Where to Dive in December: 9 Best Destinations

The best places to dive in December are the Maldives (peak dry season, with whale sharks in South Ari and tiger sharks at Fuvahmulah), Raja Ampat (mid-season, calm seas), Thailand's Andaman Sea (Similan Islands, Phi Phi, Krabi) and the Philippines, where the dry season arrives and the Moalboal sardine run is on. Southern Komodo is the pick if you want manta rays in the rainy season.

December is the start of the main northern-hemisphere winter dive season in Asia. The northeast monsoon brings dry weather to the Maldives, the Andaman Sea and much of the Philippines, while the Red Sea cools down and the Caribbean enters its drier months. Christmas and New Year are the busiest weeks, so book boats and dive centers early.

December Dive Destinations at a Glance

Water temperatures and visibility are typical ranges and vary by site and year.

Maldives in December

December falls in the northeast monsoon, which is the Maldives' dry season, so seas are calm and underwater visibility is generally excellent. South Ari Atoll has whale sharks that can be seen throughout the year, and Dhigurah is a popular base. Fuvahmulah, a single-island atoll in the south, is known for tiger sharks and other large pelagics.

See the Maldives season guide and our Dhigurah and Fuvahmulah guides.

Raja Ampat in December

December is in the middle of the October to April window, when seas are generally calm and the fish life is at its richest. Expect manta rays, schooling fish on current-swept points and macro life on the shallower reefs. Read the Raja Ampat season guide for details.

Thailand's Andaman Sea in December

The Andaman Sea is in its dry high season, with calm water and good visibility around Krabi, Phi Phi and the Similan Islands. This is an easy trip for beginners and a good base for Open Water courses. The Gulf of Thailand side (Koh Tao) is still in its wetter period early in December, with conditions improving later in the month.

Cebu and the Philippines in December

The dry season arrives in December, and the Moalboal sardine run can be seen from the shore-entry reef year-round, often alongside sea turtles. Some east-facing coasts get a northeast swell this time of year, so west-facing Cebu is a safe choice. See dive spots in Cebu and the Philippines overview.

Southern Komodo in December

The rainy season starts in December, and the north of the park can be choppy and less predictable. The southern sites, including Manta Alley, are in their season for manta rays. Fewer liveaboards work Komodo at this time of year because many move to Raja Ampat, but day trips from Labuan Bajo run year-round. More in our Komodo season guide.

Red Sea in December

The northern Red Sea is cooler in winter, with water at roughly 22–24°C, so a thicker wetsuit or a drysuit is smart. In return you get quiet reefs and excellent visibility. Southern routes toward Marsa Alam and the offshore reefs are also run by liveaboards. Read the Red Sea season guide.

Playa del Carmen and Cozumel in December

The Riviera Maya is in its dry season. Bull sharks can be seen off Playa del Carmen from around November to March, Cozumel has easy drift dives, and the cenotes stay a constant temperature. Occasional winter northerly winds can cancel boat dives for a day, so keep a buffer day in your plans. See the cenote dive guide.

Belize in December

Belize's drier months begin in December and the hurricane season is over. The Great Blue Hole and Lighthouse Reef are popular as multi-day liveaboard trips. See also the Belize dive guide.

Tenerife in December

If you want to stay in Europe, Tenerife offers year-round diving without a long flight. The water is about 19–21°C, so bring a 5–7 mm wetsuit or a semi-dry suit. Dive centers run beginner-friendly sites on the south and west coasts. See the Tenerife dive guide.

FAQ: Where to Dive in December