How to choose the best month for a vacation in the land of ancient pyramids? Let’s find out.
Egyptian Resorts
Egypt’s main resorts are concentrated in two areas: Hurghada and its surroundings on the western coast of the Red Sea, and Sharm El-Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula.
Resorts Around Hurghada
- Soma Bay is a luxury resort located on the Abu Soma Peninsula near Hurghada. It is famous for its long, gently sloping sandy beaches, spa centers, and thalassotherapy. Divers should definitely explore the coral reef at Ras Abu Soma to swim with rays, glassfish, and other wonders of the Red Sea’s underwater world. Families with children might enjoy the “One Thousand and One Nights” palace, Egypt’s version of Disneyland. You can also take an ethnographic trip to the Bedouins to learn about their lifestyle, traditions, and customs.
- Marsa Alam is the southernmost resort in Egypt, which 20 years ago was a small fishing village. Now, it is extremely popular among Europeans for its seclusion, tranquility, and incredible diving. The reef here rivals the Great Barrier Reef in beauty and biodiversity. Nearby, you can visit the ancient city of El Quseir, known since the time of the pharaohs. A major advantage of Marsa Alam is its proximity to Luxor, Aswan, and other Egyptian landmarks.
- El Gouna, known as the Egyptian Venice, is an upscale resort near Hurghada, located on islands connected by bridges. Travel between the islands is done by boats or speedboats, which are also used to reach the beaches (for a fee). The town was built in 1990 by Egyptian millionaire Samih Sawiris, who was inspired by Venice and decided to create an Italian fairy tale in his homeland. He succeeded! The resort is so charming, cozy, and quiet that some villas are owned by global showbiz stars. The development is low-rise, and the only high-rise building features a golf course on its roof, which serves as a free observation deck offering a panoramic view of the resort.
- Hurghada is no less interesting than its surroundings. The city is bustling with life, featuring numerous shopping centers, restaurants, clubs, and hookah bars. It is home to one of the largest aquariums in the world, divided into two zones: one showcasing Red Sea inhabitants, and the other featuring residents of African rivers. El Mina, the main mosque of Hurghada, is unfortunately only accessible to Muslims, but even an external view is awe-inspiring. Hurghada also houses the largest Sand Sculpture Museum in Africa, with works created by artists from 17 countries. Here, you can find sculptures of historical figures, as well as characters from movies and cartoons, including heroes from Soviet cartoons like “Nu, Pogodi!” and “Winnie the Pooh.”
Resorts of the Sinai Peninsula
The second tourist destination is the Sinai Peninsula, part of the Arabian Peninsula of mainland Eurasia.
- Sharm El-Sheikh is the place to admire the unique underwater world of the Red Sea. The beaches are mostly coral, and entering the water requires special footwear. The exception is Sharm El Maya Bay, where the beach is sandy, and the entrance to the water is gentle. In Sharm El-Sheikh, the main activities are diving, snorkeling, and other water sports. The city also offers plenty to do, such as visiting Soho Square, where you can enjoy dancing fountains with bright lighting in the evening, or the Tutankhamun Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts showcasing the history of ancient Egypt, the life of pharaohs, and ordinary Egyptians.
- Dahab is located on the shores of the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea. It is the windiest resort in Egypt, making it ideal for surfing, kitesurfing, and yachting. Endless golden sandy beaches, the national parks of Gabr-El-Bint, where you can ride jeeps or camels, and Ras Abu Galum for safari enthusiasts, along with excursions to Bedouin villages, make a vacation in Dahab unforgettable.
- Taba is a resort town on the shores of the Gulf of Aqaba, located on the eastern part of the Sinai Peninsula, bordering Jordan, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. It is a border area, so you must carry your passport when leaving the hotel, as documents may be checked. The main historical attraction of Taba is Pharaoh’s Island, a small rocky piece of land opposite the town. The island is adorned with an ancient 12th-century fortress, which now houses a museum.
Egyptian Mediterranean
The Mediterranean coast is not so popular among tourists because of its weather conditions: in winter it is quite cool, the water temperature does not exceed +15°C, and it often rains. However, there are resort towns here, which are popular not only with visitors, but also with locals.
- Alexandria is the main Mediterranean resort, an ancient city founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, offering both beach and cultural tourism. You can visit the Alexandria Library. Of course, the original library founded by Ptolemy II in the 3rd century BC, which housed thousands of ancient scrolls, no longer exists. However, a new library was built in 2002, serving as a cultural center for the city. Interesting exhibitions are often held here. It is also worth visiting the Citadel of Qaitbay, built on the ruins of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, strolling through the Roman amphitheater, and admiring the ancient granite Pompey’s Pillar, erected in 297 AD in honor of the Roman Emperor Diocletian.
- Marsa Matrouh is the westernmost resort in Egypt, not rich in attractions. People come here for the warm, gentle sea, endless sandy beaches surrounded by coconut palms, tranquility, and serenity. The beaches of Marsa Matrouh are favored by locals.
When is the Best Time to Visit Egypt
The best months to visit Egypt are October, November, April, and May.
- In winter, beach vacations are best enjoyed in the morning, as a cool wind rises in the afternoon, intensifying after sunset, and it gets dark early—around 5 PM. In late February and March, the khamsin wind begins to blow—a dry, hot, and strong desert wind carrying tons of sand. By the way, do you know why the desert is hot during the day and cold at night? It is best to choose resorts in Sharm El-Sheikh, where several nearly windless bays are particularly good: Naama Bay, Sharm El Maya, and Ras Um Sid.
- Spring is the optimal time for a seaside vacation, marking the beginning of the second high season, which lasts until the end of May.
- Summer in Egypt is hot and stifling, as it is part of the Sahara Desert. People who can tolerate heat well visit Egypt in the summer. However, even they should choose resorts in Hurghada, where a coastal breeze slightly alleviates the unbearable heat. Summer is the perfect time for water activities, especially diving and snorkeling. Sightseeing tours are not recommended in summer. Another significant advantage is that summer is the low season, so vacation prices are much lower.
- Autumn marks the beginning of the velvet season, with fewer crowds and comfortable weather on the beaches.
Weather in Egypt by Month
January
In January, the air temperature in Hurghada is +21°C during the day and +16°C at night, with water temperature at +23°C.
This is the end of the high season, which lasts from October. It is best to choose hotels in Sharm El-Sheikh’s windless bays with heated pools. Avoid hotels in Nabq Bay, as the wind is very strong, making it uncomfortable to be outside without a sweater or jacket, let alone enjoy beach time. The strong cool wind and warm water make January ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts.
January is the peak strawberry season in Egypt. Visit local markets filled with the aroma of sweet berries, sold at the lowest prices in January. You can also take a trip to Luxor, a city-museum straight out of a history textbook. Nearby is the Valley of the Kings, the burial place of ancient Egyptian pharaohs. You can explore ancient temples like Amun-Ra and Hatshepsut, and visit the Mummification Museum with real mummies.
February
The first spring month in Egypt sees longer daylight hours, but the cold wind has not yet subsided. It is best to choose windless bays in Sharm El-Sheikh for a comfortable vacation. The air temperature here is +23°C during the day and +17°C at night, with water temperature at +23°C.
You can visit numerous aquaparks in the resort. Take a jeep trip to the Colored Canyon, narrow cliffs made of multicolored sandstone with inclusions of copper, cobalt, granite, and coral, which color the canyon in various shades from white to bright red. The metals in the rock formations shine in the sun, giving the cliffs an unforgettable appearance. The canyon is about five kilometers long. You can also admire the freshwater lakes inside the cliffs—the water is emerald green. It is said that washing your face with this water on certain days of the month can preserve your beauty and youth into old age. Note that exploring the canyon should only be done with a qualified guide to avoid dangerous situations in the narrow stone labyrinths.
March
March is a variable month: it can be cool and windy or hot. Sometimes sandstorms from the desert last for a day or two. The air temperature in Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh is +23°C during the day and around +19°C at night, with water temperature at +23°C.
On a cool day, it is worth visiting the Monastery of St. Catherine at the foot of Mount Sinai. This is the oldest Christian monastery on Earth, about 1,700 years old. It is here that the Burning Bush grows—the bush that Moses saw burning but not consumed by fire, near which he heard the voice of God. We previously talked about who else lives in the desert.
In the 8th century, the relics of St. Catherine were discovered, after which the monastery was named after her. The monastery houses a unique library comparable to the Vatican’s, containing manuscripts from the 3rd and 4th centuries. Over 14 centuries, the monastery has never been looted or conquered, revered by the Prophet Muhammad, Arab and Turkish rulers, crusaders, and Napoleon.
April
April marks the beginning of the high tourist season, and it feels like summer for Russians. You can vacation comfortably in both Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh. The air temperature in Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh rises to +28°C during the day and around +22°C at night. The water temperature is +23°C.
Lovers of the Red Sea’s underwater world should visit Ras Mohammed National Park, which includes the Salt Lake. The lake’s water composition is similar to the Dead Sea, with mangrove forests and coral reefs. The sea here is perfect for diving, home to about 1,000 species of fish, turtles, and sea urchins. There are about 200 species of coral.
May
May is the best month for a vacation in the land of ancient pyramids: warm, gentle sea, and no summer heat. The air and water have warmed up on the Mediterranean coast as well. The air temperature in Hurghada reaches up to +32°C during the day and up to +25°C at night, with water temperature up to +25°C.
If you choose a vacation on the Mediterranean Sea in Marsa Matrouh, you can take a trip to the Siwa Oasis, located in the far west of Egypt near the border with Libya. There, you can find salt lakes and Cleopatra’s Baths, where, according to legend, the legendary queen bathed. You can visit the Oracle Temple, where Alexander the Great was prophesied his future greatness, and drink authentic Arabic coffee, strong and black as an Egyptian night. Siwa is famous for its dates and olives, so you can buy delicious and healthy souvenirs for your loved ones.
June
The sea is very warm: up to +26°C, but you should only stay on the beach under an umbrella or shade—the sun is scorching, and it is easy to get sunburned even with sunscreen. Daytime temperatures can reach up to +34°C. At night, the temperature drops to +26°C.
You can spend the day on a yacht, diving into the depths of the sea with an experienced instructor, admiring the underwater fauna. Those vacationing on the Sinai Peninsula should try diving near Ras Mohammed. Its symbol is the “Gates of the World,” an arch of stone blocks erected in 1974 after the end of the war between Egypt and Israel.
July
The heat from the desert is hard to bear in Sharm El-Sheikh, so it is better to choose Hurghada. Although the air temperature is roughly the same: up to +35°C during the day and up to +28°C at night.
It is best to forget about excursions and enjoy the warm sea, diving into its depths and exploring the underwater kingdom. The water temperature is +29°C. Catamaran rides, surfing, snorkeling—all these activities help you forget about the scorching sun.
August
The heat continues. In Hurghada, temperatures reach up to +35°C during the day and up to +28°C at night. Daytime life slows down, but nightlife comes alive—tourists who have rested during the day in air-conditioned comfort visit discos, clubs, bars, cafes, and restaurants.
The water warms up to +28°C. You can take a boat ride with a transparent bottom: it is less hot on the water, and colorful tropical fish swim leisurely among the corals beneath your feet. In mid-August, Egypt traditionally celebrates the Nile River Flood Festival, which lasts until the end of the month. During this time, many cities host theatrical performances, flower festivals, and sports competitions.
September
The summer heat gradually subsides: in Hurghada, the air temperature reaches up to +34°C during the day and up to +26°C at night. The sea is very warm: up to +28°C. September is the least windy month on the Red Sea.
September is great for vacations in both Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh, where temperatures are similar. This is a good time to visit Cairo’s landmarks, the Giza Pyramids, and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut in the desert.
October
October marks the beginning of the high season, with gentle and pleasant breezes, and the most comfortable temperatures for humans. In Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada, the weather is the same: air temperatures reach up to +31°C during the day and up to +24°C at night. The water temperature is around +27°C.
In October, you can visit Abu Simbel, where the Sun Festival is traditionally celebrated on October 22. The Abu Simbel temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring two temples—Ramses II and Nefertari—carved into the rock. In October, after sunset, a grand light show is held in honor of Ramses II’s coronation.
November
By the end of November, daylight hours shorten, and cool winds blow in the evening, so it is best to choose windless resorts in Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada. The air temperature there reaches up to +26°C during the day and up to +21°C at night. The water temperature is around +26°C. November is an excellent time for excursions to ancient Egyptian monuments.
You can visit Giza, where there is a museum complex. It includes three large pyramids, including the Pyramid of Cheops, which is the only surviving of the Seven Wonders of the World, as well as the statue of the Sphinx and the Temple of the Valley, where the mummification of Pharaoh Chephren took place. In the evening, a grand light show is organized. You can reach both from Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh by buses and domestic airlines.
December
Fairly warm, especially in the first half of the month. But after dark, it gets very cool – you need a warm sweater or jacket. If the air temperature in Hurghada is +23°C during the day, it drops to +17°C at night. And the water warms up to +24°C.
Towards the end of December, for the approaching Catholic Christmas, a large number of street festivals and shows are organized, stores offer discounts and markets offer an abundance of fruits and vegetables.
It is worth going to Cairo to get acquainted with the capital of Egypt. You can start traveling around the city from the central Tahrir Square, where, in addition to beautiful buildings, there is the Egyptian National Museum. It has more than 150,000 artifacts in its collection, and it takes several days to see them.
Egypt is a Muslim country. You can visit the Mohammed Ali Mosque, decorated with limestone from the Pyramids of Giza, or visit one of the largest mosques in the world, the Sultan Hassan Mosque. Admire the palace-like Al-Azhar Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
