Best places to dive in December
12 trip bases match. Ranked for any diver who wants water at 28°C or warmer (cooler places hidden).
Typical values are 1991–2020 averages and our site seasons.
Live switches on 48 hours before your trip. Add a start date under When.
BestGoodPossibleOff seasonYour month
#1IndonesiaLiveaboard or day boat●●●High confidence: 8 sites, every factor sourced - Strength: Water 29°C in December
- Strength: 8 of 8 sites are in season in December
- Strength: Calm seas on almost every day
- Trade-off: Rain on most days
JFMAMJJASOND
Best October to AprilWhy this match: 40 + 27 + 20 + 6 = 93
Season40 / 40
8 of 8 sites are in season in December; calm on almost every day.
Water27 / 27
Average 29°C; your minimum is 28°C. Pack a shorty or 3 mm wetsuit.
Your level20 / 20
No level picked, so all 8 sites count.
Weather6 / 13
Rain on most days; no real storm risk.
Points are scaled so the factors you set add up to 100. How we rank
#2MaldivesLiveaboard or day boat●●○Medium confidence: 3 sites on Divetip so far - Strength: Water 28°C in December
- Strength: 3 of 3 sites are in season in December
- Strength: Calm seas on most days
- Trade-off: Rain on most days
JFMAMJJASOND
Best November to AprilWhy this match: 39 + 27 + 20 + 7 = 93
Season39 / 40
3 of 3 sites are in season in December; calm on most days.
Water27 / 27
Average 28°C; your minimum is 28°C. Pack a 3 mm wetsuit.
Your level20 / 20
No level picked, so all 3 sites count.
Weather7 / 13
Rain on most days; no real storm risk.
Points are scaled so the factors you set add up to 100. How we rank
#3MalaysiaDay boat only●●○Medium confidence: 3 sites on Divetip so far - Strength: Water 28–29°C in December
- Strength: 3 of 3 sites are in season in December
- Strength: Calm seas on almost every day
- Trade-off: Rain on almost every day
JFMAMJJASOND
Best April to DecemberWhy this match: 40 + 26 + 20 + 6 = 92
Season40 / 40
3 of 3 sites are in season in December; calm on almost every day.
Water26 / 27
Average 29°C; your minimum is 28°C. Pack a 3 mm wetsuit.
Your level20 / 20
No level picked, so all 3 sites count.
Weather6 / 13
Rain on almost every day; no real storm risk.
Points are scaled so the factors you set add up to 100. How we rank
#4IndonesiaLiveaboard or day boat●○○Low confidence: Area base: 1 site on Divetip so far - Strength: Water 28–29°C in December
- Strength: December is in season here
- Trade-off: Rain on most days
- Unknown: Area base: 1 site on Divetip so far
JFMAMJJASOND
Best April to DecemberWhy this match: 39 + 27 + 20 + 7 = 93
Season39 / 40
The site is in season in December; calm on almost every day.
Water27 / 27
Average 29°C; your minimum is 28°C. Pack a shorty or 3 mm wetsuit.
Your level20 / 20
No level picked, so all 1 sites count.
Weather7 / 13
Rain on most days; no real storm risk.
Points are scaled so the factors you set add up to 100. How we rank
#5PhilippinesShore or day boat●●○Medium confidence: 4 sites on Divetip so far - Strength: Water 27–28°C in December
- Strength: 4 of 4 sites are in season in December
- Strength: Calm seas on most days
- Trade-off: Storm risk: a named storm passed within 250 km in 20% of Decembers
JFMAMJJASOND
Best November to MayWhy this match: 38 + 27 + 20 + 5 = 90
Season38 / 40
4 of 4 sites are in season in December; calm on most days.
Water27 / 27
Average 28°C; your minimum is 28°C. Pack a 3 mm wetsuit.
Your level20 / 20
No level picked, so all 4 sites count.
Weather5 / 13
Rain on most days; named storm nearby in 20% of years.
Points are scaled so the factors you set add up to 100. How we rank
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Always check local conditions with your dive centre. Rankings are never paid for. Every month also has its own page: where to dive in December.
