Wind in late October, Marsa Alam/St. John's?

[Thucydides]

Greetings,

We're pondering a liveaboard in the south (St. John's reef and environs) in late October, since earlier in the year is not an option for family reasons.

We've read, however, that the wind picks up in the Red Sea starting in October. It's not always clear exactly what this means for divers, though.

Are these steady, predictable winds, or is it more like increased odds of windy days? And how bad are we talking about - potential seasickness, difficulty entering/existing the water, missed dives and substitute second-tier sites, etc., or more just a chill after the dive? Is visibility affected?

Any insight would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[diverLux]

it's always windy on the Red Sea , quiet sea is not the norm, I am prone to sea-sickness and I wouldn't go on a live-abord if you paid me serious money, I dive from the shore so even if the sea is a bit rough underwater is quiet.

 

[Darnold9999]

Can’t comment on wind in Oct but just got back from two weeks diving in the Red Sea. First week was calm (mostly) second week was windy - one person was sea sick and I would have been but for it being the second week and getting used to being on the water. Last day the run to port was in 3M seas.

Be aware that Saint John’s is more often closed than open. It was open the week prior to my first week and closed the second week (when we were scheduled to do it). Without it the difference between the north and south routes is minimal. Brothers is the difference.

 

[diverLux]

Turtles, really

yours faithfully at Serib Kebir (El Quseir)

• diverLux
• May 27, 2017

 

[Scott from LongIsland]

I was there in mid October and the winds seemed normal. Nothing crazy at all and the viz was typically superb. These are both from St John's

 

[Sunn]

As diverLux said, it's always windy in the Red Sea.

Too much wind (or sand tempest) 2 or 3 days per year, and port authorities prohibit then boat departure.
(happened to me 1 time, had to wait 48h before allowing departure, but a friend of mine sailed away the day before and dove without problem the whole week)

 

[Diver0001]

Greetings,

We're pondering a liveaboard in the south (St. John's reef and environs) in late October, since earlier in the year is not an option for family reasons.

We've read, however, that the wind picks up in the Red Sea starting in October. It's not always clear exactly what this means for divers, though.

Are these steady, predictable winds, or is it more like increased odds of windy days? And how bad are we talking about - potential seasickness, difficulty entering/existing the water, missed dives and substitute second-tier sites, etc., or more just a chill after the dive? Is visibility affected?

Any insight would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Winds are generally greatest in the afternoon. In late October you can expect force 4 or 5 winds during part of most afternoons. In the morning and evening it's usually much calmer. Dive early and make 2 dives before lunch and one in the evening if possible.

R..