Egypt (Sharm el-Sheikh)
Egypt · Africa
The best time to visit Egypt (Sharm el-Sheikh) is February, March, April, May, October, November, and December. In summer, daytime highs average 39°C (102°F), with peaks around 42°C (108°F); in winter, nights average 14°C (57°F), dropping to around 9°C (48°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 10 hours per day — ideal for beach and outdoor activities.
Egypt (Sharm el-Sheikh) – What you should know
Sharm el-Sheikh at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula is one of the driest destinations in the world: it rains here on average less than 10 mm (0.4 in) per year, and the sun shines almost daily. The location on the Gulf of Aqaba, between the Sinai desert and the coral reefs of the Red Sea, creates an extreme desert climate that is simultaneously buffered by mild sea temperatures.
The optimal travel time is October to April: pleasant temperatures of 22–30°C (72–86°F), clear air and calm seas. The Red Sea is excellent for diving and snorkelling — visibility frequently reaches 20–30 metres (66–98 ft), particularly in the winter months when fewer tourists frequent the reefs.
High summer (June to August) with monthly average daytime highs of 38–39°C (100–102°F) is only suitable for the very heat-resistant. One distinctive feature of Sharm el-Sheikh compared to Hurghada: the Gulf of Aqaba is narrower and framed by mountains, which favours afternoon winds — an interesting shoulder season especially for windsurfers and kitesurfers. Those who travel in winter should pack a light jumper for the evenings: with clear desert skies, temperatures drop to typically 12–17°C (54–63°F).
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 23° (73°)18– (64–)28 (82) | 25° (77°)18– (64–)29 (84) | 27° (81°)21– (70–)34 (93) | 31° (88°)24– (75–)38 (100) | 35° (95°)29– (84–)42 (108) | 38° (100°)34– (93–)43 (109) | 39° (102°)35– (95–)42 (108) | 39° (102°)35– (95–)42 (108) | 37° (99°)33– (91–)40 (104) | 33° (91°)28– (82–)38 (100) | 29° (84°)24– (75–)32 (90) | 25° (77°)20– (68–)28 (82) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 14° (57°)9– (48–)18 (64) | 16° (61°)11– (52–)19 (66) | 18° (64°)12– (54–)22 (72) | 22° (72°)16– (61–)25 (77) | 25° (77°)20– (68–)29 (84) | 28° (82°)23– (73–)31 (88) | 29° (84°)24– (75–)32 (90) | 29° (84°)26– (79–)32 (90) | 28° (82°)24– (75–)30 (86) | 25° (77°)19– (66–)28 (82) | 20° (68°)16– (61–)23 (73) | 16° (61°)11– (52–)20 (68) |
☀️Sunshine | 10h | 10h | 11h | 12h | 13h | 13h | 13h | 12h | 11h | 11h | 10h | 9h |
🌊Water Temp | 24° (75°) | 23° (73°) | 23° (73°) | 24° (75°) | 26° (79°) | 27° (81°) | 29° (84°) | 30° (86°) | 29° (84°) | 28° (82°) | 27° (81°) | 25° (77°) |
🌧Rain Days | 0d4mm (0.1") | 0d2mm (0.1") | 0d2mm (0.1") | 0d0mm (<0.1") | 0d0mm (<0.1") | 0d0mm (0") | 0d0mm (0") | 0d0mm (0") | 0d0mm (0") | 0d1mm (<0.1") | 0d1mm (<0.1") | 0d2mm (0.1") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
In May, June, July, August, and September, temperatures can exceed 34°C (93°F) — during physical activity or with children, it's best to stick to morning and evening hours.
June offers great weather in Egypt (Sharm el-Sheikh) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Egypt (Sharm el-Sheikh)
October – March
The best season for snorkelling and diving: the Red Sea crystal clear, Ras Mohammed National Park in ideal conditions. Sharm is a classic winter destination — the warmest temperatures, the calmest sea.
April – June
Shoulder season: warmer, diving still excellent, fewer cruise ships.
July – September
High summer: very hot (38–42°C (100–108°F)), the water perfectly warm, tourism at its peak. Water sports and diving are the only sensible activities.
Events & Festivals
April
- Sham el-Nessim· varies (Monday after Coptic Easter - April or early May)
Egypt's oldest festival, pharaonic in origin and observed by Muslims and Christians alike. Families picnic outdoors on salted fish, onions and coloured eggs. A public holiday — offices and many shops stay closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Egypt (Sharm el-Sheikh)?
- The best time to visit Egypt (Sharm el-Sheikh) is February, March, April, May, October, November, and December. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Egypt (Sharm el-Sheikh)?
- In summer, daytime highs in Egypt (Sharm el-Sheikh) average 39°C (102°F), with peaks around 42°C (108°F); in winter, nights average 14°C (57°F), dropping to around 9°C (48°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Egypt (Sharm el-Sheikh) get?
- Egypt (Sharm el-Sheikh) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 0 rain days per month. The driest months are June, July, and August.
- How warm is the water in Egypt (Sharm el-Sheikh)?
- Water temperature in Egypt (Sharm el-Sheikh) ranges from 23°C (73°F) (March) to 30°C (86°F) (August). During the best travel months (February, March, April, May, October, November, and December), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
MarAprNov
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JanFebDec
