When to go — Aqaba and Red Sea

The climate of Aqaba is subtropical desert tempered by the sea — warm year-round (only warm region of Jordan in winter), with scorching summers and mild winters with cooler seawater. This peculiarity makes it a divable destination 12 months a year.

October to May: the major tourist season. Perfect daytime temperatures (20-30 °C depending on the month), seawater between 22 and 27 °C — comfortable for diving and snorkelling. October-November is the emblematic season for divers: water still warm (24-26 °C), maximum visibility (25-35 m), passage of whale sharks and manta rays offshore (Saudi Border and Power Station Reef sites). March-April: excellent conditions but sustained winds possible, some boat trips may be cancelled. December-February: mild during the day (20-25 °C), cooler water (22-24 °C, 5mm wetsuit recommended for prolonged diving), cooler evenings (12-18 °C — fleece useful). Outside Christmas and New Year holidays, this is the low tourist season, with hotel rates down 30-40% — opportunity for tight budgets.

June to September: the hottest season. Air at 38-42 °C by day, but constant sea breeze making Aqaba more bearable than Petra or Wadi Rum in summer. Seawater at 27-29 °C — perfect for divers sensitive to cold (without wetsuit or shorty). Terrestrial activities should be avoided between 11 am and 4 pm (dangerous heat), but aquatic activities remain pleasant. Dive sites are less frequented (European holidaymakers often prefer to avoid Aqaba in midsummer), with hotel rates dropping. Very attractive all-inclusive package rates (Mövenpick Tala Bay at €120-180/night instead of €250 in March-April). European families invade the resorts in July-August (school holidays), more lively but noisier atmosphere.

Aqaba's arid climate (60-80 mm of rainfall per year, i.e. 10-15 days of rain maximum, mainly in winter) means the weather is very predictable — one can plan dives and boat trips with great confidence, without risk of bad surprise (except for a few windy episodes). The sun shines 350 days a year.