When is Shark Season in Sharm el Sheikh? The Sharks of The Red Sea

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When Is Shark Season in Sharm el Sheikh?

For many divers nothing beats the sight of a majestic shark gliding past as you scuba dive in the Red Sea. But when is the best time to spot a shark scuba diving in Sharm el Sheikh? Is there a shark season?

Sharm El Sheikh is a true paradise for shark lovers and diving enthusiasts, thanks to its strategic location along the Red Sea coast.

The good news is that you can spot sharks all year round in Sharm, but there are certain times you are more likely to spot a specific type of shark, depending on what you are looking for.

Whether you are searching for a hammerhead, a whale shark, a white tip reef shark or even a rarer sighted species of shark such as the thresher shark, this guide will hopefully point you in the right direction.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly when to see sharks in Sharm el Sheikh, what species to expect, and how to maximise your chances through boat diving with Circle Divers and extended trips like a mini safari.

Why Sharm El Sheikh Is One of the Best Places to See Sharks

Sharm sits at the meeting point of the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea, where deep water rises dramatically to shallow reefs, making it an ideal location for scuba diving and observing various shark species. This unique geography creates:

· Strong currents

· Plankton-rich waters

· High fish density

These conditions attract pelagic species—including sharks—particularly around Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran.

Unlike many destinations, shark sightings can be seasonal but predictable, making it possible to plan your trip around peak times.

Best Time to See Sharks in The Red Sea

June to November: Peak Shark Season

The best overall time for shark encounters while diving in Sharm el Sheikh is between June and November.

During these months:

· Water temperatures rise (26–29°C), providing comfortable conditions for scuba diving enthusiasts.

· Currents strengthen

· Pelagic activity increases

This is when sharks are most commonly seen along reef drop-offs and in open blue water.

Seasonal Guide to Red Sea Shark Sightings

Summer (June – August): Hammerhead Sharks

Summer is prime time for hammerhead sharks, especially around Jackson Reef in the Straits of Tiran.

What to expect:

· Schools of hammerheads in deeper water

· Strong currents and advanced drift dives

· Warm water and excellent marine activity

Best experienced through scuba divers' guided trips to the best dive sites. Boat diving with Circle Divers, giving access to offshore sites where these sharks patrol.

Spring (March – May): Whale Sharks & Manta Rays

Spring offers the chance for rare and unforgettable encounters with oceanic sharks.

Highlights:

· Whale sharks feeding on plankton blooms

· Occasional manta ray sightings

· Increased big-animal activity

This is an ideal time to join a Mini Safari on Dive Runner, where extended time at sea increases your chances of spotting these giants, especially if you have an experienced dive guide.

Autumn (September – November): Best All-Round Season

For many divers, autumn is the best time of year.

Why it’s ideal:

· Warm water with excellent visibility

· Good chance of reef and pelagic sharks, including the elusive thresher shark, during your dive.

· Fewer crowds than peak summer make it easier to spot grey reef sharks and other shark species during your dives.

If you want the best balance of comfort and shark encounters, this is the time to visit.

Winter (December – February): Clear Water, Fewer Sharks

Winter diving in Sharm still offers great experiences, but fewer shark sightings.

Conditions:

· Cooler water (22–24°C)

· Exceptional visibility (often 30m+)

· Occasional reef sharks

Perfect for photographers—but not peak shark season, as many shark species migrate during this time.

Best Diving With Sharks in Sharm El Sheikh

To maximise your chances, you need to dive the right locations.

Top Shark Dive Sites:

· Shark Reef & Yolanda Reef – iconic drop-offs with pelagic action

· Jackson Reef – best for hammerhead sharks

· Shark Observatory – dramatic walls and blue-water encounters

· Straits of Tiran – strong currents attracting predators

These sites are only accessible via boat diving in Sharm el Sheikh, which is why choosing an experienced dive centre matters.

Why Boat Diving with Circle Divers Makes the Difference

Sharks, such as the whitetip reef shark, are rarely seen on shallow house reefs, making deeper dives essential for observing various shark species. To encounter them, you need to reach offshore sites where oceanic sharks are known to roam.

With Circle Divers, you benefit from:

· Daily access to top dive sites like Ras Mohammed and Tiran

· Experienced guides who understand shark behaviour

· Drift diving in current-rich environments

· Small groups for better in-water experiences

Go Further: Mini Safari with Dive Runner

If you’re serious about sharks, a multi-day trip is your best option.

The Mini Safari aboard Dive Runner allows you to:

· Dive early mornings when sharks are most active

· Reach less crowded, remote sites

· Spend more time in prime pelagic zones to increase your chances of encountering red sea shark species.

Pro Tips to Increase Your Chances of Seeing Sharks

· Dive early in the morning

· Stay slightly off the coral reef and watch the blue

· Choose current-exposed sites

· Remain calm and neutrally buoyant

· Book multiple dive days

Shark encounters are never guaranteed—but the right approach dramatically improves your odds.

Final Verdict: Best Time To Visit

· Best for hammerheads: June – August

· Best for whale sharks: May – September

· Best overall: September – November

Top Recommendation:

Visit between September and November for the best balance of conditions, comfort, and shark encounters.

Plan Your Shark Diving Adventure

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or planning your first Red Sea trip, timing your visit correctly is key.

Our reservations team are on standby, ready to book your next diving adventure – GET IN TOUCH TODAY!

If you want to find out more about the sharks of the Red Sea check out the website of Red Sea Project, an international non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of marine and terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.