Mermet Springs, Southern Illinois
One of the highlights of diving at Mermet Springs is the opportunity to encounter various species of aquatic life. Dive among schools of American Paddlefish or Spoonbill, large bluegill, and even the rare freshwater Jellyfish if luck is on your side.
Covering an expansive 8.5 acres, Mermet Springs is a spring-fed quarry boasting remarkable water visibility ranging from 15 to over 60 feet. With water temperatures that vary throughout the Midwest seasons, divers can expect temperatures ranging from the low 40s at depth during winter to the delightful mid-80s above the thermocline in summer.
Our dive site features submerged training platforms, easily accessible docks for entry, and a plethora of sunken treasures waiting to be explored. It's no wonder Mermet Springs is hailed as one of the most popular dive facilities in the Midwest.
Whether you're a beginner or an advanced diver, Mermet Springs welcomes you to dive into the captivating underwater world. Plan your visit to this United States dive site in Massac County, Illinois, 62908, and prepare for an unforgettable diving adventure.
Diving Conditions Score for Mermet Springs, Southern Illinois
Decent conditions, proceed with caution.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Mermet Springs, Southern Illinois
Depth
12m
Visibility
4m
Experience Level
Weather Conditions for Mermet Springs, Southern Illinois
Wave Height
1m
Wind Speed
8.1 m/s
Water Temp
18°C
Visibility
15.5km
Cloud Cover
100%
Wave Period
8s
Air Temperature
24.3°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Dive Score Chart for Mermet Springs, Southern Illinois
Best time to dive: 6:00 with score 7.953333333333333/10. Water conditions: Waves 1m, Wind 2.7 m/s.Best night dive time: 4:00 with score 7.413333333333333/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Optimal diving conditions at Mermet Springs, Southern Illinois are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Score: 8.0/10
Waves: 1m (8s), Wind: 2.7 m/s
Score: 7.4/10
Waves: 1m, Wind: 3.1 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Mermet Springs, Southern IllinoisAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Mermet Springs, Southern Illinois
The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.
Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Seasonal DiveScore Chart
This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Best Season for Mermet Springs, Southern Illinois
Winter
Winter offers the best overall diving conditions with calmer seas and better visibility, despite cooler temperatures.
Best Months for Mermet Springs, Southern Illinois
Ideal Conditions for Mermet Springs, Southern Illinois
Water Temp
27.5°C / 81.5°F
July
Visibility
17.3m / 56.8ft
December
Wave Height
0.6m / 2.0ft
December
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Mermet Springs, Southern Illinois
Mermet Springs, Southern Illinois shows typical northern hemisphere patterns with July being the warmest month (27.5°C) and January the coldest (-3.7°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in December with average wave heights of 0.6m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in December with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). January is usually the driest month with 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during December to February, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.
Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 14, 2026