Scuba diving in Australia
5 dive regions in Australia, each scored month by month for marine life, coral health, visibility, water temperature, currents and weather. Taken together, the diving here is at its best in May–November, but every region has its own season, so check the grid below before you book.
Also see: Indian Ocean · Indo-Pacific
Best time to dive in Australia, region by region
Sorted by each region's best month
| Nov2026 | Dec | Jan2027 | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ningaloo ReefAustralia | 6.8 | 6.6 | 6.4 | 6.4 | 7.2 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 7.9 | 7.7 | 7.5 | 6.9 | 6.6 |
| Northern GBR & Coral SeaAustralia | 7.2 | 7.0 | 6.4 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 7.5 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.2 | 7.0 |
| Southern GBRAustralia | 6.9 | 6.6 | 6.4 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 7.8 | 7.6 | 7.0 | 6.8 | 6.8 | 6.5 |
| Neptune IslandsAustralia | 6.8 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 6.9 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.2 | 6.9 | 6.9 | 6.9 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 6.8 | 6.8 |
| Rowley ShoalsAustralia | 7.2 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.2 | 4.0 |
Overall score out of 10 with balanced priorities, from the current forecast.
Dive regions in Australia
- Ningaloo ReefIndian Ocean
Peak season: April–October · Beginner · Shore, Day boat
Known for whale shark, humpback whale, reef manta, grey nurse shark
- Northern GBR & Coral SeaIndo-Pacific
Peak season: June–October · Beginner · Liveaboard, Day boat
Known for dwarf minke whale, potato cod, grey reef shark, manta ray
- Southern GBRIndo-Pacific
Peak season: May–August · Beginner · Resort, Day boat
Known for reef manta, green turtle, humpback whale, leopard shark
- Neptune IslandsIndian Ocean
Peak season: year-round · Beginner · Liveaboard, Day boat
Known for great white shark, australian sea lion, new zealand fur seal, bronze whaler, yellowtail kingfish
- Rowley ShoalsIndian Ocean
Peak season: September–November · Intermediate · Liveaboard
Known for grey reef shark, potato cod, silvertip shark, giant clam, manta ray