Climate guide in Sharm El Sheikh
Weather in Sharm El Sheikh — month-by-month
Egypt has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The Red Sea coast (Hurghada, Sharm, Marsa Alam) stays warm year-round; Cairo and Luxor are best from October to April. Below is the full 12-month climate, packing advice and the best month to visit by activity.
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Overcast
Updated 1 min ago · Live data from open-meteo
Climate by month
Air · Sea · Sharm El Sheikh
24°C and above is warm enough for most swimmers
Rainfall
3 mm
Sunshine
11 h
| Month | Air | Sea | Rainfall | Sunshine | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23°C | 22°C | 1 mm | 9 h | Peak — cool & dry |
| February | 23°C | 22°C | 0 mm | 10 h | Peak — cool & dry |
| March | 26°C | 22°C | 0 mm | 10 h | Warm & sunny |
| April | 30°C | 24°C | 0 mm | 11 h | Warm & sunny |
| May | 34°C | 26°C | 0 mm | 12 h | Hot — Red Sea peak |
| June | 37°C | 27°C | 0 mm | 13 h | Very hot inland |
| July | 38°C | 28°C | 0 mm | 13 h | Very hot inland |
| August | 38°C | 29°C | 0 mm | 13 h | Very hot inland |
| September | 35°C | 28°C | 0 mm | 11 h | Hot — Red Sea peak |
| October | 31°C | 27°C | 0 mm | 10 h | Warm & sunny |
| November | 27°C | 26°C | 1 mm | 9 h | Peak — cool & dry |
| December | 24°C | 24°C | 1 mm | 8 h | Peak — cool & dry |
Best time to visit
Different activities favor different months. Pick the one that matches your plan:
Pyramids & cultural sites
October – April
Open-air ruins are ideal under 30°C; July–August can hit 40°C in Luxor.
Red Sea diving & snorkeling
April – November
Sea temperature stays above 24°C; visibility is highest April–June and September–November.
Beach holiday
May – October
Hottest air, warmest sea — peak Red Sea resort season.
Desert safari
October – April
Cool nights and pleasant daytime temperatures; summer is too hot for inland excursions.
Nile cruise
October – April
Comfortable for sightseeing in Luxor & Aswan; summer cruises are operational but very hot.
What to pack
Egypt sun is strong year-round. Even in winter, plan for cool evenings.
- Summer (May–Sep): light cotton, hat, SPF 50, sunglasses, reef-safe sunblock for snorkelers.
- Winter (Nov–Mar): t-shirt + light jacket combo, jeans for evenings, swim gear (Red Sea still warm), sturdy shoes for ruins.
- For Cairo, Luxor and most cultural sites, modest dress (covered shoulders/knees) is recommended at mosques, churches, and rural areas.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
October to April is ideal for pyramids, Cairo, Luxor and Aswan (mild 18–25°C). The Red Sea coast (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam) is great year-round, peaking April–November for diving and beach holidays.
How hot does Egypt get in summer?
Cairo reaches 33–35°C in July and August. Luxor and Aswan can hit 40–42°C. The Red Sea coast is more bearable thanks to sea breezes and is excellent for beach and water sports.
Does it rain in Egypt?
Very little. Cairo gets about 25 mm per year, mostly in winter. The Red Sea is essentially rain-free. Light winter showers in November–February are the most you will see.
When is the Red Sea warmest?
Sea temperature peaks at 28–30°C in August. It stays above 24°C from May to November and dips to 21–22°C in February. Snorkeling and diving are excellent from April through November.
When is sandstorm season in Egypt?
Khamsin winds blow occasional dust storms from late March to early May, mostly in Cairo and the Western Desert. The Red Sea coast is rarely affected.