TL;DR
November is still a very good month for snorkeling in the Red Sea —
but wind exposure starts to matter more than in October.
Southern Red Sea reef-front areas remain the most reliable, while open and wind-exposed sections become less repeatable for calm shore snorkeling.
👉 Check the Reefguide Calculator for your month and experience level →/calculator/
Why November is different from October
November marks the transition toward the cooler, windier season.
Water temperatures are still comfortable and visibility remains high, but surface conditions become more sensitive to wind — especially on exposed coastlines.
The key insight:
In November, the Red Sea still rewards reef-front and sheltered access, but timing and exposure matter more than in October.
✅ Works more often (low-effort)
Southern Red Sea (reef-front resorts & sheltered access)
- Direct reef-front entry reduces wind impact
- Conditions remain repeatable on most days
- Calm shore snorkeling still works well, especially in the mornings
Best for:
Beginner snorkelers, relaxed planning, and travelers who want consistency without daily micromanagement.
⚠️ Works sometimes
Central Red Sea (lagoon-protected areas)
- Lagoons and semi-sheltered zones can still work
- Open stretches are increasingly wind-sensitive
- Early-morning entries are more important than in October
Planning note:
Accommodation choice matters more — prioritize lagoon or reef-front access.
❌ Usually skipped
Wind-exposed Red Sea coastlines
- Wind and surface chop become more frequent
- Shore snorkeling comfort is less repeatable
- Better suited for boat-based access rather than casual shore entry
Reality check:
Excellent reefs still exist here, but November snorkeling is less forgiving without shelter.
Want to compare months?
October and November are both strong — but they behave differently.
👉 Compare November with other Red Sea months using the Reefguide Calculator →/calculator/
FAQ — Red Sea snorkeling in November
Is November a good month for snorkeling in the Red Sea?
Yes.
November still offers very good snorkeling, but wind exposure plays a bigger role than in October.
Which area of the Red Sea works best in November?
Southern Red Sea reef-front areas remain the most reliable.
Sheltered access helps offset increased wind sensitivity.
Is November worse than October for snorkeling?
Not worse — just different.
November is slightly windier, which makes location and exposure more important than in October.
Can beginners snorkel in the Red Sea in November?
Yes.
Beginners should prioritize reef-front or lagoon-protected areas and snorkel earlier in the day.
Does November require more planning than October?
Yes, slightly.
Conditions are still good, but choosing sheltered access and checking timing becomes more important.
👉 See all Red Sea snorkeling months →
/red-sea-snorkeling-by-month/
👉 Compare November with October →
/red-sea-snorkeling-october/