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Water temperature in Komodo varies dramatically — not just by season, but by dive zone and depth. On a single day, you can experience a temperature range of over 10°C between different sites. Here is a detailed breakdown.
| Zone | Dry Season (Apr–Nov) | Wet Season (Dec–Mar) | Coldest Possible |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Komodo | 27–29°C (81–84°F) | 27–28°C (81–82°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| Central Komodo | 26–29°C (79–84°F) | 26–28°C (79–82°F) | 24°C (75°F) |
| South Komodo | 22–25°C (72–77°F) | 23–26°C (73–79°F) | 19°C (66°F) |
| Month | North Sites | Central Sites | South Sites | Wetsuit Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January–March | 27–28°C | 26–28°C | 23–26°C | 3mm full (north/central), 5mm (south) |
| April–May | 28–29°C | 27–29°C | 24–26°C | 3mm shorty (north), 3mm full (south) |
| June–August | 27–28°C | 26–27°C | 19–24°C | 3mm full (north), 5mm essential (south) |
| September–November | 27–29°C | 27–28°C | 22–25°C | 3mm full (north), 5mm recommended (south) |
Thermoclines are a defining feature of Komodo diving. As cold, nutrient-rich water from the deep Indian Ocean upwells through the southern channels, it creates sharp temperature boundaries. You might descend through 28°C water and suddenly hit a wall of 22°C water at 15 to 20 metres. These thermoclines often appear as shimmering, wavy visual distortions in the water column.
Cold water tip: South Komodo's cold water is what brings the mantas and the mola mola. The nutrient-rich upwellings that cause the temperature drop also create the plankton blooms that attract these magnificent creatures. A good wetsuit is a small price to pay for those encounters.