The Best Time to Dive Semporna: Weather & Visibility Chart

One of the most common questions we get at TDB Semporna is: "Is it safe to dive during the monsoon?"

Unlike the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia (like Tioman or Perhentian) which closes completely, Sabah is different. Semporna is known as the "Land Below the Wind" because it sits south of the typhoon belt. This means we dive all year round. However, visibility and sea conditions do change.

The Annual Semporna Diving Chart

Use this guide to plan your 2026 dive trip based on what matters most to you—whether that's crystal clear water or avoiding the crowds.

Dry Season: April to September

This is widely considered the "Golden Season" for diving in Semporna. If your priority is seeing the bottom of the ocean from the boat, this is when you should book.

• Pros: The water is glass-calm, making boat rides to Sipadan or Siamil smooth. Visibility can reach an incredible 40 meters.
• Cons: It is hot! Also, permit demand for Sipadan is at its highest. You must book your slots 2-3 months in advance.
• Marine Life: Turtle mating season peaks in August. You will see plenty of action on the surface and underwater.

"Wet" Season: November to March

We put "wet" in quotation marks because Semporna doesn't get monsoons like the rest of Asia. Instead of days of non-stop rain, we usually get sunny mornings followed by a refreshing tropical storm in the late afternoon or evening.

• The Visibility Factor: The water can be greener due to plankton blooms. While this reduces visibility to 10-15m, it attracts larger pelagics like Manta Rays (occasional sightings) and Whale Sharks (rare but possible in cooler waters).
• Why Photographers Love It: The nutrient-rich water makes the macro life at Mabul and Kapalai explode. Nudibranchs, Frogfish, and Pygmy Seahorses are more active.
• The TDB Advantage: Since our resort is located on the mainland in a sheltered palm forest, we are less affected by choppy seas than the small island resorts. We can always access protected dive sites near the coast if the open ocean is rough.

Final Thoughts

There is no wrong time to visit Semporna. If you are here for the sharks and turtles of Sipadan, they are residents—they don't migrate. They will be there waiting for you, rain or shine.