01 / HURGHADA
Hurghada Marina & City Beach
A lively waterfront and easy access to trips on the central Red Sea.
EG · WINTER BY THE SEA
Hurghada, Makadi Bay & Sahl Hasheesh.
Winter by the sea.
Not the summer.
Winter beach days and reef excursions, not a summer coolcation.
Explore when to visitBEST TIME TO VISITDecember–February
winter beach holiday
SEASONAL CLIMATEusually 22–28 °C
Local conditions may differ from averages
SEA TEMPERATUREaround 21–25 °C
Consider waves and local sea conditions
HOLIDAY STYLEWinter sea & coast
Not a summer coolcation destination
YOUR HOLIDAY. COMFORTABLY DIFFERENT.
A gentler journey.
More time to discover.
Along Egypt’s central Red Sea coast, beaches and sheltered hotel bays make winter swimming straightforward. July and August are much too hot for a classic coolcation; this is a seasonal winter recommendation only.
Along Egypt’s central Red Sea coast, beaches and sheltered hotel bays make winter swimming straightforward. July and August are much too hot for a classic coolcation; this is a seasonal winter recommendation only.
Sea conditions vary, and reef health demands careful behaviour. Strong summer sun and heat are not made comfortable by proximity to water. Allow time for changing plans, rather than treating every stop as a checklist.
Which region does this guide cover?
This guide covers Hurghada, Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh on Egypt’s central Red Sea coast. El Gouna, Soma Bay, Marsa Alam, El Quseir and Sinai are outside this destination.
PLACES THAT STAY WITH YOU
Places worth lingering.
Not just ticking off.
Three ways to discover Hurghada, Makadi Bay & Sahl Hasheesh—with time for the unexpected.
02 / MAKADI BAY
Makadi Bay & Reef Access
Resort beaches and reef outings, with varied access depending on the property.
03 / SAHL HASHEESH
Sahl Hasheesh Shoreline
Broad resort promenades and bays south of Hurghada.
Giftun Islands
Popular boat excursion; weather, reef rules and marine conservation matter.
El Dahar Old Town
A glimpse of more local city life beyond the resorts.
Desert Sunset
A cooler late-day outing rather than a midday desert adventure.
THE RIGHT TIME FOR YOU
How does
your travel month feel?
Choose your month: climate, travel experience and activities at a glance.
January
Winter coolcation: comfortable air for beach days, sea swimming and gentle outings.
Visitor numbersBusier
Seasonal price levelHigher
Daytime average22 °CDaily maximum
2021–2025 Ø 23 °C +1 °C
Night-time average11.5 °CDaily minimum
Rainfall4.9 mmper month
WaterPleasanteditorial assessment
Heat riskLowqualitative assessment
Humidity discomfortLowqualitative assessment
Sea & coast5/5
Mountains & lakes1/5
Nature4/5
Cities & culture4/5
Long-term monthly averages for the stated climate-reference location. Local altitude, coastal exposure and microclimates can differ. These are climate averages, not weather forecasts. Sources & context
Winter by the sea.
Summer brings the heat.
December–February · winter beach holiday. Sea conditions vary, and reef health demands careful behaviour. Strong summer sun and heat are not made comfortable by proximity to water. The summer months are not recommended as a coolcation.
1991–2020 · Average daily maximum
2021–2025 warmer
2021–2025 cooler
22°+1°Jan
23.7°-0.3°Feb
25.1°+0.2°Mar
29.7°+1°Apr
33.8°+0.5°May
36.6°+0.7°Jun
37.2°+0.8°Jul
37.4°+1.1°Aug
35.6°+0.8°Sep
32.4°+0.3°Oct
27.8°+1.2°Nov
23.8°+0.9°Dec
Temperature comparison: The bars show the 1991–2020 climate normal. The coloured line shows how the five most recent complete years, 2021–2025, differ: red = warmer, green = cooler. These five years form a recent comparison period, not a new climate normal.
Compare climate data across the year
| Month | Day | Night | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22 °C | 11.5 °C | 4.9 mm |
| February | 23.7 °C | 13.1 °C | 0 mm |
| March | 25.1 °C | 15.4 °C | 0.5 mm |
| April | 29.7 °C | 18.5 °C | 0 mm |
| May | 33.8 °C | 23.1 °C | 0.1 mm |
| June | 36.6 °C | 25.8 °C | 0 mm |
| July | 37.2 °C | 27.9 °C | 0 mm |
| August | 37.4 °C | 28 °C | 2.8 mm |
| September | 35.6 °C | 25.9 °C | 0 mm |
| October | 32.4 °C | 22.5 °C | 9 mm |
| November | 27.8 °C | 18.2 °C | 5.8 mm |
| December | 23.8 °C | 13.8 °C | 0 mm |
Temperature and precipitation: Meteostat Point Climate Normals (1991–2020). Heat and humidity follow the same Coolcation methodology for all destinations. Coastal sea temperatures, where available, use NOAA OISST 1991–2020.
Which activities suit each month?
Editorial suitability: 0 unsuitable · 1 very limited · 2 limited · 3 good · 4 very good · 5 excellent. Overall suitability rates a varied sightseeing trip. Winter sports and swimming are assessed separately.
| Holiday preference | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall travel suitability | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Sea & coast | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Mountains & lakes | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Nature | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Cities & culture | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Walking | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Cycling | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Sea swimming | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Wildlife watching | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Winter sports | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Suitability ratings are editorial guidance, not guarantees of safety or weather. Choose activities based on current conditions, access rules, your experience and local advice. Swimming suitability never overrides sea warnings.
All months, visitor numbers & seasonal prices
| Month | Visitor numbers | Prices | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Busier | Higher | Winter coolcation: comfortable air for beach days, sea swimming and gentle outings. |
| February | Busier | Higher | Another strong winter month for swimming, snorkelling and active days without midsummer heat. |
| March | Moderate | Mid-range | A transition month: sea temperatures remain inviting, but daytime heat builds. |
| April | Moderate | Mid-range | Sunny and increasingly hot; less suitable for a genuine coolcation. |
| May | Moderate | Mid-range | Not a coolcation month: intense sun and high temperatures dominate. |
| June | Busier | Higher | Not a summer coolcation: organise any essential outdoor activity early or late. |
| July | Busier | Higher | Very hot: the weather does not meet the aim of a heat-conscious holiday. |
| August | Busier | Higher | Peak heat makes this a beach-resort holiday rather than a coolcation. |
| September | Moderate | Mid-range | Still hot; any activities outside are best limited to cooler hours. |
| October | Moderate | Mid-range | The sea stays warm while daytime air temperatures gradually ease. |
| November | Busier | Higher | Early winter-sun season: enjoyable water, though days can still feel summer-like. |
| December | Busier | Higher | Winter coolcation: sea, sunshine and gentler daytime temperatures. |
YOUR PREFERENCES. YOUR HOLIDAY.
For travellers who
prefer their own pace.
Along Egypt’s central Red Sea coast, beaches and sheltered hotel bays make winter swimming straightforward.
A great fit for you.
- You enjoy winter beach days and reef excursions, not a summer coolcation.
- You like a mix of interesting places and time to slow down.
- You plan trips around the season rather than expecting perfect weather.
- You prefer thoughtful excursions to trying to see everything at once.
What you should know.
- Sea conditions vary, and reef health demands careful behaviour. Strong summer sun and heat are not made comfortable by proximity to water.
- Check seasonal opening hours, local access restrictions and transport timetables before travelling.
- Popular days can be busy; reserve essential travel and accommodation in advance.
- Pick activities that suit the season, actual conditions and your experience.
Compare travel styles in detail
Sea & coast5/5
Hurghada, Makadi Bay & Sahl Hasheesh: Winter beach days and reef excursions, not a summer coolcation. Choose this activity according to conditions, mobility and season.
Travel style4/5
Hurghada, Makadi Bay & Sahl Hasheesh: Winter beach days and reef excursions, not a summer coolcation. Choose this activity according to conditions, mobility and season.
Nature & tranquillity3/5
Hurghada, Makadi Bay & Sahl Hasheesh: Winter beach days and reef excursions, not a summer coolcation. Choose this activity according to conditions, mobility and season.
Cities & culture3/5
Hurghada, Makadi Bay & Sahl Hasheesh: Winter beach days and reef excursions, not a summer coolcation. Choose this activity according to conditions, mobility and season.
Summer coolcation0/5
Hurghada, Makadi Bay & Sahl Hasheesh: Winter beach days and reef excursions, not a summer coolcation. Choose this activity according to conditions, mobility and season.
Editorial suitability, not a rating of individual accommodation or providers. 0 = unsuitable, 5 = excellent. Season, current conditions and personal mobility remain essential.
SAHL HASHEESH
The details.
And the wider view.
FROM WANDERLUST TO A PLAN
One good base.
Plenty of choices.
A flexible itinerary rather than a fixed schedule: let the weather and your energy set the pace.
Sahl Hasheesh oder Makadi Bay
Explore Hurghada Marina & City Beach at an easy pace; check opening hours and conditions.
Hurghada
Allow time for Makadi Bay & Reef Access and a quieter alternative. Sea conditions vary, and reef health demands careful behaviour. Strong summer sun and heat are not made comfortable by proximity to water.
Meerzeit
Allow time for Sahl Hasheesh Shoreline and a quieter alternative. Sea conditions vary, and reef health demands careful behaviour. Strong summer sun and heat are not made comfortable by proximity to water.
Sea conditions vary, and reef health demands careful behaviour. Strong summer sun and heat are not made comfortable by proximity to water. Check current opening hours, transport timetables, access permits and official warnings before travelling.
GETTING THERE
Plan your arrival
Choose your arrival airport, station or road connection before booking the last transfer.
Check seasonal connections, transfers and opening times.
Official visitor informationON THE GROUND
Keep plans flexible
Sea conditions vary, and reef health demands careful behaviour. Strong summer sun and heat are not made comfortable by proximity to water.
Respect protected areas, road closures and local advice.
Official visitor informationWHAT TO BRING
Pack for the real weather
Pack layers, weather protection, water and sun protection as needed.
For remote or marine activities, obtain suitable equipment and guidance.
Official visitor informationGOOD TO KNOW, HONESTLY
A little planning.
Lots to look forward to.
Is this a year-round coolcation?
No. The most comfortable window is December–February. Summer is markedly hotter and should not be sold as a heat escape.
Can I swim there?
Conditions vary with the place and season. Sea conditions vary, and reef health demands careful behaviour. Strong summer sun and heat are not made comfortable by proximity to water. Follow local beach rules, warnings and protected-area regulations.
What should I keep in mind?
Sea conditions vary, and reef health demands careful behaviour. Strong summer sun and heat are not made comfortable by proximity to water. Check local conditions before booking an excursion.
What should I keep in mind?
Sea conditions vary, and reef health demands careful behaviour. Strong summer sun and heat are not made comfortable by proximity to water. Check local conditions before booking an excursion.
YOUR HOLIDAY BEGINS WITH A GOOD FEELING
Ready for fresh perspectives?
Find destinations that suit your travel dates, your favourite places
and your preferred climate.
Sources, climate notes & photo credits
So you can put the information in context.
Editorial information updated: 29. September 2026. Suitability, routes, price levels, humidity discomfort and heat risk are editorial assessments. Prices are not current offers. Climate averages do not replace a weather forecast.
Long-term monthly averages for the stated climate-reference location. Local altitude, coastal exposure and microclimates can differ. These are climate averages, not weather forecasts.
- Experience Egypt
- Klimamodell Hurghada
- Wassertemperatur Hurghada
- Climate data · Meteostat Point Climate Normals
- Sea temperature · NOAA OISST v2.1 · 1991–2020
- ERA5-Land · Open-Meteo Historical Weather API · Comparing 1991–2020 with 2021–2025; the anomaly is applied to the verified Coolcation climate normal.
Photography
- Marc Ryckaert · Hurghada Red Sea coast · CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized; responsive image crop.
- kallerna · Makadi Bay Egypt · CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized; responsive image crop.
- Oooways · Sahl Hasheesh Egypt · CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized; responsive image crop.
