Angola sits on the South Atlantic Ocean, where the influence of the Benguela Current keeps water noticeably cooler in the middle of the year than the warm peaks of the rainy season. Temperatures drop to their lowest between mid-year and early spring, then recover towards the warmer months. The dry season from May to October brings the calmest seas and the best visibility, making it the preferred time to dive. Sites range from shallow reef crests accessible to beginners through to deeper reef walls suited to intermediate divers, with both shore and boat entry available. Marine life across the country includes whale sharks, spinetail devil rays, mako sharks, Atlantic goliath grouper, green sea turtles, and gorgonians. Angola sees very little dive traffic, so the reefs are quiet.
2 areas
Monthly water temperature across Angola's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water temperatures are warmest from late January through April and again in November, then fall noticeably through the middle of the year, when a full wetsuit is advisable. The dry season coincides with this cooler period but also delivers the calmest conditions and clearest water, so most divers plan around it despite the chill.
4 operators
Water temperature around Angola ranges from about 19°C in July to 25°C in February, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 25°C) a 3mm full suit is comfortable in Angola; in the coldest months (about 19°C) step up to a 5mm suit.
Fin maps 5 sites in Angola (5 scuba diving sites and 1 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both), organised into 2 areas.
