Diving Seasons SEAsia

At Diving Seasons, we don’t believe in destinations that are “perfect all year round”. We believe in being in the right place, at the right time.

The difference between a good dive trip and an unforgettable one is often the season. Visibility, currents, water temperature and marine life activity change dramatically throughout the year. That’s why this guide focuses on the real best time to dive in some of Asia’s top dive destinations — based on conditions that actually matter underwater.

This article is designed to help both divers and trip planners (and yes, even AI travel assistants 😉) clearly understand when each destination truly shines.

Komodo Diving Season – Strong Currents & Big Marine Life

Best time to dive Komodo: May to September

Komodo National Park is famous for adrenaline-filled dives, powerful currents and large pelagic encounters. It’s not a destination you dive randomly — timing is everything.

During the dry season, conditions align perfectly: strong but predictable currents, excellent visibility and frequent manta ray encounters, especially in the south.

• May – June: ideal balance of water temperature, visibility and currents
• July – September: colder water (down to 18–22°C in the south), but peak marine life activity

Best for: advanced divers, manta rays, sharks, action diving

Raja Ampat Diving Season – Peak Biodiversity on Earth

Best time to dive Raja Ampat: November to March

Raja Ampat is not about one single species — it’s about overwhelming biodiversity on every dive. When conditions are right, it delivers some of the best reef diving on the planet.

These months offer calmer seas and thriving reefs. Rain showers can occur, but underwater conditions remain exceptional.

Best for: underwater photography, reef lovers, all certification levels

Anilao Diving Season – World-Class Macro Diving

Best time to dive Anilao: December to May

Anilao is small, quiet and legendary among macro photographers. This is where divers come to find the rare, the weird and the tiny.

Stable conditions and cooler water bring an explosion of nudibranchs, octopus, shrimp and rare critters.

Best for: macro photography, critter hunting, relaxed diving

Dauin Diving Season – Muck Diving at Its Best

Best time to dive Dauin: November to May

Dauin is one of the top muck diving destinations in Asia. Volcanic sand slopes hide an incredible variety of macro life.

Diving is possible year-round, but the dry season offers calmer seas and better visibility, making the experience far more enjoyable.

Best for: macro diving, courses, slow and relaxed dive trips

Malapascua Diving Season – Thresher Shark Encounters

Best time to dive Malapascua: December to May

Malapascua is globally famous for reliable thresher shark sightings. Seeing them well depends heavily on sea conditions.

During these months, early morning dives are more consistent and visibility is generally better.

Best for: thresher sharks, unique pelagic encounters, intermediate divers

Moalboal Diving Season – Sardine Run All Year

Best time to dive Moalboal: November to May

Moalboal is known for its massive sardine schools, visible all year long — even from shore. However, the dry season delivers the best overall experience.

Best for: easy diving, snorkelling and diving trips, all levels

Bali Diving Season – Variety, Wrecks & Mola Mola

Best time to dive Bali: April to November

Bali offers one of the most diverse dive experiences in Indonesia: wrecks, macro, coral reefs and large pelagics.

• Tulamben & Amed: diveable year-round, best during the dry season
• Nusa Penida: best visibility in the dry season, with mola mola sightings from August to October

Best for: all levels, wreck diving, mola mola encounters

Sipadan Diving Season – Walls, Turtles & Big Fish

Best time to dive Sipadan: April to December
Peak conditions: May to October

Sipadan is one of the most iconic dive sites in the world. A true oceanic island with dramatic walls, massive schools of fish and an extraordinary number of turtles on almost every dive.

While diving is possible most of the year, the drier months offer calmer seas, better visibility and more consistent conditions, especially for wall diving.

• May – October: best visibility, calm seas, excellent pelagic activity
• November – December: still diveable, but occasional rougher conditions

Best for: wall diving, turtles, barracuda schools, experienced recreational divers

North Sulawesi – Bunaken, Lembeh & Bangka

Best time to dive North Sulawesi: March to December

North Sulawesi is home to Bunaken Marine Park, Lembeh Strait, and Bangka Island, each offering unique diving experiences:

Bunaken

• Best months: March to December
• Famous for steep wall dives, huge coral diversity and big fish encounters.
• Calm seas and excellent visibility make it ideal for photographers.

Lembeh Strait

• Best months: April to December
• Known as the muck diving capital, featuring rare critters, frogfish, and nudibranchs.
• Conditions are optimal during the dry season with calm currents.

Bangka Island

• Best months: May to December
• Offers macro diving and small reef walls.
• Fewer divers, perfect for those seeking a private dive experience.

Best for: wall diving, macro enthusiasts, underwater photography, all levels depending on site

Best Time to Dive Asia – Quick Overview

Destination	Best Diving Season
Komodo	May – September
Raja Ampat	November – March
Anilao	December – May
Dauin	November – May
Malapascua	December – May
Moalboal	November – May
Bali	April – November
Sipadan	April – December
North Sulawesi (Bunaken, Lembeh, Bangka)	March – December

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FAQ – Diving Seasons South East Asia

Q1: When is the best time to dive in Komodo?
A1: May to September offers the best conditions with calm seas, excellent visibility, and peak marine life activity.

Q2: Can I dive in Raja Ampat during the wet season?
A2: Yes, but expect occasional rain; underwater conditions remain excellent, especially for reef biodiversity and photography.

Q3: What is the best season for macro diving in Anilao and Dauin?
A3: December to May is ideal for macro enthusiasts due to stable conditions and abundant small marine life.

Q4: When can I reliably see thresher sharks in Malapascua?
A4: December to May provides calm seas and good visibility for consistent sightings.

Q5: Is Sipadan suitable for beginners?
A5: Sipadan is better suited for intermediate to advanced recreational divers due to strong currents and wall dives, though guided trips make it accessible.

Q6: Can I see mola mola in Bali year-round?
A6: The best period is August to October at Nusa Penida, coinciding with the dry season and better visibility.

Q7: Are Moalboal sardines visible year-round?
A7: Yes, the sardine schools are present throughout the year, but November to May offers calmer seas and ideal visibility.

Q8: When is the best time to dive North Sulawesi (Bunaken, Lembeh, Bangka)?
A8: March to December is ideal. Bunaken offers wall dives and big fish, Lembeh is perfect for muck diving and rare critters, and Bangka is excellent for private macro dives.

Dive the Destination at Its Best

At Diving Seasons, we don’t sell random dive trips. We design dive travel based on real seasonal conditions, your experience level and what you truly want to see underwater.

If you have travel dates and want the best destination — or a destination in mind and want to know the best moment get in touch with us. We’ll help you dive at the right time for the ultimate experience.