31 mm · 1.2 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

28. 

    Roatán

    Honduras

    March to August is dry with the calmest seas; October to February is the rainy season, wettest in November and December.

    Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 54 mm · 2.1 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

29. 

    Saba

    Caribbean Netherlands

    December–April offers the calmest seas for pinnacle access; September–October bring the highest hurricane risk.

    Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 37 mm · 1.5 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

30. 

    Saint Barthélemy — Gustavia & Les Anses

    Saint Barthélemy

    November to May is the dry peak season; July to October is hurricane season, with a risk of storms and heavy rain.

    Water 26–29°C · 79–84°FVis 30 m · 100 ft

31. 

    Sint Maarten

    Sint Maarten

    Conditions vary little through the year; Jun–Nov is hurricane season and Dec–Apr plus Jul–Aug are the crowded months.

    Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 31 mm · 1.2 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

32. South Abaco Blue Holes

    Bahamas

    Cave water holds a constant 24°C year-round; the rating tracks Atlantic hurricane exposure, not temperature — Great Abaco took a direct Category 5 hit from Hurricane Dorian in September 2019.

    Water 24–24°C · 75–75°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 64 mm · 2.5 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

33. 

    St. Croix

    U.S. Virgin Islands

    Nov–Jun is calmest and clearest; Aug–Oct is hurricane season, though the pier and shore walls stay divable in most weather.

    Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 40 mm · 1.6 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

34. 

    St. Eustatius

    Caribbean Netherlands

    December to April is the drier stretch; August and September carry the hurricane peak, and diving may pause in September.

    Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 37 mm · 1.5 in

35. St. John

    U.S. Virgin Islands

    Diving is good any time of year; tarpon school at Carval Rock in spring and early summer, and May to November is the rainy season.

    Water 25–30°C · 77–86°FVis 30 m · 100 ft

36. St. Kitts

    Saint Kitts and Nevis

    December to May is the dry, busy season; June to November is hurricane season, wettest around September.

    Water 26–29°C · 79–84°FVis 30 m · 100 ft

37. 

    St. Lucia

    St. Lucia

    December–April is the dry season with the calmest seas; September–October carry the highest hurricane risk.

    Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 63 mm · 2.5 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

38. 

    Tobago — Speyside & the Sisters Rocks

    Trinidad and Tobago

    Hammerheads school at the Sisters from October to May; July to November are the wettest months.

    Water 24–28°C · 75–82°F

39. 

    Turks & Caicos

    Turks & Caicos Islands

    January–April brings calm seas and the humpback whale migration through the Turks Island Passage; September–October is peak hurricane season.

    Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 30 mm · 1.2 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

40. 

    Union Island & the Tobago Cays

    Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

    December to April is the dry high season; rain falls from May to November, and hurricanes threaten from July to October.

    Water 27–30°C · 81–86°F

41. 

    Utila

    Honduras

    March to May is dry, clearest and best for whale sharks; October and November bring the heaviest rain and some runoff.

    Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 32°C · 90°FRain 67 mm · 2.6 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

42. 

    Virgin Gorda & the Dog Islands

    British Virgin Islands

    High season runs from mid-December through April, when winter seas are rougher but clearer; hurricane risk peaks from late August through September.

    Water 26–29°C · 79–84°F

Also good in April: Andros, Aruba, Barbados, Bequia — Admiralty Bay & the Stratmann Wreck, Bimini, Bocas del Toro, Bonaire, Curaçao, Eleuthera — Cape Eleuthera & Rock Sound, Eleuthera — Harbour Island & Spanish Wells, Exuma Cays, La Parguera & Guánica, Mahahual (Costa Maya), Montserrat, Nevis, Port Antonio, Portobelo, Riviera Maya Cenotes, Santa Marta & Tayrona, Silver Bank, St. Thomas, St. Vincent — Young Island & Anchor Reef, Tiger Beach, Tobago — Crown Point & Mount Irvine, Vieques

Indian Ocean23 at their peak

1. 

   Addu Atoll

   Maldives

   Addu's resident dive centre rates January to April driest and busiest and July to September best for visibility; May-June and October-December are wetter. Full and new moon run the strongest currents.

   Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 107 mm · 4.2 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

2. 

   Ari & Rasdhoo Atolls

   Maldives

   The seas are calmest from December to May, but manta numbers peak from August to November.

   Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 77 mm · 3.0 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

3. 

   Cocos (Keeling) Islands

   Australia

   Divable year-round; Apr–Jun and Oct–Nov are calmest, with the wet season from December to March bringing more wind.

   Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 157 mm · 6.2 inVis 50 m · 164 ft

4. 

   Daymaniyat Islands

   Oman

   Sep–May is the main season; whale sharks are most reliable Aug–Nov, and the islands close to landing May–Oct for turtle nesting.

   Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 33°C · 91°FRain 16 mm · 0.6 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

5. 

   Fuvahmulah

   Maldives

   Tiger sharks are resident year-round; the dry NE monsoon (Dec-Apr) gives the calmest seas, while the Oct-Nov transition brings choppier open-water conditions.

   Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 107 mm · 4.2 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

6. 

   Haa Alif & Haa Dhaalu Atolls

   Maldives

   January to April is calm and clear with visibility to 30 m; the far north is dived most of the year, with June and July the roughest months of the southwest monsoon.

   Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 58 mm · 2.3 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

7. Hikkaduwa

   Sri Lanka

   The west-coast season runs from October to April; from May to September the main centres dive from Trincomalee instead.

   Water 26–31°C · 79–88°F

8. 

   Kish Island

   Iran

   Clear, sunny spring and summer are best; stormy autumn and late-winter seas stop the diving on rough days.

   Water 22–34°C · 72–93°F

9. 

   Laamu Atoll

   Maldives

   Pattern is Maldives-wide: calm seas and the clearest water Jan–Apr; the southwest monsoon brings rain and rougher seas Jun–Nov. Mantas are recorded at Hithadhoo Corner in every month.

   Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 110 mm · 4.3 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

10. 

    Lakshadweep

    India

    The season runs Oct–May; the south-west monsoon from June to September shuts the islands to visitors entirely.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 34 mm · 1.3 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

11. 

    Lhaviyani Atoll

    Maldives

    Iruvai, the dry northeast monsoon (Dec–Apr), is calm and clear; the wet Hulhangu monsoon (Jun–Nov) can chop the surface but brings mantas to Fushifaru Thila, peaking Oct–Nov.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 76 mm · 3.0 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

12. 

    Mauritius

    Mauritius

    Cyclone season (Jan-Mar) can disrupt trips and cloud visibility; the trade-wind months of Apr-Nov give steadier, clearer conditions.

    Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 100 mm · 3.9 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

13. 

    Meemu Atoll

    Maldives

    Calmest seas and clearest water on the north-east monsoon, Nov–Apr. Sources disagree on manta timing at Mantas and More (Dec–May versus May–Dec), so do not plan a trip around it.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 97 mm · 3.8 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

14. 

    Musandam

    Oman

    Oct–May is the comfortable window; midsummer brings 32°C water, plankton blooms and punishing surface heat.

    Sea 25°C · 77°FHigh 32°C · 90°FRain 15 mm · 0.6 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

15. 

    North Malé Atoll

    Maldives

    December to April is dry with gentle breezes; late May to July is the weakest stretch, when most liveaboards leave the atoll.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 86 mm · 3.4 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

16. 

    Outer Seychelles — Alphonse

    Seychelles

    Oct–May is the season with Mar–Apr and Oct–Nov calmest between the monsoons; the lodge closes for part of the year.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 112 mm · 4.4 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

17. 

    Praslin & La Digue

    Seychelles

    The southeast monsoon runs from May to September; the water is windiest and the visibility thinnest in July and August, while March, April and November log the clearest water.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 111 mm · 4.4 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

18. 

    Raa Atoll

    Maldives

    Dry December to May brings glassy seas and the clearest water; June can be too choppy for boats, and the windier months that follow bring plankton and mantas.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 78 mm · 3.1 in

19. Seychelles — Inner Islands

    Seychelles

    Inter-monsoon periods (Mar-May, Oct-Nov) are calmest with the best visibility; whale sharks pass through the inner-island channels August through October.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 111 mm · 4.4 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

20. 

    Socotra

    Yemen

    The June-September southwest monsoon closes the sea entirely; October-November and March-May are the calm, diveable windows.

    Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 33°C · 91°FRain 3 mm · 0.1 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

21. 

    South Malé Atoll

    Maldives

    The dry northeast monsoon, late December to May, is the main season; mantas clean May to August and whale sharks are reported in August on the outer reef.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 89 mm · 3.5 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

22. 

    Trincomalee & Kalpitiya

    Sri Lanka

    Trincomalee dives Apr–Sep; Kalpitiya's whale season runs Nov–Apr on the opposite monsoon, so one coast is always workable.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 33°C · 91°FRain 130 mm · 5.1 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

23. 

    Vaavu Atoll

    Maldives

    November to April brings the strongest channel flow and the clearest water; mantas pass through on plankton-rich currents from May to September, peaking May to July.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 91 mm · 3.6 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

Also good in April: Andaman Islands, Baa Atoll & Hanifaru Bay, Christmas Island, Goa & the Grande Island, Ifaty & Mangily, Mayotte, Netrani Island & Murudeshwar, Nosy Be, Qeshm & Hengam Island, Réunion, Rodrigues, Unawatuna & Jungle Beach, Weligama & Mirissa

Southeast Asia22 at their peak

1. 

   Hin Daeng & Hin Muang

   Thailand

   Only reliably diveable November-April; southwest monsoon swell makes the exposed pinnacles too rough May-October.

   Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 153 mm · 6.0 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

2. 

   Khao Lak

   Thailand

   Wreck day trips run 15 October to 15 May; the dry northeast monsoon from November to April gives the best conditions.

   Water 26–30°C · 79–86°FVis 15 m · 50 ft

3. Koh Chang & Koh Rang

   Thailand

   Diving runs year-round; November to May brings calm seas and the clearest water, and the June to October monsoon brings wind, waves and lower visibility.

   Water 28–30°C · 82–86°FVis 15 m · 50 ft

4. 

   Koh Kood & Koh Mak

   Thailand

   Mid-October to May brings calm seas and the clearest water; July to September turns choppy, with visibility down to 5 m.

   Water 28–30°C · 82–86°FVis 30 m · 100 ft

5. Koh Lanta & Koh Haa

   Thailand

   November to April is the dry season and the best diving; most dive shops close from the end of April to the end of October.

   Water 27–30°C · 81–86°FVis 40 m · 130 ft

6. 

   Koh Lipe & Tarutao

   Thailand

   November-April is the dry-season diving window and February-April the best of it; from mid-June to mid-October only the Pak Bara speedboat runs and visibility falls toward 10 m.

   Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 177 mm · 7.0 inVis 20 m · 66 ft

7. 

   Koh Rong & Koh Tang

   Cambodia

   Oct–Jun is the season with Nov–Apr calmest; the south-west monsoon makes the offshore crossing impractical Jul–Sep.

   Sea 31°C · 88°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 102 mm · 4.0 inVis 20 m · 66 ft

8. Koh Samui & Koh Phangan

   Thailand

   January to April has the calmest seas and best visibility; November, when the north-east monsoon can make conditions difficult, is the month to avoid.

   Water 28–30°C · 82–86°F

9. 

   Koh Tao

   Thailand

   No official closure; whale shark sightings peak March-May and September-October, while October-November bring more rain and surface chop.

   Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 111 mm · 4.4 inVis 20 m · 66 ft

10. 

    Nha Trang

    Vietnam

    Feb–Sep is the season, with Mar–May clearest; the north-east monsoon from November to January brings rough seas and closes most operators.

    Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 45 mm · 1.8 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

11. 

    Phi Phi & the King Cruiser

    Thailand

    Nov–Apr is the dry season with the calmest, clearest water; the south-west monsoon from May to October brings swell and rain.

    Sea 31°C · 88°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 155 mm · 6.1 inVis 20 m · 66 ft

12. 

    Phú Quốc

    Vietnam

    October to May is the dive season, best from November to April; June to September is the rainy season, when seas turn rough and several centres close.

    Sea 31°C · 88°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 97 mm · 3.8 inVis 20 m · 66 ft

13. 

    Phuket — Racha Islands & Local Reefs

    Thailand

    Calm, dry conditions mid-Oct to May; the May–Oct monsoon cuts clarity but Phuket's sites stay open, unlike the Similans (closed 16 May–15 Oct).

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 147 mm · 5.8 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

14. 

    Pulau Weh

    Indonesia

    Oct–Apr is the settled season with the clearest water; June to September brings wind and swell that close the exposed pinnacles.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 140 mm · 5.5 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

15. Quy Nhơn & Hòn Khô

    Vietnam

    March to September is the best window; October to February is the central coast's rainy season, when the sea can be rough and visibility poorer.

    Water 22–31°C · 72–88°F

16. 

    Redang & Perhentian Islands

    Malaysia

    The marine park is officially closed November 1-February 28 for the northeast monsoon; conditions are calmest and clearest April-September.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 114 mm · 4.5 inVis 20 m · 66 ft

17. 

    Richelieu Rock

    Thailand

    Surin park closes mid-May to mid-October; whale sharks are most reliable February-April when plankton blooms peak.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 32°C · 90°FRain 156 mm · 6.1 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

18. 

    Sail Rock — Hin Bai

    Thailand

    The Gulf runs opposite to the Andaman coast: Mar–Sep is best, and the north-east monsoon closes it from November into January.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 111 mm · 4.4 inVis 20 m · 66 ft

19. 

    Similan Islands

    Thailand

    The park is closed by law from mid-May to mid-October; December to April is the calm high season.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 137 mm · 5.4 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

20. 

    Surin Islands

    Thailand

    The national park closes mid-May to mid-October for the south-west monsoon; Feb–Apr is the peak of the open season.

    Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 32°C · 90°FRain 156 mm · 6.1 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

21. Trang Islands — Kradan, Mook & Ngai

    Thailand

    Diving runs November to April, the dry season; Ko Hai Divers on Koh Ngai is shut from May to October.

    Water 28–30°C · 82–86°F

22. Whale Island & Van Phong Bay

    Vietnam

    Whale Island's dive season runs from mid-February to mid-October, and April to September are the best months for diving.

    Water 25–29°C · 77–84°F

Also good in April: Côn Đảo, Kota Kinabalu & Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Mergui Archipelago, Pattaya & the Sattahip Wrecks, Pulau Hantu & Singapore's Southern Islands, Tenggol Island, Tioman

Pacific Islands13 at their peak

1. Bligh Water & Vatu-i-Ra

   Fiji

   Apr–Oct is the dry season with the best visibility; Nov–Mar is warmer but brings cyclone risk and rougher crossings.

   Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 217 mm · 8.5 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

2. Isle of Pines

   New Caledonia

   Boats run all year; the water stays above 24 °C (76 °F) from November to May and is coolest in August.

   Water 22–27°C · 72–81°F

3. Kadavu & the Great Astrolabe Reef

   Fiji

   Apr–Oct is the dry season with the best visibility; Nov–Mar brings cyclone risk and rain, though the water is warmest then.

   Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 232 mm · 9.1 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

4. 

   Kona

   United States

   Manta rays and reef diving are consistent year-round; Dec-Apr adds migrating humpback whales, while winter swell can occasionally limit access to exposed sites.

   Sea 25°C · 77°FHigh 26°C · 79°FRain 94 mm · 3.7 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

5. Kosrae

   Micronesia

   Divable year-round in a wet equatorial climate; Feb–Apr is generally driest and calmest, with little seasonal variation.

   Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 333 mm · 13.1 inVis 45 m · 148 ft

6. 

   Lifou

   New Caledonia

   The warmest water runs from December to May; February and March bring the heaviest rain, and September is the driest month.

   Water 23–28°C · 73–82°F

7. Majuro & Mili

   Marshall Islands

   Divable year-round; Mar–May is generally driest and calmest, and the wetter months bring more wind than swell.

   Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 232 mm · 9.1 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

8. 

   Maui, Molokini & Lānaʻi

   United States

   April to October is the calm dry season; winter swells hit the north coast while south-facing sites stay open.

   Sea 25°C · 77°FHigh 26°C · 79°FRain 72 mm · 2.8 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

9. 

   Palau

   Palau

   Boats run every month; November to April has the best conditions, and June to December is typhoon season.

   Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 194 mm · 7.6 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

10. 

    Rangiroa

    French Polynesia

    December–March is great hammerhead season in Tiputa Pass; dolphins and grey reef sharks are reliable year-round.

    Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 93 mm · 3.7 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

11. Rota

    Northern Mariana Islands

    Rota Hole is at its best from March to September for the light beams; the Shoun Maru is dived year-round.

    Water 28–30°C · 82–86°F

12. 

    Saipan & Tinian

    Northern Mariana Islands

    Dec–Jun is calmest and clearest; Jul–Nov is typhoon season, when swell regularly closes the Grotto entirely.

    Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 53 mm · 2.1 inVis 50 m · 164 ft

13. 

    Tikehau

    French Polynesia

    Apr–Oct is drier with the calmest passes; the wet season from November to March brings rain and more wind but warm water.

    Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 88 mm · 3.5 inVis 45 m · 148 ft

Also good in April: Bikini Atoll, Chuuk Lagoon, Espiritu Santo — SS Coolidge, Fakarava, Guam, Hilo, Kauaʻi — Poipu & the South Shore, Maupiti, Moorea, New Caledonia, Niue, Nuku Hiva, Oʻahu, Pohnpei, Raiatea & Taha'a, Rainbow Reef & Namena, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Rarotonga & Aitutaki, Savai'i & Upolu, Savusavu & Natewa Bay, Tahiti & Teahupo'o, Tanna & Lenakel, Wallis Island (Uvea), Yap, Yasawa Islands

East Asia11 at their peak

1. Amami Ōshima

   Japan

   The pufferfish nests are built Apr–Aug, which is also the calmest window; typhoons disrupt Aug–Oct and winter brings north winds.

   Sea 22°C · 72°FHigh 24°C · 75°FRain 174 mm · 6.9 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

2. Hachijojima

   Japan

   April and May are the best months; the good season runs March to mid-July and mid-September to December.

   Water 18–25°C · 64–77°FVis 20 m · 66 ft

3. Iriomote & the Yonara Channel

   Japan

   Manta odds are highest from November to May; mid-June to October is the sunniest stretch, but it overlaps the June to September typhoon season.

   Water 20–31°C · 68–88°F

4. 

   Ishigaki

   Japan

   Manta sightings peak April-November; typhoon season (Jul-Sep) and winter winds disrupt boat schedules.

   Sea 25°C · 77°FHigh 26°C · 79°FRain 99 mm · 3.9 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

5. 

   Kenting

   Taiwan

   Apr–Jun and October are best; typhoons hit Jul–Sep and the north-east monsoon from November closes the exposed east coast.

   Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 59 mm · 2.3 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

6. 

   Kerama Islands

   Japan

   Calmest seas and best clarity run April-September; winter brings choppier northeast winds and cooler water.

   Sea 23°C · 73°FHigh 25°C · 77°FRain 119 mm · 4.7 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

7. 

   Miyako-jima

   Japan

   Apr–Jun and October are the best windows; typhoons disrupt Jul–Sep and winter north winds close the exposed cavern sites.

   Sea 24°C · 75°FHigh 26°C · 79°FRain 113 mm · 4.4 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

8. 

   Ogasawara Islands

   Japan

   Calmest seas run April-October; humpback whales pass through December-April but winter crossings are rougher.

   Sea 22°C · 72°FHigh 24°C · 75°FRain 106 mm · 4.2 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

9. Okinawa — Cape Maeda & Sunabe

   Japan

   Divable year-round; Mar–Jun and Oct–Nov are calmest, while Jul–Sep is typhoon season and winter northerlies close the west coast.

   Sea 23°C · 73°FHigh 25°C · 77°FRain 140 mm · 5.5 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

10. Sanya & Wuzhizhou Island

    China

    November to April is the dry season and the best stretch for diving; May to October brings the rains.

    Water 20–30°C · 68–86°FVis 25 m · 82 ft

11. 

    Xiaoliuqiu

    Taiwan

    Divable year-round; Apr–Jun and October are calmest, while typhoons disrupt Jul–Sep and winter winds raise swell.

    Sea 26°C · 79°FHigh 32°C · 90°FRain 65 mm · 2.6 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

Also good in April: Amakusa, Gangneung, Green Island, Hong Kong — Sai Kung & Hoi Ha Wan, Izu Ōshima, Izu Peninsula — Osezaki & IOP, Jeju — Munseom, Katsuura & Namegawa, Kozushima, Kume Island, Kushimoto, Longdong & Northeast Coast, Miura Peninsula — Jogashima, Hayama & Zushi, Miyakejima, Muroto, Kannoura & Shishikui, Nanki-Shirahama & Tanabe, Oki Islands, Penghu Islands, Sokcho & Goseong, Tateyama — Hazama, Nishikawana & Ito, Tokunoshima, Ulleungdo, Yonaguni

South America11 at their peak

1. 

   Alcatrazes Archipelago

   Brazil

   October to April is the better half of the year; February to April brings calmer sea and weaker currents, and September the coldest water.

   Water 18–24°C · 64–75°FVis 30 m · 100 ft

2. 

   Arraial do Cabo

   Brazil

   Apr–Aug brings the calmest seas and clearest water; strong spring and summer winds regularly cancel boats, and upwelling drops temperatures sharply.

   Sea 25°C · 77°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 94 mm · 3.7 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

3. 

   Bonito

   Brazil

   The Apr–Sep dry season gives the most reliable clarity; heavy rain from Nov to Feb can cloud the rivers and close them for a day or two after storms.

   Water 21–24°C · 70–75°FHigh 35°C · 95°FRain 104 mm · 4.1 inVis 50 m · 164 ft

4. 

   Cabo Frio

   Brazil

   April is the best time of year for diving off Cabo Frio and neighbouring Arraial do Cabo.

   Water 22–26°C · 72–79°FVis 20 m · 66 ft

5. 

   Florianópolis & Ilha do Xavier

   Brazil

   November to April is the best season; diving carries on all year, but a colder, nutrient-rich current can darken the water in the other months.

   Water 19–26°C · 66–79°F

6. Guarapari

   Brazil

   Diving runs all year; November to May is the best time at Ilha Escalvada and the Ilhas Rasas, and December to April at Três Ilhas.

   Water 23–26°C · 73–79°F

7. 

   Ilha Grande & Angra dos Reis

   Brazil

   October to April brings warmer water and the best visibility; the mainland-facing north coast is diveable all year.

   Sea 26°C · 79°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 94 mm · 3.7 in

8. 

   Laje de Santos

   Brazil

   Autumn and winter (Mar–Sep) bring the clearest water and the manta ray aggregation; summer is warmer but rain and runoff cut visibility, and strong wind can close the park to boats.

   Sea 26°C · 79°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 55 mm · 2.2 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

9. Maceió & Praia do Francês

   Brazil

   October to April is the season; June to August brings rain and strong wind. December to February books up weeks ahead.

   Water 26–29°C · 79–84°F

10. 

    Mar del Plata

    Argentina

    The best months are September to November and March to May. Water falls to 8–16 °C from May to September, though club boats still go out in July.

    Water 8–23°C · 46–73°FVis 10 m · 33 ft

11. Porto Seguro & Santa Cruz Cabrália

    Brazil

    November to April brings the clearest water and the least wind; December to February is the busy summer season, when dives are best booked 15 to 30 days ahead.

    Water 24–28°C · 75–82°FVis 10 m · 33 ft

Also good in April: Arvoredo Marine Reserve, Búzios, Las Grutas, Palomino Islands, Paraty, Pucusana, Puerto Madryn & Península Valdés

Cold Water10 at their peak

1. Gothenburg Archipelago

   Sweden

   At Trubaduren wolffish are near certain from December to midsummer, and June adds spiny dogfish; March has the coldest water.

   Water 3–19°C · 37–66°F

2. Kinsale & Old Head

   Ireland

   Spring and summer bring the migrants, the egg-guarding lumpsuckers and the hydroid bloom; the sea is coldest in January.

   Water 9–18°C · 48–64°F

3. 

   Kreidesee Hemmoor

   Germany

   Diveable year-round in a drysuit; semidry season runs April to November. Deep water stays near 5°C year-round; clarity depends more on weather and diver traffic than on the calendar.

   Water 5–18°C · 41–64°FHigh 20°C · 68°FRain 44 mm · 1.7 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

4. Lago Nahuel Huapi & Bariloche

   Argentina

   November to April is the best season; the seasonal schools close after Easter while the centre on Lago Moreno dives all year, and the winter lake is 2 to 4 °C.

   Water 2–14°C · 36–57°FVis 20 m · 66 ft

5. 

   Lake Constance

   Germany

   Diving runs all year; guided dives run from April to October, while December and January bring char and eels to the Parkhaus Post overhang.

   Water 4–22°C · 39–72°F

6. Øresund & Isefjord

   Denmark

   Spring brings the best visibility on the Anemone Wreck, and September and October decent visibility and weather on Vapper; the Munkholm Bridge is dived through autumn and winter.

   Water 2–18°C · 36–64°F

7. Stockholm Archipelago & Dalarö

   Sweden

   Autumn, winter and spring are the best time for the Dalarö wrecks; a drysuit is needed in every season.

   Water 1–19°C · 34–66°F

8. White Sea — Chupa Bay & Nilmoguba

   Russia

   Ice diving runs February to April while the sea ice holds; summer diving is by speedboat, with the water warmest in July.

   Water -1–14°C · 30–57°F

9. Whittier & Prince William Sound

   United States

   March to June is the best stretch; from late May to early September stream runoff makes Smitty's Cove very hard to dive.

   Water 2–13°C · 36–55°FVis 24 m · 80 ft

10. 

    Zeeland — Oosterschelde & Grevelingen

    Netherlands

    Cuttlefish season runs Apr–Jun and is the year's highlight; winter is coldest at 4°C but gives the clearest water.

    Sea 10°C · 50°FHigh 20°C · 68°FRain 38 mm · 1.5 inVis 12 m · 40 ft

Also good in April: Anglesey, Aran Islands, Attersee, Barkley Sound, Bohuslän & Gullmarsfjord, Bornholm, Cape Ann & Stellwagen Bank, Capernwray & the Lake District, Comox Valley & Hornby Island, Discovery Passage & Campbell River, Donegal Coast — Downings, Tory & Arranmore, Dublin Bay, Feldberger Seenlandschaft, Gotland & Fårö, Gulen & the Sognefjord, Halifax & St Margaret's Bay, Hel Peninsula, Isle of Skye, Kinlochbervie & the North-West Highlands, Klaipėda & Curonian Spit, Kristiansund & the Atlantic Ocean Road, Lake Baikal — Listvyanka & Olkhon, Lake Shikotsu, Lake Vättern, Lillebælt & Middelfart, Loch Fyne & Loch Long, Lofoten Islands, Narvik, Pembrokeshire & Skomer, Plymouth Sound & HMS Scylla, Puget Sound, Reykjanes Peninsula — Garður & Flekkuvík, Saltstraumen, San Juan Islands, Scapa Flow, Shakotan Peninsula, Silfra, Sochi & Lazarevskoye, Sound of Mull, South Funen Archipelago, St Abbs & Eyemouth, Stoney Cove, Strýtan, Ushuaia & the Beagle Channel, Väderöarna, Weymouth & Portland

Red Sea & Gulf of Aden9 at their peak

1. 

   Abu Nuhas & Gubal Strait

   Egypt

   Diving is year-round; Apr–Jun and Sep–Nov give the calmest seas, and winter northerlies can make the exposed north reef unworkable.

   Sea 23°C · 73°FHigh 33°C · 91°FRain 0 mm · 0.0 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

2. 

   Dahab

   Egypt

   Conditions stay calm and shore-diveable year-round; visibility peaks in spring and autumn shoulder months.

   Sea 23°C · 73°FHigh 36°C · 97°FRain 1 mm · 0.0 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

3. 

   Eilat

   Israel

   Divable all year; Mar–May and Sep–Nov are most comfortable, while July and August are extremely hot on the surface.

   Sea 22°C · 72°FHigh 35°C · 95°FRain 15 mm · 0.6 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

4. 

   El Quseir

   Egypt

   Sheltered shore dives, so the winter wind that disrupts boat schedules from October to April matters less; water falls to 23 °C by February and peaks near 30 °C in late summer.

   Sea 23°C · 73°FHigh 35°C · 95°FRain 0 mm · 0.0 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

5. Farasan Banks & Al Lith

   Saudi Arabia

   Whale sharks aggregate at Shib Habil Mar–May; midsummer surface temperatures above 40°C make the region impractical.

   Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 32°C · 90°FRain 13 mm · 0.5 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

6. 

   Jeddah

   Saudi Arabia

   Diveable in any month: winter water near 22C wants a 5 mm suit and hood, and July-September pairs the warmest sea with severe heat ashore.

   Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 40°C · 104°FRain 9 mm · 0.4 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

7. 

   Safaga

   Egypt

   Apr–Jun and Sep–Nov are the most comfortable windows; in every month the wind decides whether the offshore reefs can be reached.

   Sea 23°C · 73°FHigh 39°C · 102°FRain 0 mm · 0.0 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

8. 

   St John's Reefs

   Egypt

   Mar–Jun and Sep–Nov are the settled windows; midsummer is very hot and winter northerlies make the long crossing uncomfortable.

   Sea 25°C · 77°FHigh 32°C · 90°FRain 1 mm · 0.0 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

9. 

   Sudanese Red Sea

   Sudan

   Best conditions run April–June and October–November; the 2023 conflict has disrupted Port Sudan liveaboard departures — verify operators.

   Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 7 mm · 0.3 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

Also good in April: Aqaba, Brothers & Daedalus, Hamata & Wadi Lahami, Hurghada & El Gouna, Marsa Alam & Port Ghalib, Nuweiba, Sharm El Sheikh — Ras Mohammed, Yanbu & the Seven Reefs

Australia & New Zealand7 at their peak

1. 

   Bay of Islands

   New Zealand

   Jan–May is warmest and clearest as the East Auckland Current pushes south; winter is cold, green and frequently blown out.

   Sea 20°C · 68°FHigh 22°C · 72°FRain 97 mm · 3.8 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

2. 

   Exmouth Navy Pier

   Australia

   Divable year-round on slack water; Apr–Oct is the dry season and overlaps the wider Ningaloo whale shark and humpback seasons.

   Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 36°C · 97°FRain 22 mm · 0.9 inVis 20 m · 66 ft

3. 

   Jervis Bay

   Australia

   Apr–Jul is clearest as summer runoff clears; seals are present through winter and grey nurse numbers peak in the cooler months.

   Sea 22°C · 72°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 92 mm · 3.6 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

4. 

   Lord Howe Island

   Australia

   The warm East Australian Current peaks Dec–Apr for the calmest, clearest diving; winter (Jul–Aug) is cooler with more boat-canceling swell.

   Sea 24°C · 75°FHigh 24°C · 75°FRain 68 mm · 2.7 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

5. 

   Nelson Bay — Fly Point

   Australia

   Apr–Aug is clearest and coldest, with giant cuttlefish courting in winter; summer runoff can drop visibility to a few metres.

   Sea 23°C · 73°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 93 mm · 3.7 inVis 15 m · 50 ft

6. 

   Ningaloo Reef

   Australia

   Whale sharks aggregate mid-Mar–Jul after coral spawning; humpback whales pass close to the reef Jul–Oct; manta rays are present year-round.

   Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 33°C · 91°FRain 27 mm · 1.1 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

7. 

   Poor Knights Islands

   New Zealand

   The East Auckland Current brings the warmest water and best visibility Jan–Apr; winter (Jul–Sep) is colder with more swell.

   Sea 20°C · 68°FHigh 22°C · 72°FRain 105 mm · 4.1 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

Also good in April: Albany — King George Sound, Eaglehawk Neck, Fiordland, Goat Island — Leigh, Great Barrier Reef — Cairns & Ribbons, Julian Rocks — Byron Bay, Kaikōura, Lady Elliot Island, Montague Island, Mount Gambier — Limestone Coast, Neptune Islands, North Stradbroke Island — Point Lookout, NSW Central Coast, Osprey Reef, Port Phillip — Portsea & Blairgowrie, Rapid Bay, South West Rocks — Fish Rock, SS Yongala, Stewart Island, Whitsundays

Eastern Pacific6 at their peak

1. 

   Galápagos — Central & South Islands

   Ecuador

   December to May brings warmer, calmer and clearer water; June to November is choppier and colder but better for ocean sunfish.

   Water 18–26°C · 64–79°FVis 12 m · 40 ft

2. 

   Galápagos West (Isabela & Fernandina)

   Ecuador

   Dec-Apr's warmer, calmer water is the easiest diving; the colder, current-driven upwelling of Jun-Nov cuts visibility and deepens the thermocline but is when mola mola and penguins are most active.

   Sea 25°C · 77°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 58 mm · 2.3 inVis 15 m · 50 ft

3. 

   Gorgona Island

   Colombia

   Jul–Oct is humpback season and the main reason to visit; Feb–Apr generally brings the clearest water in a very wet climate.

   Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 395 mm · 15.6 inVis 20 m · 66 ft

4. 

   Gulf of Chiriquí

   Panama

   Dec–Apr is the dry season with the calmest crossings; Sep–Oct is rainier but overlaps the southern humpback migration.

   Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 35°C · 95°FRain 168 mm · 6.6 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

5. Islas Catalinas

   Costa Rica

   Manta trips run November to April, with mantas reported into May; the rest of the year the islands dive for sharks, rays and fish schools.

   Water 18–28°C · 64–82°FVis 30 m · 100 ft

6. Nuquí & the Gulf of Tribugá

   Colombia

   Boats run all year; March to August is the best stretch, taking in the sardine run around May and the start of whale watching in July.

   Water 25–30°C · 77–86°F

Also good in April: Cocos Island, Coiba, Galápagos — Darwin & Wolf, Isla del Caño, Malpelo, Quepos & Manuel Antonio

North America6 at their peak

1. 

   Blue Heron Bridge

   United States

   Divable year-round; Apr–Aug brings the warmest water and the widest range of juveniles, and every dive is tied to the high-tide window.

   Sea 26°C · 79°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 80 mm · 3.1 inVis 20 m · 66 ft

2. 

   Florida Keys — Key Largo & Islamorada

   United States

   Winter cold fronts (December-February) bring choppier seas and cooler water; April-August offers the calmest conditions, though hurricane season runs June-November.

   Sea 26°C · 79°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 76 mm · 3.0 inVis 20 m · 66 ft

3. 

   Lake Havasu

   United States

   March to September are the prime months on the lake; the water is coldest in January at about 13 °C and warmest in August at about 19 °C, and the lake is still dived on New Year's Day.

   Water 13–19°C · 55–66°F

4. Marathon & the Middle Keys

   United States

   April pairs the calmer April-October weather with the good visibility of the cooler December-April months; November-March is windier, and May-September is hurricane season.

   Water 22–30°C · 72–86°FVis 15 m · 50 ft

5. Panama City Beach

   United States

   April to October is the main diving season; January and February bring water down to about 15 °C (59 °F).

   Water 15–30°C · 59–86°F

6. 

   Sea of Cortez — La Paz

   Mexico

   Calm, clear conditions run October to May; summer brings occasional wind and choppier seas, and Los Islotes closes from June to August.

   Sea 22°C · 72°FHigh 35°C · 95°FRain 1 mm · 0.0 in

Also good in April: Cabo Pulmo, Catalina Island, Clearwater, Dunedin & Tarpon Springs, Ensenada & Punta Banda, Flower Garden Banks, Fort Lauderdale, Huatulco, Key West, Monterey Bay, North Florida Springs, Palm Beach & Jupiter, Redondo, Palos Verdes & San Pedro, Revillagigedo (Socorro), Veracruz Reef System

Africa4 at their peak

1. 

   Durban

   South Africa

   March to July is best: low rainfall and south-westerlies bring clear water. Spring rain (September to December) clouds the water near the harbour and Umlaas canal mouths.

   Water 21–26°C · 70–79°F

2. 

   Jangamo & Guinjata Bay

   Mozambique

   Whale sharks peak November to May; humpback whales pass from June until November.

   Water 24–28°C · 75–82°F

3. 

   Protea Banks

   South Africa

   Scalloped hammerheads school October-March, with great hammerheads most likely around March-April; bull (Zambezi) sharks aggregate June-September; ragged-tooth sharks pass through in winter.

   Sea 25°C · 77°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 126 mm · 5.0 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

4. 

   Sodwana Bay

   South Africa

   Conditions are good all year; ragged-tooth sharks peak in January and February, and the clearest water runs from April to September.

   Sea 26°C · 79°FHigh 34°C · 93°FRain 64 mm · 2.5 in

Also good in April: Algoa Bay, Aliwal Shoal, Bazaruto Archipelago, Cape Peninsula Kelp Forests, Chinhoyi Caves, Comoros — Mohéli, Gansbaai, Hermanus, Lake Malawi, Mombasa, Nyali & Bamburi, Ponta do Ouro, Robberg & Plettenberg Bay, Tofo

Atlantic2 at their peak

1. 

   Cabo Verde — Sal

   Cabo Verde

   Apr–Jun and Oct–Nov bring the calmest seas and best visibility; Jul–Sep swell affects exposed sites, and Jan–Feb trade winds cool the water.

   Sea 22°C · 72°FHigh 24°C · 75°FRain 6 mm · 0.2 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

2. Santo Antão

   Cabo Verde

   Diving runs year-round; April to June and October to November are the best months, and autumn brings the best odds of a manta ray or whale shark.

   Water 23–27°C · 73–81°F

Also good in April: Algarve — Ocean Revival, Ascension Island, Belle-Île-en-Mer & Quiberon, Bermuda, Boa Vista, Cascais & Cabo Raso, Crozon Peninsula & the Iroise Marine Park, El Cabrón — Gran Canaria, El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Glénan Archipelago, Gran Canaria — Las Palmas & the North Coast, Île d'Oléron & the Pertuis d'Antioche, Île de Groix & Lorient, La Graciosa & the Chinijo Archipelago, La Palma, Lanzarote & Museo Atlántico, Madeira, Porto Santo, Sálvora, Ons & Ría de Arousa, San Sebastián & Getaria, Santander & Isla de Mouro, São Vicente & Mindelo, St Helena, Tarifa & the Strait of Gibraltar, Tenerife

Mediterranean2 at their peak

1. 

   Gallipoli — Dardanelles Wrecks

   Turkey

   April–May and August–September bring the best conditions; the wrecks can be dived all year.

   Sea 14°C · 57°FHigh 23°C · 73°FRain 53 mm · 2.1 in

2. Punta Campanella & the Sorrento Coast

   Italy

   Spring and autumn bring the most tuna and yellowtail to Li Galli; the sea warms from 14 °C (57 °F) in February to 26 °C (79 °F) in August.

   Water 14–26°C · 57–79°F

Also good in April: Aeolian Islands — Lipari & Vulcano, Alanya, Bergeggi, Noli, Spotorno & Finale Ligure, Bodrum, Budva & Jaz, Byblos, Amchit & Batroun, Cabo de Gata-Níjar, Cabo de Palos & Islas Hormigas, Cabo Tiñoso (La Azohía, Isla Plana & Puerto de Mazarrón), Cabrera Archipelago, Cap de Creus, Capo Caccia & Nereo Cave, Capo Carbonara, Catania & the Cyclops Islands, Çeşme & Ildır, Ceuta, Corsica — Lavezzi & Bonifacio, Costa Blanca — Calpe, Moraira & Jávea, Côte d'Azur — Cannes & the Estérel, Crete, Dubrovnik & the Elafiti Islands, Fethiye & Ölüdeniz, Filicudi & Salina, Gökçeada, Ios & Folegandros, Ischia & Procida, Islas Columbretes, Kaş, Kornati Islands, Kos & the Kefalos Peninsula, Kuşadası, Kyrenia (Girne), La Herradura, Larnaca — Zenobia, Lefkada & Meganisi, Leros & Lakki, Lesbos, Limassol & the Three Stars Wreck, Mallorca — Palma & the Southwest, Malta & Gozo, Marseille & the Calanques, Milos & Kimolos, Paphos & Coral Bay, Piran & Portorož, Port-Cros & Îles d'Hyères, Porto Cesareo & the Nardò Coast, Portofino Marine Reserve, Premuda, Santa Maria di Leuca, Santa Maria Navarrese & Arbatax, Santorini & the Caldera, Sarandë & Ksamil, Sète & Frontignan, Skopelos, Sozopol & St. Ivan Island, Taranto & the Gulf of Taranto, Tarragona, Tavolara & La Maddalena, Tremiti Islands, Varna & Cape Kaliakra, Vlora, Karaburun & Sazan

Water temperature in April

The measured sea surface in April (2011–2025 average) at every destination at its peak or in good shape, grouped by the suit our wetsuit guide recommends. Deeper water can run colder.at its peak