The Red Sea in July? The Truth About Summer Diving in Egypt

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Whether you are planning to dive in Dahab or a Red Sea adventure scuba diving in Sharm El Sheikh, one question we are often asked is “Is it too hot to dive in the Red Sea in July?” With daytime temperatures regularly climbing above 35°C (95°F), it's understandable that some divers wonder whether a summer diving holiday is a good idea.

Absolutely no, it’s not to hot to dive in the Red Sea– July is actually one of the best months of the year to dive . While the air temperature can be hot, the sea conditions are often exceptional, offering warm water, excellent visibility, thriving marine life, and fewer crowds than many popular diving destinations around the world.

If you're considering a diving holiday in destinations such as Dahab, Sharm El Sheikh, here's everything you need to know about diving in the Red Sea during July.

What Is the Weather Like in the Red Sea in July?

July is one of the hottest months of the year in Egypt. Coastal destinations along the Red Sea typically experience daytime temperatures between 35°C and 40°C (95°F to 104°F), while evenings remain pleasantly warm.

However, there is an important factor that surprises many visitors: the Red Sea region has very low humidity compared to tropical destinations. The desert climate means the heat often feels more comfortable than equivalent temperatures in humid countries.

Most of the boat trips from our Sharm el-Sheikh diving centre depart early in the morning, allowing divers to enjoy cooler temperatures during the first dives of the day. Between dives, sea breezes provide welcome relief, particularly on boat trips.

How Warm Is the Water in July?

One of the biggest advantages of diving in July is the water temperature.

During summer, Red Sea water temperatures generally range between:

· 26°C to 29°C (79°F to 84°F) when diving in Dahab

· 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F) diving in Sharm El Sheikh

For many divers, these temperatures are ideal. Most people are comfortable wearing a 3mm wetsuit, while some experienced divers choose to dive in a shorty or even a rash guard during the warmest periods.

The warm water also allows for longer dive times without becoming cold, making multiple dives per day far more enjoyable.

Is Visibility Good in July?

July is renowned for outstanding underwater visibility.

The Red Sea is famous for its clear waters throughout the year, but summer often brings some of the best visibility conditions. Divers can frequently enjoy visibility exceeding 20 to 30 metres, and on exceptional days visibility may extend even further.

The calm sea conditions and lack of significant rainfall help maintain crystal-clear water, making July a fantastic month for:

· Underwater photography

· Wide-angle reef photography

· Wreck diving

· Deep diving

· Technical diving

The combination of warm water and excellent visibility creates ideal conditions for divers of all experience levels.

What Marine Life Can You See?

The warm summer waters attract an abundance of marine life to the reefs of the Red Sea.

July offers excellent opportunities to encounter:

· Grey Reef sharks

· Sightings of Hammerhead sharks off Jackson

· Oceanic whitetip sharks in offshore areas

· Turtles

· Napoleon wrasse

· Moray eels

· Blue-spotted stingrays

· Eagle rays

· Manta rays

· Barracuda schools

· Tuna

· Dolphins

Coral reefs are also at their most vibrant during the summer months. The Red Sea's healthy hard and soft coral formations create spectacular underwater coral gardens filled with colour.

Divers visiting famous dive locations such as Ras Mohammed, Straits of Tiran, the Blue Hole, the Canyon or Ras Abu Galum often report incredible marine life encounters during July.

Is It Comfortable Between Dives?

Many first-time visitors worry more about the heat on land than underwater.

Fortunately, most well-established dive operations are well equipped to keep divers comfortable. Boats provide shaded areas, plenty of drinking water, and opportunities to cool down between dives.

At both our dive centres in Dahab and Sharm El Sheikh, we offer cooler shaded areas to chill with cold drinks and deco beer to help keep those temperatures cooler.

A typical diving day might look like this:

· Early morning departure

· First dive before the hottest part of the day

· Relaxing surface interval on a shaded boat deck

· Second dive in warm water

· Return to resort during the afternoon

Because you spend much of the day either underwater or near the water, the heat is usually far less of an issue than many people expect.

Are There Fewer Crowds in July?

Another advantage of visiting during July is that dive tourism can be lower with some divers avoiding Egypt simply because they assume it will be too hot.

As a result, many dive centres and many of the best dive sites can feel less crowded than during peak season spring and autumn periods.

This means:

· Smaller dive groups

· More space on boats

· Easier booking availability

· Better opportunities for underwater photography at the best places

· A more relaxed holiday atmosphere

For divers who prefer quieter experiences underwater, July can be a surprisingly attractive time to dive the Red Sea.

Tips for Diving in the Egyptian Red Sea During July

To make the most of your summer diving holiday, consider the following tips:

Stay Hydrated

The desert climate can cause dehydration more quickly than you may realise. Drink plenty of water before and after dives and avoid excessive alcohol consumption. For more tips on how much water you should be drinking, check out How Much Water Should A Scuba Diver Drink?

Use Reef-Safe Sun Protection

The Egyptian sun is extremely strong during summer. Apply reef-safe sunscreen, wear a hat, and use lightweight clothing that covers exposed skin. Check out our blog how you can protect yourself and the ocean with environmental friendly sunscreens when diving in the Red Sea. Which Sunscreens are less harmful to the reefs?

Choose Appropriate Exposure Protection

Most divers find a 3mm wetsuit ideal in July. If you tend to get cold easily during repetitive dives, consider a full-length suit rather than a shorty.

Dive Early

Morning dives often provide the calmest sea conditions and the most comfortable temperatures.

Bring Polarised Sunglasses

The bright desert sun and reflections from the sea can be intense, making quality sunglasses a worthwhile investment.

Is July a Good Time for Technical Diving?

July is particularly popular among technical divers.

Warm water temperatures reduce thermal stress during long decompression dives, while excellent visibility improves safety and enjoyment. Technical diving destinations such as Dahab's Blue Hole, Canyon, and deep reef systems often offer exceptional conditions during the summer months.

Many technical divers specifically choose July because they can spend extended periods in the water without requiring heavy exposure protection.

So, Is It Too Hot to Dive in the Red Sea in July?

Absolutely not.

While air temperatures can be high, the reality is that July offers some of the best diving conditions of the entire year. Warm water, exceptional visibility, thriving marine life, calm seas, and comfortable underwater temperatures make it a fantastic time to explore the Red Sea.

For many divers, the biggest surprise is discovering that the summer heat is far less challenging than expected. Once underwater, you'll be enjoying crystal-clear conditions in one of the world's most spectacular diving destinations.

Ready To Book Your Dive Trip to The Red Sea?

If you're looking for warm-water diving, colourful coral reefs, exciting marine encounters, and excellent visibility, July may be one of the best times to experience everything the Red Sea has to offer. Book your Red Sea diving holiday now with our reservations team at [email protected].