Where to dive in August
August opens the season on the Ribbon Reefs and Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea, at about 25 °C. Malta's water is at its warmest, about 26 °C, and Komodo, Nusa Penida, Bunaken, Sipadan and Koh Tao stay in season. In the Caribbean, a named storm passed within 250 km of Belize in 23% of Augusts and of Cozumel in 20%.
Make this list yours: add your level, what you want to see and how warm you like the water.
Personalise for AugustTop 7 places for August
Bunaken and LembehIndonesia
3 of 3 sites in season. Best April to November.
Water 28–29°CIntermediate +TurtlesMatch 96
Nusa Penida and LembonganIndonesia
3 of 3 sites in season. Best July to November.
Water 26°CIntermediate +MantasMatch 95
KomodoIndonesia
The site is in season. Best April to December.
Water 26–27°CAdvancedReef sharks, TurtlesMatch 96
Sharm el-SheikhEgypt
3 of 4 sites in season. Best March to November.
Water 28–29°CIntermediate +Hammerheads likelyMatch 90
Sipadan and MabulMalaysia
3 of 3 sites in season. Best April to December.
Water 28–29°CBeginner +Reef sharks, TurtlesMatch 90
Marsa AlamEgypt
3 of 4 sites in season. Good May to August and October to December.
Water 29–30°CIntermediate +Hammerheads likelyMatch 87
August, by what you want
Better another month
- Revillagigedo (Socorro): good November to May; water 26–28°C in August.
- Similan Islands: best December to April; water 28–29°C in August.
- Belize atolls: best April to June; water 29°C in August.
- Anilao: best November to May; water 28–29°C in August.
Questions about diving in August
Where is the water warmest in August?
Of our trip bases: Marsa Alam (about 30°C), Truk Lagoon (about 29°C), Cozumel (about 29°C), on 1991–2020 averages. Each base page shows the typical range for every month.
Where can a new diver go in August?
The best matches for a beginner diver, counting only beginner sites no deeper than 18 m: Malta and Gozo, Sipadan and Mabul, Koh Tao. See all for beginners.
How do you rank these places?
By season (our site seasons and the share of calm days), weather, sites for your level and, when you set them, marine life and water temperature. Typical values are 1991–2020 averages and our site seasons. Always check local conditions with your dive centre.