Diving doesn't stop when summer ends. On northern Morocco's Mediterranean coast, around M'diq and Tamuda Bay, you can dive all year round. In winter the water is cooler, but the sites are quieter and the boats less busy. Here is what to know before you gear up: water temperature month by month, wetsuits, what you'll see underwater and the dives you can book.
1. Can you dive in winter in M'diq?
Yes. Tamuda Bay, between M'diq and Fnideq, is a semi-sheltered area that keeps diving accessible for much of the year, even in moderate wind. As anywhere, trips depend on sea conditions: in winter a day may be moved if the swell is too strong. Building some flexibility into your plans is the best way to make sure you get your dives in.
2. Water temperature, month by month
| Month | Water at M'diq (average) | Suggested wetsuit |
|---|---|---|
| October | 20°C | 5 mm |
| November | 18.4°C | 5 to 7 mm |
| December | 17°C | 7 mm or semi-dry |
| January | 16.3°C | 7 mm or semi-dry |
| February | 15.7°C | 7 mm or semi-dry |
| March | 15.8°C | 7 mm or semi-dry |
| April | 16.6°C | 7 mm |
Average surface temperatures; they can vary by one or two degrees from week to week. A hood, gloves and boots make winter dives far more comfortable.
Equipment is included in the dive packages: when you book, give your size and ask which wetsuit thickness is planned for your date.
3. What you'll see underwater in winter
The coast's resident marine life stays all year: groupers, white seabream, gilthead bream, moray eels, scorpionfish, octopus and cuttlefish, over rocks covered in life and Posidonia seagrass meadows. Loggerhead turtles, on the other hand, are mostly seen in summer. Visibility is usually best in summer and can drop after rain or rough seas, which is why it pays to let the instructor pick the day's site.
4. Why dive in winter
- Quieter sites: fewer boats and fewer divers than in July and August.
- A good time to improve: several dives over a few days let you work on buoyancy and build confidence before the season.
- An easy trip to combine: a dive in the morning, a medina or a land activity in the afternoon.
- More flexible slots: off-season, it's easier to find a date that suits you.
5. Dives you can book
| Option | Who it's for | Duration | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean discovery dive | Beginners or divers who want a guided outing | 1h | See the offer → |
| Exploration dive, 1 guided dive | Divers who want to explore the Belyounech sites | Half day | See the offer → |
| Double dive, 2 sites | Divers who want a full day | Full day | See the offer → |
| Exploration pack, 4 dives | A stay of a few days | 2 to 3 days | See the offer → |
| 10-dive pass | Long stays or residents | Valid 1 month | See the offer → |
6. Tips for diving in cooler water
- Bring something to warm up: a towel, a beanie, a windproof jacket and dry clothes for after the dive and the boat ride back.
- Eat well and stay hydrated before diving: the cold is more tiring.
- Tell your instructor as soon as you feel cold, rather than waiting until the end of the dive.
- Keep a spare day in your trip in case a dive is moved because of rough seas.
- Before flying, respect the recommended interval after diving (at least 12 hours after a single dive, 18 hours after several dives).
7. Pair it with something on land
Winter days work well with a dive in the morning and a land activity afterwards:
- Quad biking at Lake Asmir, about thirty minutes from the coast: 👉 1-hour quad circuit, Lake Asmir
- Tetouan's medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, about twenty minutes from M'diq
To plan the rest of your stay, see also northern Morocco in autumn and the complete M'diq diving guide.
FAQ: winter diving in northern Morocco
What is the water temperature in winter at M'diq?
On average around 16 to 17°C from December to March, with the lowest point around February-March (about 15.5°C). In October it is still around 20°C.
What wetsuit do I need in winter?
A 7 mm wetsuit or a semi-dry suit, with a hood, gloves and boots. In October and November a 5 mm is usually enough.
Do I need a certification to dive?
Not for the discovery dive, designed for beginners and supervised by the centre's team. Exploration dives and packs are mainly for certified divers; conditions are listed on each offer page.
Do dives go ahead in bad weather?
Safety comes first: if the sea is too rough, the dive is rescheduled. That's why it's worth keeping some flexibility in your plans in winter.
Is equipment provided?
Yes, equipment is included in the packages. Ask which wetsuit thickness is planned when you book.
Cooler water but quiet sites, marine life present all year and dives that are easy to combine with the rest of your trip: winter is a real diving season in northern Morocco. See all dives.
