Diving in Saudi Arabia (Red Sea) in December

Conditions in December

December in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea heralds a magnificent transition to prime diving conditions. The scorching summer heat has receded, leaving behind comfortably warm days and pleasant evenings. Air temperatures typically hover around 22–28°C (72–82°F), making surface intervals and land excursions a real treat. This is a far cry from the oppressive heat of July and August, meaning you can enjoy all aspects of your liveaboard experience without constantly seeking shade.

The sea state during December is generally calm and inviting, particularly in the more sheltered areas closer to the coastline. While the open ocean can still experience moderate swells, these are usually manageable for liveaboards, especially as most itineraries focus on the protected reefs and islands. You can expect truly excellent visibility, often exceeding 30 meters (100 feet), thanks to the cooler water and reduced plankton blooms. This crystal-clear water provides unparalleled opportunities for photography and simply appreciating the vibrant underwater landscapes.

Water temperatures are delightfully refreshing, ranging from a comfortable 24–27°C (75–81°F). This means a 3mm shorty or a full 5mm wetsuit will be more than sufficient for most divers, even those prone to getting chilly. Currents are typically mild to moderate in December, especially within the confines of the reef systems. However, as with any Red Sea destination, drift dives can be exhilarating, and your experienced dive guides will expertly navigate any stronger flows. The pleasant warmth and calm seas of December truly create an ideal environment for enjoying the wonders of the Saudi Red Sea.

What you will see

December is a fantastic time for pelagic encounters in the Saudi Red Sea. The cooler waters often attract larger marine life further inshore, increasing your chances of awe-inspiring sightings. Look out for graceful oceanic manta rays gliding effortlessly through the blue, particularly around deeper pinnacles and cleaning stations. While not a guaranteed daily sighting, the odds are definitely in your favour this month. White tip reef sharks and grey reef sharks are common residents throughout the year, but the larger pelagic species like hammerheads can be spotted cruising the deeper sections of outer reefs. Keep an eye on the blue during your safety stops, as you might just be rewarded with a passing school of barracuda or a solitary silvertip shark.

Beyond the majestic pelagics, the Saudi Red Sea boasts a remarkably pristine and diverse coral ecosystem. The reefs are teeming with a kaleidoscope of hard and soft corals, providing shelter for countless reef fish. Expect to see vibrant parrotfish, playful clownfish in their anemone homes, inquisitive angelfish, and schools of fusiliers darting around the bommies. Macro enthusiasts will also find plenty to capture their attention; scrutinize the reef walls for colourful nudibranchs, tiny gobies, and intricate flatworms. The reduced water temperature even contributes to the overall health and vibrancy of these coral gardens, making them especially spectacular in December.

While Saudi Arabia's Red Sea doesn't have specific "whale shark season" in December like some other regions, the general increase in oceanic activity means that lucky encounters are always a possibility. The overall health and untouched nature of these reefs, combined with the ideal water conditions, make for genuinely rich and rewarding dives. You're diving in a relatively unexplored frontier, meaning every dive feels like a genuine discovery.

Top dive sites this month

For an exceptional December diving experience, a liveaboard journey exploring the Farasan Banks is highly recommended. These remote, offshore reefs are genuinely world-class and thrive in the cooler December conditions. Sites like the Five Corals offer stunning pinnacles adorned with pristine hard and soft corals, teeming with schooling fish and providing excellent opportunities for encountering larger pelagics. The reduced currents often present this month make exploring these intricate reef structures even more enjoyable.

Further north, the untouched reefs around the Shi'b Ammar and Sha'ab Suwaidi regions are absolute gems. Here, you'll discover dramatic drop-offs, swim-throughs, and healthy coral gardens bustling with marine life. In particular, keep an eye out for sites renowned for their healthy shark populations. The generally calm seas of December make accessing these more exposed sites comfortable and safe, allowing you to fully appreciate their remote beauty and abundant biodiversity. The pristine nature of these locations, combined with excellent visibility, truly showcases the Saudi Red Sea at its best.

Practical tips for your trip

Given the comfortable water temperatures of 24–27°C (75–81°F), a 3mm full wetsuit or even a 5mm for those who feel the cold easily, will be perfect. You definitely won't need a drysuit or anything excessively thick, but a shorty might be a bit too light for multiple dives a day. This period is fantastic for both intermediate and advanced divers due to the generally calm conditions and crystal-clear visibility, which make navigation straightforward. Beginners with some experience will also find December very accommodating, though some deeper sites might be better suited for more seasoned divers.

Liveaboard availability for Saudi Arabia's Red Sea is becoming increasingly popular, so it’s wise to book your trip well in advance, especially for December, which is within the peak season. Pack light, breathable clothing for surface intervals and evenings, and remember a good reef-safe sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. Don't forget your certification cards, logbook, and any personal dive gear you prefer to use. Be aware that the Saudi Red Sea is still a relatively new dive destination, so infrastructure on land might be less developed than in more established regions. Embrace the adventure and the unique opportunity to dive in truly pristine and underexplored waters!