Is Winter a Good Time to Scuba Dive in Monterey? What New Divers Should Know

SF Admin   Dec 30, 2025

Yes, winter can be a great time to scuba dive in Monterey, especially for new divers who want focused instruction, fewer crowds, and excellent training conditions. While winter diving looks different than summer, it offers real advantages when you know what to expect and how to prepare.

Here is what new divers should know about winter scuba diving in Monterey and why it can be a smart time to get in the water.

Is Winter a Good Time to Scuba Dive in Monterey?

Winter scuba diving in Monterey is absolutely possible and often rewarding. Many local divers train and dive year-round. Winter conditions tend to bring quieter dive sites, strong kelp growth, and opportunities to build solid cold-water skills with fewer distractions.

For beginners, winter can be an ideal time to slow down, focus on fundamentals, and learn in a more relaxed environment.

What Are Monterey’s Winter Dive Conditions Like?

Monterey dive conditions in winter are generally consistent, though they can change day to day. Water temperatures typically range from the low to mid 50s, which means proper exposure protection is important. Visibility can be excellent on calm days, often improving after winter storms pass.

Winter conditions usually include:

• Cold water temperatures that require thicker wetsuits or drysuits
• Fewer surface crowds at popular shore dive sites
• Strong kelp forests that offer shelter and calm underwater conditions

A local dive shop helps new divers understand how to plan around weather, swell, and visibility to choose the right days to dive.

What New Divers Should Know About Cold-Water Diving

Cold water scuba diving is different from warm water diving, but it is very manageable with the right preparation. New divers learn how exposure protection affects buoyancy, how to stay warm, and how to move comfortably in thicker gear.

Winter training helps build awareness, control, and confidence early on. Divers who learn in cold water often feel more prepared when they travel or dive in new environments later.

What Marine Life Can You See During Winter Dives?

Winter is a beautiful time to explore Monterey’s underwater world. Kelp forests are often lush, and marine life remains active year-round. Divers may see sea lions, rockfish, nudibranchs, and a variety of invertebrates thriving in cooler water.

While conditions can feel quieter at the surface, there is plenty happening underwater throughout the winter months.

Is Winter a Good Time to Get Certified?

Winter can be an excellent time for scuba diving for beginners in Monterey. Classes tend to be smaller, schedules are more flexible, and instructors can spend more one-on-one time with students.

Learning during the winter also means you are ready to enjoy local diving and travel opportunities when spring and summer arrive.

How to Prepare for a Winter Dive in Monterey

Preparation is key to enjoying winter scuba diving. New divers should focus on proper exposure protection, layering for warmth before and after dives, and listening closely to local guidance.

Working with a trusted Monterey dive shop ensures you understand seasonal conditions and feel comfortable every step of the way.

At Aquarius Dive Shop, winter diving is approached with education, patience, and local experience. If you are curious about winter conditions or thinking about certification, stopping by the shop to ask questions is a great place to start.

FAQs

1. Is winter scuba diving safe for beginners in Monterey? Yes. With proper training, equipment, and local guidance, winter diving can be very safe for new divers.
2. How cold is the water when diving in Monterey during winter? Water temperatures are usually in the low to mid 50s, which is why proper exposure protection is important.
3. Do I need special gear to dive in Monterey during winter? Most divers use thicker wetsuits or drysuits, along with gloves and hoods, to stay warm and comfortable.
4. Is visibility better or worse in winter? Visibility can be excellent on calm winter days, though it varies depending on weather and swell.
5. Is winter the best time to start scuba certification? Winter is a great time to start certification because classes are often smaller and allow for focused instruction and skill development.

Photo Credit: Eric Wahl @erwahl_