Where to dive in December
December is a strong month for mantas: they are reliable at Raja Ampat, Palau, Komodo and Socorro, all in season. Truk Lagoon, the Maldives and Sipadan are in their best months as well. The Red Sea cools to about 25 °C, and Malta, at about 18 °C, is out of season.
Make this list yours: add your level, what you want to see and how warm you like the water.
Personalise for DecemberTop 7 places for December
Raja AmpatIndonesia
8 of 8 sites in season. Best October to April.
Water 29°CIntermediate +MantasMatch 90
Ari AtollMaldives
3 of 3 sites in season. Best November to April.
Water 28°CIntermediate +Reef sharksMatch 90
KomodoIndonesia
The site is in season. Best April to December.
Water 28–29°CAdvancedMantas, Reef sharksMatch 91
Sipadan and MabulMalaysia
3 of 3 sites in season. Best April to December.
Water 28–29°CBeginner +Reef sharks, TurtlesMatch 90
Similan IslandsThailand
3 of 4 sites in season. Best December to April.
Water 28–29°CIntermediate +Mantas likelyMatch 87
Dumaguete and Apo IslandPhilippines
4 of 4 sites in season. Best November to May.
Water 27–28°CIntermediate +TurtlesMatch 86
December, by what you want
Better another month
- Malta and Gozo: best May to October; water 17–18°C in December.
- Belize atolls: best April to June; water 27°C in December.
- Bunaken and Lembeh: best April to November; water 28–29°C in December.
- Tulamben and Amed: best May to June and October to November; water 28–29°C in December.
Questions about diving in December
Where is the water warmest in December?
Of our trip bases: Raja Ampat (about 29°C), Tulamben and Amed (about 29°C), Komodo (about 29°C), on 1991–2020 averages. Each base page shows the typical range for every month.
Where can a new diver go in December?
The best matches for a beginner diver, counting only beginner sites no deeper than 18 m: Sipadan and Mabul, Palau, Malta and Gozo. 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.