When to dive

Where to dive in October

180 dive destinations are at their peak in October, with another 357 in good shape. The strongest regions are Coral Triangle, Mediterranean, East Asia; water runs from 1 °C to 32 °C (34–90 °F).

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At their peakGoodOther destinations

Warmest water: New Ireland & Kavieng29–32 °C (84–90 °F)
Clearest water: Christmas Island60 m (197 ft) visibility
Cold-water pick: Stockholm Archipelago & Dalarö1–19 °C (34–66 °F)

Coral Triangle27 at their peak

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 28°C · 82°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 127 mm · 5.0 inVis 25 m · 82 ft
Banda Islands
Indonesia
October–April is the main liveaboard transit season; hammerhead and mobula sightings at seamounts are seasonal, not guaranteed.
Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 72 mm · 2.8 inVis 35 m · 115 ft
Belongas Bay & South Lombok
Indonesia
Hammerheads peak from August to November; Belongas is calmest from March to mid-June and in October and November.
Water 25–30°C · 77–86°FVis 20 m · 66 ft
Bunaken
Indonesia
May–October dry season gives the clearest water; some rain and runoff November–April.
Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 144 mm · 5.7 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Cenderawasih Bay
Indonesia
Whale sharks feed at the bagans all year; most liveaboards visit from June to October, when rough weather around Raja Ampat pushes routes into the sheltered bay.
Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 184 mm · 7.2 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Dili
Timor-Leste
The dry season runs from May to October and the rainy season from November to April; mid-September to November is the high season, when trip prices carry a surcharge.
Water 27–31°C · 81–88°F
Gili Islands
Indonesia
Divable year-round; Apr–Nov brings the calmest crossings, and mola mola occasionally appear Aug–Oct on the deeper sites.
Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 33°C · 91°FRain 61 mm · 2.4 inVis 25 m · 82 ft
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 29°C · 84°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 179 mm · 7.0 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
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
Kimbe Bay
Papua New Guinea
Diveable year-round; May–October dry season typically gives clearer water and calmer seas.
Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 144 mm · 5.7 inVis 35 m · 115 ft
Lembeh Strait
Indonesia
Diveable all year; July and August bring the most critters, October to December the clearest water, and January and February the roughest seas.
Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 144 mm · 5.7 inVis 20 m · 66 ft
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 221 mm · 8.7 inVis 20 m · 66 ft
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 29°C · 84°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 190 mm · 7.5 inVis 40 m · 130 ft
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
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 29°C · 84°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 88 mm · 3.5 inVis 25 m · 82 ft
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
New Ireland & Kavieng
Papua New Guinea
The New Hanover trips run from May to October; rain from late December to March and North Pacific swell from November to April mark the rest of the year.
Water 29–32°C · 84–90°F
Nusa Penida
Indonesia
Mola mola are most likely from July to October, inside the coldest months; mantas stay all year and are likeliest from March to June.
Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 65 mm · 2.6 in
Padangbai & Candidasa
Indonesia
Diveable all year; mola mola are likeliest July to October, while the November to March wet season cuts visibility and makes the islets harder to dive.
Water 23–29°C · 73–84°FVis 30 m · 100 ft
Pulau Aur & Pulau Dayang
Malaysia
Boats run from about March to October and the northeast monsoon from November to March ends the season; October brings the best odds of mantas and whale sharks.
Water 25–29°C · 77–84°F
Rabaul & Simpson Harbour
Papua New Guinea
May to October is the best stretch; December to March is the wettest, though only marginally wetter than the rest of the year.
Water 29–30°C · 84–86°F
Sangeang & Bima Bay
Indonesia
April to November is the season and June to October the peak; in January and February most liveaboard operators do not run.
Water 24–28°C · 75–82°FVis 25 m · 82 ft
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
Takabonerate & Selayar
Indonesia
Apr–Nov is the season; the north-west monsoon makes the crossing from Makassar impractical from December to February.
Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 50 mm · 2.0 inVis 40 m · 130 ft
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 29°C · 84°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 120 mm · 4.7 inVis 35 m · 115 ft
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 29°C · 84°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 65 mm · 2.6 inVis 25 m · 82 ft
Wakatobi
Indonesia
Diveable all year; April–May and September–November are the peak months, and January and February the wettest.
Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 35 mm · 1.4 inVis 35 m · 115 ft

Also good in October: Alor, Amed, Anda — Bohol, Apo Island, Ataúro Island, Balicasag, Bangka Island, Cabilao, Dauin, Derawan & Sangalaki, Florida & Russell Islands, Gizo, Halmahera — Kusu & Sali Islands, Komodo, Krakatau & Sangiang Island, Labuan & Brunei Wrecks, Milne Bay, Misool, Moalboal, Pamilacan, Panglao, Raja Ampat, Romblon, Rote Island, Sangihe — Banua Wuhu, Siargao, Sibu & Tinggi Islands, Sipadan, Siquijor, Solomon Islands — Munda, Southern Leyte — Sogod Bay, Subic Bay, Togian Islands, Triton Bay

Mediterranean21 at their peak

Agistri & Poros
Greece
May to October is the time to go; September and October bring the best conditions and the fewest crowds.
Water 15–26°C · 59–79°F
Beirut & Jounieh
Lebanon
June to October is the reliable window, with September and October clearest; winter boats cancel often, and sand tigers are reported mostly in July and August.
Water 18–29°C · 64–84°F
Buggerru & Pan di Zucchero
Italy
Across Sardinia the seas are calm from May to October; each dive is planned around the state of the sea.
Water 14–25°C · 57–77°F
Byblos, Amchit & Batroun
Lebanon
Visibility peaks from September to December as the sea settles; January to March bring the most weather cancellations.
Water 18–29°C · 64–84°F
Cabo de Palos & Islas Hormigas
Spain
Jun–Oct has the warmest water and the calmest crossings; winter is clearest but cold, and easterly winds close the seamounts year-round.
Sea 23°C · 73°FHigh 26°C · 79°FRain 37 mm · 1.5 inVis 20 m · 66 ft
Cape Greco & Ayia Napa
Cyprus
Diving is possible year-round; May to October brings the warmest water and greater marine-life abundance.
Water 17–28°C · 63–82°F
Çeşme & Ildır
Turkey
Diving stops in January and February; September is among the best months, and the stingrays mate in October and November.
Water 15–23°C · 59–73°F
Crete
Greece
April to November is the season, warmest from July to September; the summer meltemi can blow out the exposed north-coast sites for a day or two at a time.
Sea 23°C · 73°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 36 mm · 1.4 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Fethiye & Ölüdeniz
Turkey
September and October pair warm sea with cooler air; winter brings heavy rain, strong winds and many closed facilities.
Water 16–30°C · 61–86°F
Gökçeada
Turkey
September and October bring the calmest sea and the clearest water; the dive centres generally close from November to March.
Water 13–26°C · 55–79°F
Ischia & Procida
Italy
May to October is the best stretch, with warmer water and generally good visibility; one Forio centre keeps diving through the winter.
Water 14–26°C · 57–79°F
Kalkan
Turkey
The sea warms abruptly in late May or early June and stays warm into November; winter water drops to about 16 °C.
Water 16–28°C · 61–82°FVis 30 m · 100 ft
Kaş
Turkey
Apr–Nov is the operating season with Jun–Oct warmest and calmest; most centres close over winter.
Sea 25°C · 77°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 52 mm · 2.0 inVis 40 m · 130 ft
Kefalonia & Ithaca
Greece
May–June and September–October bring the best visibility and smaller groups; August is the warmest month.
Water 15–26°C · 59–79°FVis 40 m · 130 ft
Larnaca — Zenobia
Cyprus
Diveable year-round: Jun–Oct is warmest with water above 23°C; Dec–Feb runs 16–18°C with the clearest water and the quietest moorings.
Sea 26°C · 79°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 16 mm · 0.6 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Marmaris & İçmeler
Turkey
May to October is the best time to dive; in the cooler months the water drops to about 20°C (68°F).
Water 20–28°C · 68–82°F
Milos & Kimolos
Greece
May, June, September and October give calm water with fewer crowds; the July and August meltemi can shut Kleftiko for days.
Water 16–26°C · 61–79°FVis 30 m · 100 ft
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
Samos
Greece
Diving runs from May to October; July to October brings the warmest water, while summer north winds raise waves on exposed coasts.
Water 16–25°C · 61–77°F
Santorini & the Caldera
Greece
Diving runs all year. April to November is the main season, with the calmest seas in summer; winter water averages about 16°C.
Water 16–27°C · 61–81°FVis 40 m · 130 ft
Sète & Frontignan
France
The sea averages about 12 °C in February against 22 °C in August and stays above 20 °C from June to October; cuttlefish return to the coast in April, and wind can close the exposed sites.
Sea 19°C · 66°FHigh 26°C · 79°FRain 67 mm · 2.6 in

Also good in October: Aeolian Islands — Lipari & Vulcano, Akamas Peninsula & Latchi, Alanya, Alonissos & the Peristera Wreck, Amorgos, Ayvalık & Cunda Islands, Baia & the Phlegraean Fields, Banyuls-sur-Mer & the Côte Vermeille, Bastia & Cap Corse (East Coast), Bergeggi, Noli, Spotorno & Finale Ligure, Bodrum, Budva & Jaz, Cabo de Gata-Níjar, Cabo Tiñoso (La Azohía, Isla Plana & Puerto de Mazarrón), Cabrera Archipelago, Cala Gonone & the Gulf of Orosei, Cap d'Agde, Cap de Creus, Capo Caccia & Nereo Cave, Capo Carbonara, Capri, Catania & the Cyclops Islands, Ceuta, Corfu, Corsica — Ajaccio & Sagone, Corsica — Calvi & the Revellata, Corsica — Lavezzi & Bonifacio, Costa Blanca — Calpe, Moraira & Jávea, Costa Brava — Blanes, Lloret & Tossa, Costa Brava — L'Escala & the Montgrí Coast, Costa Brava — Palamós, Llafranc & Begur, Costa Brava — Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Côte d'Azur — Cannes & the Estérel, Datça & the Knidos Peninsula, Dubrovnik & the Elafiti Islands, Egadi Islands, Elba & the Tuscan Archipelago, Filicudi & Salina, Gallipoli — Dardanelles Wrecks, Golfe de Valinco — Propriano & Porto-Pollo, Halkidiki — Sithonia, Herceg Novi & the Luštica Blue Cave, Ibiza & Formentera, Ios & Folegandros, Islas Columbretes, Istria — Rovinj & Pula, Kalymnos & Telendos, Kea Channel, Kemer & Tekirova, Kornati Islands, Kos & the Kefalos Peninsula, Kuşadası, Kvarner — Cres, Krk & Lošinj, Kyrenia (Girne), La Herradura, Lampedusa & Linosa, Lastovo & the Lastovnjaci, Lefkada & Meganisi, Leros & Lakki, Lesbos, Limassol & the Three Stars Wreck, Mallorca — Alcúdia, Pollença & Cap de Formentor, Mallorca — Palma & the Southwest, Malta & Gozo, Marseille & the Calanques, Medes Islands, Menorca, Palavas-les-Flots, Carnon & Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone, Pantelleria, Paphos & Coral Bay, Paros & Naxos, Piran & Portorož, Ponza & the Pontine Islands, Port-Cros & Îles d'Hyères, Porto Cesareo & the Nardò Coast, Portofino Marine Reserve, Premuda, Primošten & Rogoznica, Rhodes, San Vito Lo Capo & Scopello, Santa Maria di Leuca, Santa Maria Navarrese & Arbatax, Sarandë & Ksamil, Skopelos, Stintino & the Asinara National Park, Tabarca & Santa Pola, Tabarka, Taranto & the Gulf of Taranto, Tarragona, Tavolara & La Maddalena, Thassos, Tremiti Islands, Ustica, Varna & Cape Kaliakra, Vis, Vlora, Karaburun & Sazan, Zakynthos

East Asia17 at their peak

Amakusa
Japan
Diving runs all year; July coral spawning and the October cave season stand out, while winter brings drysuits and lumpsuckers, and north winds blow into spring.
Water 15–28°C · 59–82°F
Gangneung
South Korea
July to October is best; winter brings the clearest water, with 2 to 4 °C in January and February.
Water 2–21°C · 36–70°FVis 10 m · 33 ft
Ishigaki
Japan
Manta sightings peak April-November; typhoon season (Jul-Sep) and winter winds disrupt boat schedules.
Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 121 mm · 4.8 inVis 25 m · 82 ft
Izu Ōshima
Japan
Hammerhead schools run mid-June to mid-October; winter brings tropical strays and water as clear as Okinawa’s.
Water 16–28°C · 61–82°F
Izu Peninsula — Osezaki & IOP
Japan
Autumn brings the widest range of critters as tropical strays arrive on the Kuroshio; winter is coldest at 14°C but clearest.
Sea 24°C · 75°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 209 mm · 8.2 inVis 25 m · 82 ft
Jeju — Munseom
South Korea
Jun–Oct is warmest with the best visibility; winter drops to 14°C and typhoons can close the islets in late summer.
Sea 24°C · 75°FHigh 26°C · 79°FRain 95 mm · 3.7 inVis 25 m · 82 ft
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 28°C · 82°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 128 mm · 5.0 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Kushimoto
Japan
Jul–Oct is warmest with the widest range of tropical strays; winter drops to 16°C but gives the clearest water on the reef.
Sea 25°C · 77°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 202 mm · 8.0 inVis 25 m · 82 ft
Lanyu — Orchid Island
Taiwan
July to October brings stable seas; from November to March the north-east monsoon makes the east and north coasts rough.
Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 135 mm · 5.3 in
Mikomoto & Nakagi
Japan
The island's operator recommends June–October for hammerheads, when the sea is most settled; winter northerlies stop the boats, and swell cancels trips in any month.
Sea 24°C · 75°FHigh 26°C · 79°FRain 247 mm · 9.7 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Miyakejima
Japan
June to October brings the warmest water, visibility up to 30 m and the two Megane-iwa openings; diving runs all year.
Water 17–29°C · 63–84°FVis 30 m · 100 ft
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 28°C · 82°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 120 mm · 4.7 inVis 40 m · 130 ft
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 27°C · 81°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 123 mm · 4.8 inVis 35 m · 115 ft
Sokcho & Goseong
South Korea
July to October is the best stretch for East Sea diving; January and February bring water of 2 to 4 °C.
Water 2–21°C · 36–70°F
Tokunoshima
Japan
Calm seas open Tonbara from June to October, the water is warmest from July to October, May and June are the rainy season, and humpbacks come in winter.
Water 20–29°C · 68–84°FVis 30 m · 100 ft
Ulleungdo
South Korea
Jul–Oct is warmest and clearest; winter storms in the East Sea stop the ferry for days and close the season entirely.
Sea 21°C · 70°FHigh 23°C · 73°FRain 96 mm · 3.8 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Xiaoliuqiu
Taiwan
Divable year-round; Apr–Jun and October are calmest, while typhoons disrupt Jul–Sep and winter winds raise swell.
Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 104 mm · 4.1 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

Also good in October: Amami Ōshima, Green Island, Hachijojima, Hong Kong — Sai Kung & Hoi Ha Wan, Iriomote & the Yonara Channel, Katsuura & Namegawa, Kerama Islands, Kozushima, Kume Island, Longdong & Northeast Coast, Miura Peninsula — Jogashima, Hayama & Zushi, Nanki-Shirahama & Tanabe, Ogasawara Islands, Pohang, Sado Island, Sanya & Wuzhizhou Island, Tateyama — Hazama, Nishikawana & Ito, Yonaguni

Pacific Islands17 at their peak

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 27°C · 81°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 158 mm · 6.2 inVis 40 m · 130 ft
Bora Bora
French Polynesia
The dry May to October months are the high season, though the trade winds sometimes blow strongly; November to April is the wet season.
Water 26–31°C · 79–88°F
Huahine
French Polynesia
Humpback whales are counted from August to October; July and August are slightly drier, and the water stays warm all year.
Water 26–31°C · 79–88°F
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 26°C · 79°FHigh 26°C · 79°FRain 150 mm · 5.9 inVis 40 m · 130 ft
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 27°C · 81°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 62 mm · 2.4 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Maupiti
French Polynesia
June to October pairs manta courtship with the clearest lagoon water, but the same months bring the mara'amu wind that can make outer-reef trips difficult.
Water 27–29°C · 81–84°F
Moorea
French Polynesia
Aug-Oct brings breeding humpback whales; the rest of the year stays warm with consistent reef and shark diving, aside from occasional Dec-Mar cyclone-season swell.
Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 94 mm · 3.7 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
New Caledonia
France
Sep–Dec is warmest and clearest before the wet season; Jan–Mar is cyclone season, and winter water drops to about 21°C.
Sea 24°C · 75°FHigh 26°C · 79°FRain 56 mm · 2.2 inVis 25 m · 82 ft
Oʻahu
United States
South-shore boat diving runs all year; the North Shore reefs at Pupukea are only calm from about May to October and are dangerous in winter.
Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 72 mm · 2.8 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Raiatea & Taha'a
French Polynesia
Diving runs every day all year; humpback whales visit from September to early December and are met on snorkelling trips.
Water 26–31°C · 79–88°F
Rainbow Reef & Namena
Fiji
The May-Oct dry season gives the strongest coral color and clearest water; Nov-Apr brings warmer seas but cyclone risk and more rain.
Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 180 mm · 7.1 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Rarotonga & Aitutaki
Cook Islands
Apr–Nov is the dry season with the clearest water and humpbacks Jul–Oct; Dec–Mar brings rain and cyclone risk.
Sea 25°C · 77°FHigh 26°C · 79°FRain 95 mm · 3.7 inVis 50 m · 164 ft
Savai'i & Upolu
Samoa
May–Oct is the dry season with the calmest water and humpbacks Jul–Oct; Nov–Apr brings rain and cyclone risk.
Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 143 mm · 5.6 inVis 35 m · 115 ft
Tahiti & Teahupo'o
French Polynesia
August to October fall fully inside the humpback whale season; some centres swap dives for whale trips then, while others dive all year.
Water 26–29°C · 79–84°F
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 28°C · 82°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 68 mm · 2.7 inVis 45 m · 148 ft
Vava'u
Tonga
Humpback season runs July to October; the wet season from November to April brings more rain.
Sea 26°C · 79°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 115 mm · 4.5 inVis 40 m · 130 ft
Yasawa Islands
Fiji
Mantas run from May to October, and June to August has the clearest and coolest water; the resort boats dive every day of the year.
Water 23–30°C · 73–86°FVis 40 m · 130 ft

Also good in October: Beqa Lagoon, Bikini Atoll, Chuuk Lagoon, Espiritu Santo — SS Coolidge, Fakarava, Guam, Hilo, Isle of Pines, Kauaʻi — Poipu & the South Shore, Kona, Kosrae, Lifou, Majuro & Mili, Niue, Nuku Hiva, Poindimié & Hienghène, Port Vila & Efate, Rangiroa, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Rota, Savusavu & Natewa Bay, Tanna & Lenakel, Wallis Island (Uvea), Yap

Atlantic14 at their peak

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 27°C · 81°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 23 mm · 0.9 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Dakar & Ngor
Senegal
Upwelling from about December to May cools water to 17-21°C and dims visibility; October-November is the warm, clear window.
Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 52 mm · 2.0 inVis 20 m · 66 ft
El Cabrón — Gran Canaria
Spain
Year-round diving in 18–24°C water; summer and early autumn are calmest, while winter swell can make the shore entry unsafe.
Sea 23°C · 73°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 16 mm · 0.6 inVis 25 m · 82 ft
El Hierro
Spain
Diveable year-round with mild swings in temperature; Jun–Oct brings the calmest seas and warmest water.
Sea 24°C · 75°FHigh 26°C · 79°FRain 20 mm · 0.8 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Fuerteventura
Spain
Divable in every month; water runs 18–23°C, coolest in late winter and warmest from August into October, and the desert climate keeps conditions mild.
Sea 23°C · 73°FHigh 26°C · 79°FRain 10 mm · 0.4 inVis 25 m · 82 ft
Huelva Coast — Isla Cristina & El Rompido
Spain
Diving runs all year; May to October brings the warmest water and the best visibility, and trips are cancelled when sea conditions do not allow them.
Water 16–22°C · 61–72°F
La Graciosa & the Chinijo Archipelago
Spain
May to October brings the warmest water and the best visibility; the mild climate keeps any month a reasonable time to come.
Water 18–21°C · 64–70°F
La Palma
Spain
Diving runs year round; the south-coast centre rates September to November best, when the trade winds ease and the water is warmest. Dives and boat transits inside the marine reserve are capped.
Sea 24°C · 75°FHigh 26°C · 79°FRain 24 mm · 0.9 inVis 25 m · 82 ft
Lanzarote & Museo Atlántico
Spain
Divable all year in 18–24°C water; Jun–Oct is warmest and calmest, and angel sharks are most reliably seen Nov–Mar.
Sea 23°C · 73°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 13 mm · 0.5 inVis 25 m · 82 ft
Porto Santo
Portugal
Diving runs all year. July to October holds the warmest water, logged at 22–23°C, February logs the lowest visibility, and the island's rain falls in winter.
Sea 23°C · 73°FHigh 24°C · 75°FRain 31 mm · 1.2 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
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
São Vicente & Mindelo
Cabo Verde
Diving runs all year; July to November is the high season, and August to October is the rainy season, though little rain falls.
Water 20–27°C · 68–81°FVis 30 m · 100 ft
Sesimbra & the Arrábida
Portugal
Aug–Oct is the warmest window; sheltered bay sites are diveable all year, but cape-facing sites take Atlantic swell in any month.
Sea 18°C · 64°FHigh 25°C · 77°FRain 66 mm · 2.6 inVis 15 m · 50 ft
Tenerife
Spain
Divable all year in 18–25°C water; Jun–Oct is warmest and calmest, and winter swell mainly affects the north coast.
Sea 24°C · 75°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 19 mm · 0.7 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

Also good in October: Algarve — Ocean Revival, Ascension Island, Azores — Flores & Corvo, Azores — Pico & Faial, Azores — Santa Maria, Azores — São Jorge & Graciosa, Azores — São Miguel, Azores — Terceira, Belle-Île-en-Mer & Quiberon, Berlengas & Peniche, Bermuda, Boa Vista, Cascais & Cabo Raso, Crozon Peninsula & the Iroise Marine Park, Gijón & Cabo Peñas, Glénan Archipelago, Gran Canaria — Las Palmas & the North Coast, Île d'Oléron & the Pertuis d'Antioche, Île de Groix & Lorient, Madeira, Sálvora, Ons & Ría de Arousa, San Sebastián & Getaria, Santander & Isla de Mouro, St Helena, Tarifa & the Strait of Gibraltar

North America13 at their peak

Cabo Pulmo
Mexico
Warm water June-November brings bull sharks and large mobula aggregations; winter is cooler and calmer but still diveable.
Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 33°C · 91°FRain 66 mm · 2.6 inVis 20 m · 66 ft
Catalina Island
United States
Jul–Oct brings the warmest water and best visibility as the kelp thins; winter storms cut visibility and cool it to 13°C.
Sea 20°C · 68°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 9 mm · 0.4 inVis 15 m · 50 ft
Channel Islands
United States
Water is clearest and calmest September-November after summer plankton blooms settle; winter storms bring rough crossings and colder water.
Sea 19°C · 66°FHigh 25°C · 77°FRain 11 mm · 0.4 inVis 10 m · 33 ft
Ensenada & Punta Banda
Mexico
July to October brings the warmest water and the best visibility; November to March is cold and rough, and spring is cooler with active sea lions.
Water 11–24°C · 52–75°FVis 18 m · 60 ft
La Jolla Cove & Canyon
United States
Leopard sharks mass in the shallows Jul–Oct when visibility is also best; the market squid run peaks Nov–Mar on night dives.
Sea 20°C · 68°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 9 mm · 0.4 inVis 10 m · 33 ft
Los Cabos
Mexico
Diving runs all year. August to February brings the best conditions and clearest autumn water; mobula rays pass from May to July.
Water 20–29°C · 68–84°FVis 30 m · 100 ft
Magdalena Bay
Mexico
The baitball season runs Oct–Dec and peaks in November; outside it the marlin disperse and operators do not run trips.
Sea 26°C · 79°FHigh 34°C · 93°FRain 34 mm · 1.3 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Monterey Bay
United States
September to November is the calm, clearer stretch; summer plankton blooms cut visibility and winter brings the biggest swells.
Sea 15°C · 59°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 19 mm · 0.7 inVis 9 m · 30 ft
North Carolina Wrecks
United States
Charter season runs roughly April-November; sand tiger shark aggregations peak in September-October, while December-February seas are too rough for most boats.
Sea 23°C · 73°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 116 mm · 4.6 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
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
Point Lobos
United States
Sep–Nov gives the clearest water after the summer plankton fades; winter storms close the reserve to diving for days at a time.
Sea 15°C · 59°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 19 mm · 0.7 inVis 20 m · 66 ft
San Diego — Wreck Alley, Point Loma & Coronado Islands
United States
Visibility is best from late summer into autumn and poorest from late winter through spring; lobster season runs October to March.
Water 8–14°C · 46–57°FVis 30 m · 100 ft
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 29°C · 84°FHigh 36°C · 97°FRain 39 mm · 1.5 in

Also good in October: Blue Heron Bridge, Brockville — St. Lawrence, Clearwater, Dunedin & Tarpon Springs, Crystal River, Florida Keys — Key Largo & Islamorada, Flower Garden Banks, Isle Royale, Lake Havasu, Long Island Wreck Valley, Marathon & the Middle Keys, North Florida Springs, Palm Beach & Jupiter, Penetanguishene & Southern Georgian Bay, Port Aransas & Corpus Christi, Puerto Vallarta & Banderas Bay

Indian Ocean12 at their peak

Baa Atoll & Hanifaru Bay
Maldives
The Hanifaru aggregation runs May–Nov on the south-west monsoon and peaks Aug–Oct; Dec–Apr is calmer and clearer but the mantas disperse.
Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 195 mm · 7.7 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Christmas Island
Australia
October to December brings the clearest water; August and September bring upwellings and lower visibility; from November to April swell can roughen the north side.
Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 41 mm · 1.6 inVis 60 m · 197 ft
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 27°C · 81°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 31 mm · 1.2 inVis 50 m · 164 ft
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 30°C · 86°FHigh 33°C · 91°FRain 12 mm · 0.5 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
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
Musandam
Oman
Oct–May is the comfortable window; midsummer brings 32°C water, plankton blooms and punishing surface heat.
Sea 30°C · 86°FHigh 34°C · 93°FRain 4 mm · 0.2 inVis 25 m · 82 ft
Nosy Be
Madagascar
Cyclone season (Jan-Mar) shuts down most diving; whale sharks aggregate Oct-Dec and humpback whales pass offshore during the austral winter.
Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 35 mm · 1.4 inVis 25 m · 82 ft
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 27°C · 81°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 82 mm · 3.2 inVis 40 m · 130 ft
Réunion
France
May–Oct is the dry season with the calmest water and humpbacks Jul–Oct; Jan–Mar is cyclone season.
Sea 25°C · 77°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 18 mm · 0.7 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Rodrigues
Mauritius
May–Jul and Oct–Nov are the calmest windows; Jan–Mar brings cyclone risk and August can be windy.
Sea 24°C · 75°FHigh 25°C · 77°FRain 17 mm · 0.7 inVis 40 m · 130 ft
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 28°C · 82°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 110 mm · 4.3 inVis 25 m · 82 ft
Socotra
Yemen
The June-September southwest monsoon closes the sea entirely; October-November and March-May are the calm, diveable windows.
Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 19 mm · 0.7 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

Also good in October: Addu Atoll, Ari & Rasdhoo Atolls, Haa Alif & Haa Dhaalu Atolls, Ifaty & Mangily, Lakshadweep, Lhaviyani Atoll, Mauritius, Mayotte, Praslin & La Digue, Raa Atoll, Unawatuna & Jungle Beach

Red Sea & Gulf of Aden12 at their peak

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 27°C · 81°FHigh 34°C · 93°FRain 3 mm · 0.1 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Dahab
Egypt
Conditions stay calm and shore-diveable year-round; visibility peaks in spring and autumn shoulder months.
Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 37°C · 99°FRain 2 mm · 0.1 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Eilat
Israel
Divable all year; Mar–May and Sep–Nov are most comfortable, while July and August are extremely hot on the surface.
Sea 26°C · 79°FHigh 36°C · 97°FRain 4 mm · 0.2 inVis 25 m · 82 ft
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 28°C · 82°FHigh 35°C · 95°FRain 2 mm · 0.1 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Hamata & Wadi Lahami
Egypt
May to October is the calm window, with much less wind; diving runs all year, but sea state is wind-driven and can reroute a day.
Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 35°C · 95°FRain 4 mm · 0.2 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
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 31°C · 88°FHigh 42°C · 108°FRain 4 mm · 0.2 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Marsa Alam & Port Ghalib
Egypt
Diving runs all year; early autumn has the warmest sea without the August crowds.
Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 34°C · 93°FRain 2 mm · 0.1 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Nuweiba
Egypt
Diving runs all year; May-June and September-November are the best months, though July to October is very hot ashore.
Water 21–29°C · 70–84°FVis 30 m · 100 ft
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 28°C · 82°FHigh 39°C · 102°FRain 3 mm · 0.1 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Sharm El Sheikh — Ras Mohammed
Egypt
Hammerhead sightings at Tiran peak June–September; winter winds can make Tiran crossings choppier.
Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 3 mm · 0.1 inVis 35 m · 115 ft
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 29°C · 84°FHigh 34°C · 93°FRain 4 mm · 0.2 inVis 40 m · 130 ft
Sudanese Red Sea
Sudan
Best conditions run April–June and October–November; the 2023 conflict has disrupted Port Sudan liveaboard departures — verify operators.
Sea 31°C · 88°FHigh 33°C · 91°FRain 8 mm · 0.3 inVis 40 m · 130 ft

Also good in October: Aqaba, Brothers & Daedalus, Dahlak Archipelago, Djibouti — Gulf of Tadjoura, Farasan Banks & Al Lith, Hurghada & El Gouna, Yanbu & the Seven Reefs

Africa11 at their peak

Aliwal Shoal
South Africa
The reef is dived all year round; ragged-tooth sharks congregate from July to November, bull sharks gather from December to April.
Sea 22°C · 72°FHigh 34°C · 93°FRain 172 mm · 6.8 in
Bazaruto Archipelago
Mozambique
May–Oct is calmest with the best visibility; humpbacks pass Jul–Oct and whale sharks are most common Nov–Mar.
Sea 25°C · 77°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 21 mm · 0.8 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Chinhoyi Caves
Zimbabwe
The pool stays a constant 22–24 °C all year; ratings track visibility, best in the Aug–Nov dry season and reduced when Dec–Mar rains cloud the entrance.
Water 22–24°C · 72–75°FHigh 39°C · 102°FRain 17 mm · 0.7 inVis 50 m · 164 ft
Comoros — Mohéli
Comoros
Apr–Nov is the dry season with the best conditions and humpbacks Jul–Oct; Dec–Mar brings rain and cyclone risk.
Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 25 mm · 1.0 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Lake Malawi
Malawi
May to October is the dry, settled stretch; the rains run from November to April and are heaviest from December to March.
Water 22–29°C · 72–84°FHigh 35°C · 95°FRain 12 mm · 0.5 in
Mafia Island
Tanzania
Whale shark season peaks October-March; the March-May long rains bring rougher seas and reduced visibility.
Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 48 mm · 1.9 inVis 20 m · 66 ft
Mnemba Atoll — Zanzibar
Tanzania
Jul–Mar is divable, with Dec–Feb calmest and clearest; the long rains in April and May bring poor visibility and rough crossings.
Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 67 mm · 2.6 inVis 25 m · 82 ft
Pemba Island
Tanzania
Oct–Mar is the main season with the calmest sea; the long rains in April and May close most operations on the island.
Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 71 mm · 2.8 inVis 40 m · 130 ft
Ponta do Ouro
Mozambique
Resident dolphins are seen year-round; shark activity at Pinnacles and whale migration peak July-October.
Sea 23°C · 73°FHigh 25°C · 77°FRain 73 mm · 2.9 inVis 20 m · 66 ft
Robberg & Plettenberg Bay
South Africa
September and October are the best months; onshore south-easterlies churn the sea up in summer, while winter westerlies clear the water.
Water 18–21°C · 64–70°FVis 10 m · 33 ft
São Tomé & Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe
Jun–Sep is the dry season with the calmest water and humpbacks present; the Mar–May rains cut visibility sharply.
Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 120 mm · 4.7 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

Also good in October: Algoa Bay, Diani Beach, Gansbaai, Hermanus, Jangamo & Guinjata Bay, Kizimkazi & Menai Bay, Paje & Jambiani, Protea Banks, Sodwana Bay, Tofo, Wasini Island & Kisite-Mpunguti, Watamu & Malindi

Cold Water11 at their peak

Barkley Sound
Canada
Dived year-round; autumn is the prime window, winter brings the clearest water and June a plankton bloom near the surface.
Water 8–19°C · 46–66°FVis 30 m · 100 ft
Dover & Folkestone Wrecks
United Kingdom
The dive season runs May to October; some charters sail all year, but the sea feels very cold in March.
Water 8–18°C · 46–64°F
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
Nanaimo & Gabriola Island
Canada
Clearest water runs September to March; spring and summer blooms cloud the surface layer.
Water 6–13°C · 43–55°F
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
Oslofjord — Nesodden & Fornebu
Norway
Autumn and winter are usually the high season; September to March has the clearest water, April to October the warmest.
Water 3–18°C · 37–64°FVis 25 m · 82 ft
Puget Sound
United States
Diving runs all year; visibility is often best in fall and winter, while summer brings 16 hours of daylight.
Sea 12°C · 54°FHigh 22°C · 72°FRain 134 mm · 5.3 in
Scapa Flow
United Kingdom
Boats run from Easter to early November, and visibility improves in autumn once the plankton dies back.
Sea 12°C · 54°FHigh 14°C · 57°FRain 123 mm · 4.8 inVis 20 m · 66 ft
Skarnsundet & the Trondheim Fjord
Norway
Diving runs all year; September and October give the best odds of fine weather and clear water, while spring and summer plankton blooms can cut visibility.
Water 4–12°C · 39–54°FVis 15 m · 50 ft
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
Stoney Cove
United Kingdom
Open 362 days a year. Clearest from late October through winter, coldest in February-March, and a June-August algal bloom cuts visibility even at the warmest surface temperatures.
Water 4–18°C · 39–64°FHigh 20°C · 68°FRain 79 mm · 3.1 inVis 20 m · 66 ft

Also good in October: Anglesey, Aran Islands, Attersee, Baltimore & Cape Clear Island, Belgian North Sea — Nieuwpoort, Bohuslän & Gullmarsfjord, Bornholm, British Columbia — Browning Pass, Cape Ann & Stellwagen Bank, Capernwray & the Lake District, Chausey Islands & Granville, Comox Valley & Hornby Island, Cornwall — Padstow & the Manacles, Discovery Passage & Campbell River, Donegal Coast — Downings, Tory & Arranmore, Dublin Bay, Farne Islands, Feldberger Seenlandschaft, Gdańsk Bay & Gdynia, Gothenburg Archipelago, Gotland & Fårö, Gulen & the Sognefjord, Halifax & St Margaret's Bay, Hel Peninsula, Horseshoe Bay & Howe Sound, Isle of Skye, Isles of Shoals, Kinlochbervie & the North-West Highlands, Klaipėda & Curonian Spit, Koster Islands & Kosterhavet, Kreidesee Hemmoor, Kristiansund & the Atlantic Ocean Road, Lago Nahuel Huapi & Bariloche, Lake Baikal — Listvyanka & Olkhon, Lake Bled & Lake Bohinj, Lake Shikotsu, Lake Vättern, Lillebælt & Middelfart, Loch Fyne & Loch Long, Öland & the Kalmar Strait, Pembrokeshire & Skomer, Plymouth Sound & HMS Scylla, Reykjanes Peninsula — Garður & Flekkuvík, Saltstraumen, San Juan Islands, Shakotan Peninsula, Silfra, Sinyavino Lake & Yantarny, Sochi & Lazarevskoye, Sound of Mull, South Funen Archipelago, St Abbs & Eyemouth, Strangford Lough, Strýtan, Tollensesee & Neubrandenburg, Ushuaia & the Beagle Channel, Väderöarna, Vladivostok & Peter the Great Bay, Weymouth & Portland, Zeeland — Oosterschelde & Grevelingen

South America8 at their peak

Abrolhos Archipelago
Brazil
Aug–Oct pairs peak humpback whale season with fair diving; visibility is clearest and warmest Dec–Mar, while Apr–Jul river runoff lowers it to around 10 m.
Sea 25°C · 77°FHigh 26°C · 79°FRain 102 mm · 4.0 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Fernando de Noronha
Brazil
Aug–Oct is peak dry season with the clearest water (up to 50 m); Feb–Jul brings rain and swell that reduce visibility, though diving continues year-round.
Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 10 mm · 0.4 inVis 45 m · 148 ft
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 23°C · 73°FHigh 33°C · 91°FRain 113 mm · 4.4 in
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
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
Porto de Galinhas
Brazil
October to March is the best period for diving here.
Water 26–29°C · 79–84°F
Puerto Madryn & Península Valdés
Argentina
Sea lion dives run best Sep–Mar when the colony is busiest; right whales are present Jun–Dec, and winter water drops to about 9°C.
Sea 12°C · 54°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 16 mm · 0.6 inVis 15 m · 50 ft
Recife Wrecks
Brazil
Sep–Mar is the dry season with the calmest seas and best visibility; Apr–Jul rain and runoff can drop it below 8 m.
Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 31°C · 88°FRain 32 mm · 1.3 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

Also good in October: Alcatrazes Archipelago, Arvoredo Marine Reserve, Bonito, Búzios, Las Grutas, Máncora & Los Órganos, Palomino Islands, Paraty, Pucusana, Salvador & Baía de Todos os Santos, Ubatuba

Australia & New Zealand7 at their peak

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 24°C · 75°FHigh 35°C · 95°FRain 0 mm · 0.0 inVis 20 m · 66 ft
Great Barrier Reef — Cairns & Ribbons
Australia
Boats sail all year; visibility peaks from September to November and corals spawn in October or November, while December to February brings the most rain, often at night.
Sea 26°C · 79°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 48 mm · 1.9 inVis 20 m · 66 ft
Mooloolaba
Australia
Grey nurse sharks hold at Nurse Rock July–October, the months operators also rate clearest; summer is murkier and falls inside the November–April cyclone season.
Sea 22°C · 72°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 80 mm · 3.1 inVis 20 m · 66 ft
North Stradbroke Island — Point Lookout
Australia
Mantas work the Manta Bommie cleaning stations Oct–Apr; grey nurse sharks and humpbacks arrive Jun–Oct, when visibility is also at its best. Boats run Friday to Tuesday.
Sea 23°C · 73°FHigh 25°C · 77°FRain 82 mm · 3.2 inVis 20 m · 66 ft
Osprey Reef
Australia
Coral Sea crossings run in the calmer dry season; cyclone risk and rough seas suspend trips Jan–Feb, with hammerhead numbers building Sep–Dec.
Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 18 mm · 0.7 inVis 40 m · 130 ft
Rowley Shoals
Australia
Liveaboards run in the calm window from late September to November; trade winds before it and the December–April cyclone season keep boats away.
Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 3 mm · 0.1 inVis 40 m · 130 ft
South West Rocks — Fish Rock
Australia
Grey nurse numbers peak Jun–Nov; the Eastern Australian Current brings the warmest, clearest water Jan–Apr.
Sea 21°C · 70°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 90 mm · 3.5 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

Also good in October: Albany — King George Sound, Bay of Islands, Eaglehawk Neck, Fiordland, Goat Island — Leigh, Jervis Bay, Julian Rocks — Byron Bay, Kaikōura, Lady Elliot Island, Lord Howe Island, Montague Island, Nelson Bay — Fly Point, Neptune Islands, Ningaloo Reef, Poor Knights Islands, Port Phillip — Portsea & Blairgowrie, Rapid Bay, SS Yongala, Whitsundays

Eastern Pacific6 at their peak

Bahía Solano
Colombia
Jul–Oct is humpback season and the main reason to come; this is one of the wettest coasts on earth, so visibility is never reliable.
Sea 28°C · 82°FHigh 28°C · 82°FRain 704 mm · 27.7 inVis 20 m · 66 ft
Cocos Island
Costa Rica
June to October brings the hammerhead schools; December to May is the dry season, with calmer seas and clearer water.
Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 189 mm · 7.4 inVis 30 m · 100 ft
Galápagos — Darwin & Wolf
Ecuador
Whale sharks pass from June to November; the sea is calmer, warmer and clearer from December to May.
Sea 25°C · 77°FHigh 25°C · 77°FRain 30 mm · 1.2 inVis 25 m · 82 ft
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 28°C · 82°FHigh 30°C · 86°FRain 384 mm · 15.1 inVis 25 m · 82 ft
Isla de la Plata
Ecuador
Jun–Oct combines the oceanic manta season with humpback whales; Jan–Apr is warmer and clearer but the big animals are largely absent.
Sea 24°C · 75°FHigh 23°C · 73°FRain 3 mm · 0.1 inVis 20 m · 66 ft
Malpelo
Colombia
Jan-Apr is cooler and drier with a shallow, cold thermocline; May-Dec runs warmer with better visibility and the strongest shark and pelagic activity.
Sea 27°C · 81°FHigh 27°C · 81°FRain 114 mm · 4.5 inVis 30 m · 100 ft

Also good in October: Bat Islands, Coiba, Galápagos — Central & South Islands, Gorgona Island, Nuquí & the Gulf of Tribugá

Caribbean3 at their peak

Bocas del Toro
Panama
Dry, calmer spells run February-April and September-October, when visibility improves and swell drops enough for Tiger Rock; the rest of the year is wetter and windier.
Sea 29°C · 84°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 376 mm · 14.8 inVis 25 m · 82 ft
Montserrat
Montserrat
Diving runs all year; June to November is the best window, while winter swells can make conditions hard for newer divers.
Water 26–29°C · 79–84°F
Portobelo
Panama
Diving runs all year; May and August to October are the best months, and the rainy August and September count among them.
Water 27–29°C · 81–84°F

Also good in October: Aruba, Bonaire, Little Corn Island & the Corn Islands, Mahahual (Costa Maya), María la Gorda, Nassau & New Providence, Riviera Maya Cenotes, Santa Marta & Tayrona, St. Eustatius, Tiger Beach, Tobago — Speyside & the Sisters Rocks, Virgin Gorda & the Dog Islands

Southeast Asia1 at its peak

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 29°C · 84°FHigh 29°C · 84°FRain 249 mm · 9.8 inVis 25 m · 82 ft

Also good in October: Koh Kood & Koh Mak, Koh Rong & Koh Tang, Kota Kinabalu & Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Phi Phi & the King Cruiser, Phú Quốc, Phuket — Racha Islands & Local Reefs, Pulau Hantu & Singapore's Southern Islands

Water temperature in October

The measured sea surface in October (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