The Best Times of Year to Dive in the Caribbean, South Pacific, and Asia

If you’re a Canadian diver planning your next underwater adventure, you want to choose the best  time to travel. The truth is with climate change even the optimal seasons can vary. Although we can’t control the weather, we can choose the most optimal times to travel to a destination. Dive conditions can vary drastically depending on the region, season, and even the specific month you choose to travel.

From escaping Canadian winters with a Caribbean reef dive to venturing into Indonesia’s lush coral triangle, this guide breaks down the best times of year to dive in the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and Southeast Asia—so you can make the most of every dive.

At Scuba Holidays, we match divers from across Canada with the perfect destination and season for their goals, skill level, and dream sightings.

Caribbean Diving: Year-Round, but Seasonally Sweet

Top Destinations: Bonaire, Belize, Curaçao, Little Cayman

Best Time to Dive: December to May (Dry season)

Why It’s Ideal:

• Less rainfall = better visibility (30–40m+)

• Calm seas and comfortable air temps (26–29°C)

• Peak time for reef life and coral health

What to Expect:

• Calm conditions for new divers

• Turtles, eagle rays, reef sharks, and vibrant coral gardens

• Shore and boat diving options for every skill level

Caution: September–October (hurricane season)

Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand)

Top Destinations: Raja Ampat, Komodo, Bohol, Tubbataha

Best Times to Dive:

• Raja Ampat: October to April

• Komodo: April to November

• Philippines: November to June Tubbataha Reef: Best from mid-March to mid-June. Liveaboard only

Why It’s Ideal:

• Dry season = flat seas and great visibility (20–35m)

• Liveaboard-friendly conditions in Tubbataha, Komodo and Raja Ampat

• Pelagic migrations and macro photo opportunities

What to Expect:

• Mantas, pygmy seahorses, and world-class coral biodiversity

• Gentle drift dives to exciting current dives (intermediate+)

• Chance for rare critters like mimic octopus or mandarin fish

Pro Tip: Plan extra travel time—it’s a long way to go but worth it!

South Pacific (Fiji, French Polynesia, Palau)

Top Destinations: Taveuni (Fiji), Viti Levu (Fiji), Rangiroa (Tahiti)& Bora Bora , Palau

Best Time to Dive:

·        Fiji    May to October

·        French Polynesia April to November

·        Palau

Why It’s Ideal:

• Stable weather and less rain

• Shark migrations and coral spawning

• Stronger visibility and more pelagic activity

What to Expect:

• Giant mantas, reef sharks, and colorful soft corals

• Wall diving, passes, and occasional drift

• Welcoming resorts and expert local guides

  
  

Caution: January to March (cyclone season in some areas)

How Scuba Holidays Makes It Easy

When you work with Scuba Holidays, you don’t just get a trip—you get expert timing, customized planning, and full support from a team who knows exactly how Canadians travel.

We help you:

• Choose the right season and destination

• Build an itinerary around your budget and availability

• Access to our experienced dive travel agents. Planning for divers by divers

The best dive experiences happen with expert experience. By aligning your next vacation with the ideal season, you’ll enjoy better visibility, optimal ideal conditions, and greater chances of wildlife encounters.

Ready to book your next adventure? Let Scuba Holidays help you dive into the world’s best underwater experiences with the guidance of passionate and experienced dive travel professionals.