Hurghada sits in a desert, so the weather is dry and sunny all year, with almost no rain. That makes the question of when to go less about sunshine and more about heat, wind, sea temperature and crowds. Here is how the seasons compare, so you can choose by what you want to do.
Winter, from December to February: mild days, cooler water
Days are warm and comfortable, typically in the low twenties Celsius, while evenings and early mornings can feel properly cool, especially on a boat or in the desert. The sea is at its coolest, around the low twenties, so long snorkeling sessions are more comfortable in a rash vest or shorty wetsuit, and divers will want a full wetsuit. Winter is the best season for sightseeing: Luxor and Cairo day trips are comfortable, and the desert safari is pleasant. Christmas and New Year are the busiest and most expensive weeks, so book hotels and trips early if you travel then. January and February are quieter, with good value outside school holidays.
Spring, from March to May: warm days, windier spells
Temperatures climb through spring, and the sea warms with them. This is the sweet spot for many travellers, with warm days, swimmable water and manageable heat. Hurghada is a windy coast, and wind can make boat crossings choppier, delay parasailing and other water sports and kick up dust. Easter is a busy period. Calm mornings are the best time for the semi-submarine, parasailing and any boat trip, and a spring scuba day trip often enjoys clear conditions.
Summer, from June to August: very hot, warmest sea
Daytime air temperatures are very high, often in the mid to high thirties Celsius, and the sun is intense. The sea, in contrast, is at its warmest and most inviting, which makes summer a good time for snorkeling, diving and beach days, as long as you plan around the heat. Take excursions in the morning, use the afternoon for the pool or the Grand Aquarium, and book the desert safari for the late afternoon. Avoid the Luxor and Cairo day trips if you can; the temples and the pyramid plateau are exposed and punishing in midsummer. European school holidays bring families, so expect busier hotels, and Egyptian domestic holidays at Eid can fill beaches too.
Autumn, from September to November: the second sweet spot
The heat eases gradually, but the sea stays warm after summer, which makes autumn arguably the best season for combining water and land. September is still hot, while October and November are comfortable for both. Dolphin House, Giftun and Mahmya island days are all at their best, the desert is cooler for quad bikes, and crowds ease after the summer holidays. Half-term weeks in the UK and Europe bring some extra families.
Best month by activity
For diving and snorkeling, spring and autumn offer the easiest balance of calm sea and warm water, and summer gives the warmest water if you can handle the heat. For Luxor and Cairo, choose October to April. For desert safaris, the cooler months are the most pleasant, though summer evenings are fine. For beach holidays with children, May to October gives warm pools and sea. For couples who want quiet, shoulder months such as late January, February and November are less crowded than the holiday peaks.
Wind, kitesurfing and water sports
The same breeze that can disrupt a morning flight makes this coast a draw for kitesurfers and windsurfers, so if wind sports are your goal, choose the breezier months and book a lesson with a school based near the water. If you are not a wind sports fan, ask your hotel about the sheltered bays and choose a resort with a good beach or a house reef.
Sun and sea safety in every season
The UV index is high all year, including winter. Wear a hat and reef-safe sunscreen, drink water steadily and cover up on the boat. Even in winter the sea can feel cold after an hour, so pack a rash vest. Check weather and sea conditions with your operator on the day, because excursions may change route when waves rise. For events, public holidays and Ramadan, which moves each year, check the dates for your travel month before booking.
Our short answer
If you want one month, choose October. If you prefer winter sun with sightseeing, choose late January to March. If you need the school holidays and a swimming-pool hotel, plan for summer, book early and treat midday as siesta time.
