Scuba diving in the United States
3 dive regions in the United States, 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: Atlantic · Eastern Pacific · Indo-Pacific
Best time to dive in the United States, region by region
Sorted by each region's best month
| Nov2026 | Dec | Jan2027 | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kona (Big Island)United States | 7.6 | 7.6 | 7.7 | 7.7 | 7.7 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 7.9 | 8.0 | 7.9 | 7.8 | 7.7 |
| Florida KeysUnited States | 5.8 | 5.6 | 5.6 | 5.6 | 5.6 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.3 | 6.2 | 5.8 | 5.6 | 5.5 | 5.6 |
| Channel Islands (California)United States | 5.8 | 5.1 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.1 | 5.4 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.1 | 5.7 | 5.1 |
Overall score out of 10 with balanced priorities, from the current forecast.
Dive regions in the United States
- Kona (Big Island)Indo-Pacific
Peak season: year-round · Beginner · Day boat, Shore
Known for reef manta, spinner dolphin, green turtle, blackwater night dives
- Florida KeysAtlantic
Peak season: May–August · Beginner · Day boat
Known for goliath grouper, nurse shark, spotted eagle ray, turtles
- Channel Islands (California)Eastern Pacific
Peak season: June–October · Intermediate · Liveaboard, Day boat, Shore
Known for california sea lion, garibaldi, giant sea bass, giant kelp forest