“Egypt is always summery in winter.” Is that really true? When I visited the Red Sea in December and March, it was cooler than I’d expected. The wind determined how long I stayed in the water. In contrast, I visited Cairo in August, right in the height of summer, and two days exploring museums and pyramids were perfectly manageable.
Which month suits you best depends on what you’re planning. Swimming, snorkelling, diving, a Nile cruise and Cairo each call for different seasons. Here’s which one works for what.
For swimming, head to the Red Sea from April to June or September to November. For snorkelling without a wetsuit, May to November is most comfortable. Diving works year-round with the right suit. Plan your Nile cruise and Cairo visit between October and April. In April, October or November, you can combine a Nile cruise with a beach holiday at a TUI BLUE hotel on the Red Sea.
Table of contents
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
The ideal travel time depends on your destination. This table matches each holiday wish with the most suitable months.
| Your holiday wish | Recommended travel time | What you should know |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming in the Red Sea | April to June, September to November | In autumn, the sea is still warm from summer |
| Snorkelling without a wetsuit | May to November | In winter, it gets chilly quickly without thermal protection |
| Diving | Year-round, most pleasant in spring and autumn | In winter, you’ll need a warm wetsuit |
| Winter sun on the Red Sea | December to February | Sunshine and relaxation, but only short swimming sessions |
| Nile cruise | October to April | Pleasant temperatures for temple visits |
| Cairo and the Pyramids | October to April | In summer, one or two days is sufficient |
| Nile cruise with beach holiday | April, October, November | Can be combined with a beach holiday at a TUI BLUE hotel on the Red Sea |
| Warmest possible sea | June to October | It gets very hot on land |
Wind, the bay’s location and your sensitivity to cold determine how the months feel on the ground.
Climate table for Hurghada on the Red Sea
This table shows average values for Hurghada. They serve as a guide for Marsa Alam and Sharm el-Sheikh as well.
| Month | High temperature | Low temperature | Water temperature | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23°C | 13°C | 22°C | 1 |
| February | 24°C | 14°C | 22°C | 1 |
| March | 25°C | 15°C | 23°C | 1 |
| April | 28°C | 17°C | 25°C | 1 |
| May | 32°C | 20°C | 27°C | 0 |
| June | 35°C | 23°C | 28°C | 0 |
| July | 36°C | 25°C | 29°C | 0 |
| August | 36°C | 25°C | 29°C | 0 |
| September | 34°C | 24°C | 29°C | 0 |
| October | 31°C | 21°C | 28°C | 0 |
| November | 27°C | 17°C | 26°C | 1 |
| December | 24°C | 14°C | 23°C | 1 |
In spring, the air warms up faster than the sea. In autumn, it’s the other way round: the water still has summer temperatures whilst the heat subsides. Hurghada sees hardly any rain, and water temperatures range between approximately 22 and 29 degrees throughout the year (source: weather-and-climate.com).
Best time to visit the Red Sea: When is swimming most pleasant?
Egypt is a year-round destination, and you can swim in the sea even in winter. How long you stay in the water depends on these factors:
- Water temperature
- Air temperature
- Wind
- Time of day
- Location and shelter of the bay
- Duration in the water
- Your sensitivity to cold
For long swimming sessions, choose April to June or September to November. In high summer, the sea is at its warmest. However, excursions, sports and extended time on land become more challenging in the heat.
Why autumn is perfect for swimming
In September and October, the Red Sea still retains its summer warmth whilst air temperatures drop. Even in November, swimming works well depending on wind and region. Autumn is ideal if you want warm water whilst avoiding the intensity of high summer heat.
When is the best time for snorkelling in Egypt?
You can explore the Red Sea through snorkelling all year round. Without a wetsuit, May to November is most comfortable. In September and October, the sea is still warm and the extreme summer heat has eased.
Winter snorkelling is possible too, but without thermal protection you won’t stay in the water long. When snorkelling, you move less than when swimming. Your head, back and shoulders remain at the surface for extended periods, and after getting out, the wind cools you down further. With a rash vest or wetsuit, you can stay in the water considerably longer.
When is the best time for diving in the Red Sea?
Diving in the Red Sea is possible year-round. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions: the water is warm enough, and conditions on land are less extreme than in high summer. Divers wear wetsuits and can therefore stay in the water considerably longer in winter than snorkellers in swimwear.
Diving by season
- Spring: The water warms up, the air is more pleasant than in high summer.
- Summer: The sea is at its warmest, but it gets very hot on land and on the boat.
- Autumn: The water is still warm, air temperatures drop. Many divers favour this combination.
- Winter: You’ll need a sufficiently warm wetsuit. For longer or multiple dives, a full-length suit is often recommended; cold-sensitive divers need more thermal protection.
Which equipment suits you depends on the month, dive site, number of dives and your sensitivity to cold. The local dive centre will advise you.
Snorkelling and diving compared
| Activity | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snorkelling without wetsuit | Pleasant from May | Very warm, hot on land | Best conditions | Possible, gets chilly quickly |
| Snorkelling with thermal protection | Good conditions | Light protection sufficient | Excellent conditions | Considerably warmer than in swimwear |
| Diving | Good conditions | Warm water, hot air | Warm water, dropping air temperature | Perfectly manageable with appropriate wetsuit |
| Swimming and underwater world | From May | For heat lovers | September to November | Short water sessions, but winter sunshine |
If you want to spend lots of time at the house reef in winter, ask in advance about wetsuit hire at the hotel or dive centre. Simply message the hotel through the BLUE® App.
Egypt in December: sunny, but fresh in the water
In December, you escape the European winter and enjoy sunshine on the Red Sea. I’ve been there twice in December, and both times the wind was cool. Snorkelling in a bikini, I lasted about ten minutes. The underwater world was spectacular, but for a longer session I’d have needed a rash vest or wetsuit.
That’s my experience – others feel the cold less. There are also windless days with warm water. In December, I plan for pool time, sports, wellness and excursions as the main activities, and take the sea as a bonus.
When choosing a hotel for winter, these questions help:
- Which pools are heated is shown in the BLUE® App.
- Are the beach and pool sheltered from wind?
- Is there an easily accessible house reef?
- Can you hire a wetsuit?
- What sports, wellness and excursion options does the hotel offer?
Egypt in March: The air warms up, the sea doesn’t yet
In March, temperatures on land rise faster than in the water. In Hurghada, the sea averages around 23 degrees in March. I was also at the Red Sea in March and had expected considerably warmer swimming conditions. It didn’t feel any warmer than December, and once again the wind played a major role.
March is perfect for sunshine, relaxation, sports and excursions. For long swimming and snorkelling sessions, book from April onwards or in autumn.
Hurghada, Makadi Bay or Marsa Alam: What matters more than temperature comparison?
Marsa Alam lies further south than Hurghada, but that doesn’t mean it’s warmer or less windy every day. For your holiday experience, these points matter more:
- Location and orientation of the bay
- Wind protection at the beach
- Direct access to the sea
- House reef or jetty
- Distance to the reef
- Dive centre nearby
- Whether the hotel caters to couples or families
A sheltered bay in winter matters more than a one-degree difference in air temperature.
Find out whether Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh or Marsa Alam suits your holiday wishes.
Which TUI BLUE hotel in Egypt suits you?
The TUI BLUE hotels on the Red Sea differ mainly in who they’re designed for and how you reach the reef.
TUI BLUE Crystal Bay: Heated pool in Hurghada
In December, the pool at TUI BLUE Crystal Bay was 28 degrees. I know this precisely because I was there. That was warmer than the air temperature, and being in the water was cosier than outside in the cool wind. The resort is located in Hurghada, 15 minutes from the airport, with a sandy beach on a lagoon and wind protection at the loungers. The hotel doesn’t have a house reef. For snorkelling, you use the jetty of neighbouring hotels. Children from 3 years old can join the kids’ club. For dinner, you can book at five à la carte restaurants, at no extra charge. If you want to swim in winter and aren’t dependent on the sea, this hotel suits better than properties with house reefs.
TUI BLUE Samaya: House reef and sheltered bay
TUI BLUE Samaya sits on the sheltered Coraya Bay in the Marsa Alam region. The house reef is perfect for snorkelling and diving. You come here as a family if you want to snorkel right at the hotel and combine pool and sea.
TUI BLUE Makadi: Adults-only at the house reef
TUI BLUE Makadi is an adults-only hotel in Makadi Bay. You can reach the offshore coral reef via the hotel’s own beach. It suits couples seeking peace and relaxation with occasional snorkelling or diving.
TUI BLUE Makadi Gardens: Snorkelling and diving as a couple
TUI BLUE Makadi Gardens also caters to adults. The offshore coral reef is renowned as a haven for divers and snorkellers. This hotel suits you if you want to combine diving or snorkelling with sports, spa treatments and excellent cuisine.
TUI BLUE Sensatori Coral Sea: Family holidays and diving paradise
TUI BLUE Sensatori Coral Sea is located near Sharm el-Sheikh and welcomes both families and couples. The hotel sits close to a renowned diving area.
The BLUE® App: Book pools, restaurants and sports on-site
Which pools are heated at your hotel and when is shown in the BLUE® App. But the app does much more: in all TUI BLUE hotels, you can reserve tables at à la carte restaurants, book places in sports activities and message the hotel. You’ll also find the daily programme there.
In winter on the Red Sea, this helps with planning. If the sea is too fresh, you can book a spot in the sports programme and reserve your evening table. Download the app before your trip from the App Store or Google Play and log in with your TUI customer account.
Best time for a Nile cruise: October to April
For a Nile cruise, October to April works best. Visiting temples and historical sites forms the heart of the journey, and these take place almost entirely outdoors. In high summer, long excursions in Upper Egypt are exhausting: shade isn’t always available, and distances are often longer than expected.
Choose your travel time based on the sightseeing rather than the temperature on the sun deck. October is still warmer than December and January. In winter, pack a light jacket or jumper, as mornings, evenings and time on the water can be cool.
TUI BLUE Nile Imperial: Discover Egypt from the water
The TUI BLUE Nile Imperial combines a Nile cruise with sightseeing in Upper Egypt. It suits you if temples, history and landscapes matter more than a classic beach holiday. The cruise starts in Luxor. You can combine it with a beach holiday at a TUI BLUE hotel on the Red Sea.
Combine a Nile cruise with a beach holiday
First temples on the Nile, then relaxation by the sea: the Nile cruise on the TUI BLUE Nile Imperial can be combined with a beach holiday at a TUI BLUE hotel on the Red Sea. April, October and November work best for this. Two reasons favour these months:
- Temperatures are more pleasant for sightseeing than in high summer.
- The sea is warm enough for extended swimming and snorkelling sessions, unlike mid-winter.
In December, January and February, the beach portion is mainly about relaxation with sunshine and pool. Don’t plan on long days in the sea without thermal protection.
Visiting Cairo from the Red Sea
The Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum can be visited from the Red Sea, either as a long day trip or with an overnight stay, depending on your hotel and the available options. Cairo is most pleasant from October to April. Cairo isn’t on the TUI BLUE Nile Imperial route, so you’d plan it as a separate component.
Can Cairo work in high summer too?
I spent two days in Cairo in August, and it was perfectly manageable. Four things helped:
- The museum was air-conditioned and offered a long break from the heat.
- Between areas of the Pyramid plateau, we travelled in an air-conditioned coach.
- The programme was limited to two days.
- We weren’t spending several hours outdoors every day for a whole week.
A well-planned day trip or a stay of one to two days works in high summer. If you tolerate heat poorly or want to spend lots of time outdoors, choose the cooler months.
Tips for Cairo in summer
- Plan outdoor visits early in the day.
- Wear a hat and light clothing.
- Take plenty of water with you.
- Build in breaks at the museum or in sheltered spots.
- Don’t pack too many sights into one day.
- Check the excursion description for departure time, journey time and time on-site.
- An overnight stay is more relaxed than a very long day of travelling there and back.
Frequently asked questions about the best time to visit Egypt
When is the best time to visit Egypt for swimming?
On the Red Sea, you’ll enjoy the best swimming from April to June and September to November. In high summer, the sea is at its warmest, but temperatures on land exceed 30 degrees.
When is the best time for snorkelling in Egypt?
Without a wetsuit, May to November is most comfortable for snorkelling. In winter, you’ll need thermal protection if you want to stay in the water longer.
When is the best time for diving in the Red Sea?
Diving works year-round. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions; in winter you’ll need a sufficiently warm wetsuit.
Can you swim in the sea in Egypt in December?
Yes. For Hurghada, the average water temperature in December is around 23 degrees. With cool wind, the water feels fresher; for me, about 15 minutes was the limit.
Do you need a wetsuit for snorkelling in winter?
For a short session, swimwear is fine. If you want to stay in the water longer, you’re better off wearing a rash vest or wetsuit.
Is March a good time to visit the Red Sea?
March is perfect for sunshine, sports, relaxation and excursions. The sea in Hurghada averages only around 23 degrees; for long swimming and snorkelling sessions, book from April onwards.
When is the best time for a Nile cruise?
From October to April, temple visits in Upper Egypt are most pleasant. In high summer, long excursions in the heat are exhausting.
Can you combine a Nile cruise with a beach holiday?
Yes, you can combine the Nile cruise with a beach holiday at a TUI BLUE hotel on the Red Sea. April, October and November work best for this.
Can you visit Cairo in August?
Yes, for one or two days. An air-conditioned museum visit, coach transfers and a short programme make it manageable. For long outdoor sightseeing, the months from October to April are better.
Can you visit Cairo as a day trip from the Red Sea?
Depending on your hotel and available options, Cairo is offered as a long day trip or with an overnight stay. Check departure time, journey time and time on-site.
Which pools are heated in winter?
This is shown in the BLUE® App. There you’ll find which pools at your hotel are heated and when.
Can I reserve restaurants and sports activities in advance?
Yes, in all TUI BLUE hotels via the BLUE® App. There you can reserve tables at à la carte restaurants, book places in sports activities and message the hotel.
Which month suits your holiday?
For swimming, head to the Red Sea from April to June or in autumn; for snorkelling without a wetsuit, from May to November. Diving works year-round with the appropriate suit. Plan your Nile cruise and Cairo visit between October and April. In April, October or November, you can combine a Nile cruise with a beach holiday at a TUI BLUE hotel on the Red Sea.
If you travel to the Red Sea in December or March, you’ll enjoy sunshine and a break from the German winter. You’ll only get summery swimming weather on occasional days. For snorkelling, thermal protection makes the difference. This is exactly the guidance I’d have loved to read before my own trips.
Download the BLUE® App before departure. There you can reserve restaurants and sports activities and message your hotel.