Water temp late Feb

[TrueBlu]

Hi Guys,

I have a northern liveaboard booked for late Feb and wondered if anyone could tell me what the current water temperature is like and what the weather/sea conditions are like, so that I can gauge what suit to bring. Thanks.

 

[Ste Wart]

I'd pack the drysuit if I were you. Temp will be low 20's.

 

[Searcaigh]

Aqaba was 21C this time last year, I was fine in a 5mm semi dry doing only 2 dives per day

 

[Solly]

This year it is 1-2 degrees colder than same time last year. yesterday in Hurghada it was 21. Expect it to drop little bit to the 20 range by the end of Fbruary.
Same time last year it was higher 1-2 degrees (it was in the range of 22-23)
I was ok with a 5mm and gloves but I felt the importance of the hood

 

[TrueBlu]

Thanks for the info guys, in years gone past I have visited a lot at this time of year and usually had 22 - 23 degrees, so fine in a 5mm. Sounds like I should expect a bit lower this year, so I am hoping a 5mm with a 3mm shorty over the top and hood should do the trick as I am a bit reluctant to drag the 7mm semi over due to the weight of it, although I know it would be the warmest option.

Next question, what is the security situation like on the streets of Hurghada right now?

 

[Solly]

I was there for 5 days 1st till 6th February, it was ok, didn't see any abnormal activity.... though I heard that one day that 2 supermarkets got robbed but didn't witness any.

For a liveboard you will be spending very short time on land and I am sure it will be as safe as anywhere else in the world

Enjoy !

 

[Crowley]

my last dive before going on holiday was on 2nd Feb - it was 22 degrees in the water around Sharm. We all expected it to drop much further but it didn't for some reason.

As per the other thread about red sea temperatures - the worst part of the whole thing is changing out of your suit after a dive...!

Enjoy the safari,

C.

 

[Searcaigh]

As per the other thread about red sea temperatures - the worst part of the whole thing is changing out of your suit after a dive...!

Enjoy the safari,

C.

I disagree, getting in to a cold wetsuit is worse :ermm: but you should warm up as soon as you hit the water.

Air temps here in UAE have been less than water temps on the east coast, wearing a wetsuit when the boat is moving fast chills the contents of the wetsuit, so it is also advisable to pack a decent jacket to keep warm.

 

[Solly]

It is a bit different here, you are fully clothed on the boat, you just gear up and get your wetsuit on few minutes before the dive. Having a proper wetsuit to keep you warm under the water is important and it is what every diver will do. The point is that some divers are more tolerant to water temp. so for example one can think that a 3mm suit would be ok for 22 degrees and he knows he can tolerate this.... the point here is the wind chill just after getting out of the water, with air temp. around 18-19 , strong wind and wet body (even with the suit on) the diver will feel it for sure. Hence the advise given by myself and Crowley is to take this wind chill into account not just the water temp.

With my 5mm I do not feel cold underwater but once I start to surface I choose the time that no one is on the ladder to just go up the boat as quick as possible dump my gear and head to a sheltered region on the boat, usually the saloon enterance to take a breath and start gettign off the suit.... imagine the competition for this part of the boat after dives in a windy winter day