Where to dive in May
May is when the Mediterranean opens: Malta and Gozo come into season, though the water is still about 19 °C. Hammerheads are reliable at Marsa Alam, and Komodo, Sipadan, Bunaken, Belize and Cozumel are in their best months. Raja Ampat and the Similan Islands are out of season.
Make this list yours: add your level, what you want to see and how warm you like the water.
Personalise for MayTop 7 places for May
Tulamben and AmedIndonesia
3 of 3 sites in season. Best May to June and October to November.
Water 29–30°CIntermediate +Turtles likelyMatch 97
KomodoIndonesia
The site is in season. Best April to December.
Water 28°CAdvancedReef sharks, TurtlesMatch 94
Dumaguete and Apo IslandPhilippines
4 of 4 sites in season. Best November to May.
Water 28–29°CIntermediate +TurtlesMatch 92
Bunaken and LembehIndonesia
3 of 3 sites in season. Best April to November.
Water 29°CIntermediate +TurtlesMatch 91
May, by what you want
Mantas
See the full rankingBetter another month
- Similan Islands: best December to April; water 29–30°C in May.
- Ribbon Reefs and Osprey Reef: best November; water 26–27°C in May.
- Raja Ampat: best October to April; water 29°C in May.
Questions about diving in May
Where is the water warmest in May?
Of our trip bases: Koh Tao (about 30°C), Similan Islands (about 30°C), Sipadan and Mabul (about 30°C), on 1991–2020 averages. Each base page shows the typical range for every month.
Where can a new diver go in May?
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.