What is the water temperature in Komodo throughout the year?

Water temperature ranges from 24–26°C during the dry season (June to August, cold upwelling possible in the south) to 27–30°C during the wet season (November to March). A 3mm wetsuit is sufficient for warm months; many divers prefer a 5mm in July and August.

How far in advance should I book Komodo diving in 2026?

Under the 2026 visitor quota of 1,000 people per day, July to October requires booking 3 to 6 months in advance. The manta seasons are also filling faster. November and April to June offer more flexibility but confirmed bookings are always protected.

What diving experience do I need for Komodo?

Advanced Open Water certification is strongly recommended for most Komodo sites due to currents. Beginners can still dive protected Central Komodo sites with the right operator. Dragon Dive Komodo offers PADI courses up to IDC level in Labuan Bajo.

🗓️ Guide 2026 — mis à jour avril

Best Time to Dive Komodo 2026

Q: When is the best time to see manta rays in Komodo?

Komodo has two manta zones with overlapping seasons. South Komodo (Manta Alley) peaks November to March with the largest aggregations in January and February. Central Komodo hosts mantas November through June. November is the sweet spot when both zones are simultaneously active with far fewer boats than peak season.

Q: Can you dive Komodo year-round?

Yes. Diving is possible every month but the best zones shift with the monsoon. North and Central Komodo are strongest April to October. South Komodo (Manta Alley) peaks November to March. Central also hosts mantas November to June. November is particularly good as both manta zones are simultaneously active.

Complete month-by-month guide to Komodo diving conditions — visibility, water temperature, manta ray season and the best zones for every skill level.

📅 Month-by-month calendar 👁️ Visibility & conditions 🐟 Manta season & marine life 🚨 2026 visitor quota active

Find My Best Month Manta Season Booking

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Small Groups

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🐟 Manta Season 2026 — November to June

Komodo has mantas year-round but the best encounters are split across two zones. South Komodo (Manta Alley): November to March. Central Komodo: November to June. November is the sweet spot — both zones active, far fewer boats.

Nov–MarSouth — Manta Alley peak

Nov–JunCentral — extended season

8Max divers on Shenron

1 000Visitor cap/day (2026)

💬 Check Manta Season Availability ⛵ Shenron Liveaboard Details

Pick Your Priority — We'll Highlight Your Best Months

Click one or more filters. The calendar below will highlight the months that match your goal.

What matters most to you?

Mantas? Crystal visibility? Warm water? Fewer crowds? Choose and compare.

↓ Jump to calendar

Komodo Diving Conditions — Month by Month 2026

Komodo is diveable year-round but the best zones shift with the monsoon. Use this as a planning guide — itineraries always adjusted based on actual conditions.

January 🌧️

Manta Season

Best Zones

South (Mantas) Central North (Closed)

🌡️ 27–30°C (warm)

🐟 Peak manta encounters in South

🌧️ Rain & variable winds

Best for mantas. Focus South Komodo when sea state allows; Central is a great backup. Book manta season →

More tips

Flexible itinerary planning essential — routes change with weather.
Warm water, but pack a 3mm just in case.

February 🌧️

Manta Season

Best Zones

South (Mantas) Central North (Closed)

🌡️ 27–30°C

🐟 Prime manta month — South sites peak

💨 Unpredictable weather; flexible ops

Manta season peak. Warm water + big animal potential. Fewer crowds than high season.

More tips

On windier days, ask for protected Central sites.
Great month to combine diving + hotel relaxation.

March 🌦️

Good

Best Zones

South Central North (improving)

🌡️ 27–30°C

🔄 Transition month — winds shifting

🐟 Last reliable stretch for South mantas

All-rounder month. Warm water + improving access to all zones. Mix of South + Central and possibly North.

More tips

Day-to-day changes in sea state — trust your operator.

April ☀️

Excellent

Best Zones

Central (Mantas) North South (variable)

👁️ Visibility improves strongly

🌡️ ~26–28°C

🐟 Mantas at Central + reefs, turtles, big schools

One of the best months overall. Great access, variety, smoother seas — and Central manta season still running.

More tips

Excellent for mixed groups (beginners + advanced).
Ideal for AOW + drift training in manageable conditions.

May ☀️

Excellent

Best Zones

North Central (Mantas) South (cooler)

👁️ Clear water begins

🌡️ ~26–28°C

🐟 Mantas still active at Central sites

Great visibility + variety + mantas. Strong choice for photographers and reef lovers.

More tips

Bring reef-safe sunscreen + light jacket for breezy boat rides.

June ☀️

Excellent

Best Zones

North Central (last mantas) South (cooler)

👁️ Peak visibility begins

🌡️ ~24–27°C (cooler)

🐟 Last of Central manta season

Best for visibility + last Central mantas. Wide-angle photography paradise.

More tips

5mm wetsuit recommended if you feel the cold.
Book 2026 quota slots now — June is filling.

July ☀️

Excellent

Best Zones

North Central South (cold upwelling)

👁️ Very clear water

🌡️ ~24–26°C

👥 Busy — book 3–6 months ahead

High season 2026. Under the new quota, July slots fill fast — don't wait to book.

More tips

Expect stronger currents at iconic drift sites.
Pack a windbreaker for the boat.

August ☀️

Excellent

Best Zones

North Central South (cold upwelling)

👁️ Excellent visibility window

🌡️ ~24–26°C

👥 Peak crowds — book early

Visibility lovers' dream. Consider September for same quality + fewer crowds.

More tips

5mm + hooded vest if cold-sensitive.
August 2026 slots are critically limited under the new quota.

September ☀️

Excellent

Best Zones

North Central South (variable)

👁️ Great visibility + calmer vibe

🌡️ ~25–27°C

📷 Fantastic photography season

Sweet spot. Best quality + fewer crowds than July/August. Top choice for 2026.

More tips

Great for Dive & Stay trips.
Mix of coral gardens + drift classics.

October 🌤️

Excellent

Best Zones

Central North South (returning)

👁️ Strong conditions continue

🌡️ ~26–28°C

🔄 Transition starts later in month

Top month. Excellent diving + relaxed travel pace vs July/August. South Komodo starts reopening.

More tips

Good for advanced training: Deep / Drift / Nitrox.

💡 Underrated gem

November 🌦️

Good — Underrated

Best Zones

Central South (improving) North (variable)

🌡️ ~27–29°C (warm)

💨 Wind transition — Central very reliable

🌿 Much quieter than high season

Komodo's best-kept secret. Central Komodo is reliable, water is warm, the park is quiet. South Komodo starts ramping up — early visitors sometimes catch both reef diving and the first manta encounters of the season.

More tips

Water temperature is one of the warmest of the year — 3mm is usually enough.
Excellent value — much lower prices than July/August with solid diving quality.
Great month to combine PADI courses + guided dives.

December 🌧️

Good — Mantas Start

Best Zones

South (Mantas) Central North (Closed)

🌡️ ~27–30°C

🐟 Manta season returns (South)

🌧️ Rainy season patterns begin

Warm water + mantas. Excellent for South Komodo big animal trips. Holiday period books out fast under 2026 quota.

More tips

Holiday dates fill up faster under the 2026 quota — reserve well ahead.

🎯 Quick Answers — Komodo Diving 2026

Fast, practical answers to the most common questions about timing your Komodo dive trip.

🐟 When is the best time to see manta rays in Komodo?

Two zones, one extended season: South (Manta Alley) Nov–Mar and Central Nov–Jun.

South Komodo peaks in January–February with the largest aggregations. Central Komodo hosts mantas through the dry season. November is the sweet spot — both zones active, far fewer boats.

💬 Book Manta Season 2026

🌦️ Is November a good time to dive Komodo?

Yes — and it is massively underrated.

Central Komodo sites are very reliable, water temperature is warm at 27–29°C, the park is quiet and prices are lower than peak season. South Komodo starts firing up — early visitors sometimes catch the opening of manta season. If you want quality diving without the July–August crowds, November is one of the best months of the year.

🌡️ What is the water temperature in Komodo?

Ranges from 24–26°C (dry season) to 27–30°C (wet season).

Practical rule: 3mm wetsuit works well for warm months (Oct–Apr). Many divers prefer a 5mm for June–August when cold upwelling can bring surprise thermoclines, especially in South Komodo.

📅 Can you dive Komodo year-round?

Yes — but the best zone shifts monthly.

North/Central dominate April–October. South Komodo (Manta Alley) peaks November–March. Central also hosts mantas November–June. No month is a write-off if you work with an operator who adjusts daily.

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💰 How much does diving in Komodo cost per day?

Depends on trip type. Use the calculator below for a fast estimate.

Dragon Dive Komodo packages include current park fees in the displayed price — no hidden costs added later. Full fee breakdown →

🕐 How far ahead should I book in 2026?

Under the new quota: 3–6 months for July–October.

The 1,000 visitor/day cap has fundamentally changed booking timelines. The manta seasons are also filling faster. November and April–June offer more flexibility — but confirmed bookings are always protected even if quota rules change again.

Komodo Diving Budget Calculator 2026

Quick estimate for your trip. Park fees are included in Dragon Dive Komodo package prices — no surprise costs on the day.

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Last updated: April 9, 2026