Best places to dive in December
20 trip bases match. Ranked for any diver who wants water at 28°C or warmer.
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
Book your trip
Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. Partners never change the ranking.
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.
