With warm Caribbean water and year-round visibility of 18 to 30 meters/60 to 100 feet (or better), there isn’t a bad time to visit Honduras, specifically the Bay Islands. But if you have the flexibility to visit whenever, April is arguably the best time of year to dive Honduras. The water is warmer, seas are calm and April is typically peak season for whale sharks.
The Bay Islands of Honduras are part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest coral reef in the world. The reef stretches from the northern Yucatán Peninsula down to the Bay Islands. Year-round, divers can expect to see:
- Colorful reef fish, including parrotfish, angelfish and butterflyfish
- Smaller critters, like seahorses and nudibranchs
- A variety of rays and reef sharks
- Larger fish, such as barracudas, groupers and schools of jacks
- The occasional sea turtle
Water temperatures range from highs of 25-29°C/78-84°F June through October and lows of 24-27°C/75–80°F from January to April. Most divers will be comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit, but if you get cold easily, consider using a 5mm in January when water temps can drop to 22°C/72°F.
Scuba Diving in Honduras By Time of Year
Let’s break down what you can expect during key seasons.
December to February
- Peak Travel Season: More tourists can mean higher prices.
- Calm Seas: Better for divers prone to seasickness.
March to May
- Best Visibility: The dry season can extend viz to 36 meters/120 feet.
- Calm Seas: Better for divers prone to seasickness.
- Warmer Water: Compared to December through February.
- Whale Shark Season: March and April are peak months for whale sharks.
July to September
- Warmest Water: Water temps peak at 29°C/84°F.
- Travel Savings: During the low season, you may find special rates on travel or lodging.
- Unique Encounters: Witness the incredible spectacle of the silversides migration, a unique and unforgettable experience.
The Best Time To See Whale Sharks
Utlia, one of the Bay Islands, is one of the few places in the world where whale sharks are seen year-round. That said, whale shark sightings peak in March and April. If you want to stay up to date, The Whale Shark and Oceanic Research Center (WSORC) posts Utila whale shark sightings to Instagram and Facebook.
The Best Time To Dive in Honduras Is Whenever You Can Get There!
With warm, clear water and abundant marine life, Honduras is an excellent, year-round destination for scuba divers of all levels. Contact your local PADI Dive Center or PADI Travel to learn more or book your trip.
