Sharm el Sheikh, a well-known Egyptian seaside resort, is perhaps the most touristy of all Egypt and the Red Sea thanks to its excellent and interesting location that offers different landscapes and various alternatives for every tourist taste. It is the ideal destination for those who dream of paradisiacal beaches with unspoilt sea, a perfect destination for diving enthusiasts; in this regard, we would like to remind you that it boasts the second largest coral reef in the world, and is also a place of ancient cultures such as that of the Bedouins of the desert.
Below you will find all our tips on when to go to Sharm el-Sheikh and what to do according to its climate!
Where it is located
Sharm el-Sheikh is a seaside resort in Egypt. It is located precisely in the western part of the country in the far south of the Sinai Peninsula, where it faces directly onto the Red Sea.
Climate, Average Temperatures and Precipitation
Month | Average temperatures (min/max) | Precipitation (days/mm) |
|---|---|---|
January | 13 / 22° | 0 days / 1 mm |
February | 14 / 22° | 0 days / 0 mm |
March | 16 / 25° | 1 day / 1 mm |
April | 20 / 30° | 0 days / 0 mm |
May | 24 / 34° | 0 days / 1 mm |
June | 27 / 37° | 0 days / 0 mm |
July | 27 / 38° | 0 days / 0 mm |
August | 28 / 38° | 0 days / 0 mm |
September | 27 / 35° | 0 dd / 0 mm |
October | 23 / 32° | 0 dd / 1 mm |
November | 19 / 27° | 0 days / 3 mm |
December | 15 / 23° | 0 days / 1 mm |
Best period: the intermediate seasons, particularly between March and April and from October to November
Period to avoid: being a seaside tourism destination, January and February are not the best. In addition, July and August are hot and expensive, and with an excessive presence of tourists
Sharm el-Sheikh's climate is subtropical desert, influenced by the Red Sea and the nearby Sahara Desert. This climate results in mild winters, very hot summers and a total absence of rain. Occasionally in spring there can be some wind, particularly the Khamsin, a hot, dry wind capable of raising sandstorms. This pleasant climate also means that the sea temperature is generally high, reaching 28°C in summer and dropping to around 22°C in winter, making for pleasant days at the beach even in the most unlikely months.
Sharm el-Sheik is therefore an ideal year-round location, although the best time is from April to November if you want to fully enjoy the sea, the sun and beautiful diving. The winter months, although less busy, are still suitable and pleasant for a holiday.
When it is best to go to Sharm: the cheapest period
Although the low season, and therefore the cheapest time to go to Sharm el-Sheikh is undoubtedly winter because of the lower temperatures, the beginning of spring and the end of autumn are the best times to fully enjoy this resort. Precisely the months of March and November are perfect for a low-cost trip. The beginning and end of the high season in Sharm el-Sheikh are still cheap periods before the summer price increase.
Sharm el Sheikh in Spring
In spring, the temperature gradually changes. In March it is pleasantly warm, in April it already resembles the Italian summer and in May the heat is very high with peaks of 35 °C. In any case, the climate is perfect for those seeking a holiday between sun and sea.
If you are in Sharm el-Sheikh at this time, you should know that two important competitions take place, one of them quite unusual for us Westerners. In April there is the Camel Competition, a dromedary race that rewards the fastest dromedary in Sinai, while in May there is the Fishing Competition that rewards the fisherman who catches the biggest fish.
Sharm el Sheikh in Summer
Summer is undoubtedly the hottest season for Sharm el-Sheikh. Although breezy, it is still dry and temperatures of around 40 °C, sometimes even 45 °C, are recorded.
If you have decided to go to Sharm el-Sheikh in summer, there is no doubt that your intention is to spend time on the beach, so we would like to recommend Naama Bay, the most complete beach and equipped for every need and activity, Bereika Beach, ideal for those who just want to relax, and Snorkelling on Tiran Island (from €40.00 with lunch included), perfect for diving and watching the reef.
Sharm el Sheikh in Autumn
Autumn is still quite warm and very sunny, making it one of the best times to visit Sharm el-Sheikh. The temperature is around 30°C and gradually decreases as winter approaches.
The days are still perfect for enjoying the sea and the sun but, if you like trekking, another interesting activity can be a hike to Mount Sinai with climbing and overnight stay (from €35.00), where the temperature is pleasantly cool during this season, before the arrival of the snow, or an adventure safari on a quad bike (from €25.00).
A noteworthy event that takes place in October is theInternational Diving Competition, a competition between young aspiring divers from all over the world.
Sharm el Sheikh in Winter
Photo by Hatem Moushir. In winter, rainfall is practically rare if not entirely absent. Temperatures are mild and around 20 °C during the day, while at night they can drop to as low as 10 °C, usually between January and February.
We have already mentioned that the sun is always present and the Red Sea still has acceptable temperatures even in winter, so the more courageous can enjoy beach life even during this period, albeit with slightly lower temperatures than usual.
An alternative to the beaches can be a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park (from €35.00) or a quad bike adventure in Sharm el-Sheikh (from €18.00) or on the back of a camel.
How to dress: what to pack
In winter: for the day, t-shirt and shorts, but for the evening, it is best not to be without long trousers, a light jacket and closed-toe shoes. However, bring everything you need for the beach and a hat for a possible excursion into the desert.
In summer: A swimming costume and beach towel, a hat and sun cream to protect against intense heat are essential. As for clothing, all you will need are T-shirts, tank tops, shirts, shorts and sandals.
In autumn and spring: T-shirts, tank tops, shorts and shirts, sandals, swimming costume, sun cream and beach towel will be more than enough. If you choose to go on a desert or mountain tour, remember a hat or scarf that is light but large enough to wrap around your head.
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