Quick answer: The best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh is October to November or March to May, when days are warm (about 25-30°C) and the sea is great for snorkeling and diving. December to February is cooler and the best time for Cairo and desert trips. June to September is very hot, often above 35°C, but good for beach and sea days.
Sharm El Sheikh, on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, is known for clear water, colourful coral reefs and wide desert views. Every season has something to offer, but choosing the best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh Egypt helps you match the weather to what you want to do. Whether you are planning dives, quiet beach days or a desert safari Sharm El Sheikh trip, this guide will help you plan your holiday.
Sharm El Sheikh weather by month
Rain is rare in every month, and the sun shines almost every day. The figures below are typical averages (day / night / sea), so a single day can be a few degrees warmer or cooler.
- January: 22°C / 13°C / sea 22°C. Good for Cairo, Luxor and desert trips.
- February: 23°C / 14°C / sea 21°C. Good for day trips and Mount Sinai (bring warm layers).
- March: 25°C / 16°C / sea 22°C. Good for snorkeling and the desert.
- April: 29°C / 19°C / sea 23°C. One of the best months for everything.
- May: 33°C / 23°C / sea 25°C. Good for sea trips and sunset safaris.
- June: 36°C / 26°C / sea 26°C. Good for beach, boat trips and evening tours.
- July: 37°C / 27°C / sea 27°C. Good for sea days and evening tours.
- August: 37°C / 28°C / sea 28°C. The warmest sea, good for diving.
- September: 35°C / 26°C / sea 28°C. Good for snorkeling and diving.
- October: 31°C / 23°C / sea 27°C. One of the best months for everything.
- November: 27°C / 19°C / sea 25°C. Good for snorkeling, the desert and day trips.
- December: 23°C / 15°C / sea 23°C. Good for Cairo, the desert and mild beach days.
Sharm El Sheikh weather in November
November is warm and dry, around 27°C in the day and 19°C at night, with the sea still about 25°C. It is a very good month for Ras Mohammed snorkeling (£45), a sunset quad safari (£45) and a Cairo day trip by flight (£230). Bring a light jacket for evenings in the desert.
Sharm El Sheikh weather in December and January
Winter days are about 22-23°C and sunny, with cooler nights around 13-15°C. The sea stays around 22-23°C, which most visitors find fine for snorkeling. It is the most comfortable time for day trips to Cairo, Luxor and Petra. For Mount Sinai sunrise, bring warm clothes, because the summit is much colder than Sharm.
Sharm El Sheikh Through the Seasons: Weather, Activities & What to Expect
Sharm El Sheikh boasts a warm, arid climate year-round, so you can visit in any month. Still, the seasons do change your experience, from water activities to desert explorations and even day trips to historical sites like the Pyramids.
Autumn (October – November): The Golden Season for Desert & Deep Blue
Many visitors see autumn as the top time to come, with very pleasant conditions. Temperatures hover comfortably between 25-30°C (77-86°F), and the Red Sea remains beautifully warm for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. It is a good time for almost any activity.
- Weather: Warm, sunny days with pleasant, balmy evenings.
- Activities: Optimal for snorkeling Sharm El Sheikh and diving at well-known sites like Ras Mohammed. Good for a desert safari Sharm El Sheikh, exploring the Sinai mountains, or booking a private yacht charter on the Red Sea.
- Why it’s peak: The balance of warm weather and comfortable evenings makes it great for both daytime adventures and enjoying Naama Bay nightlife.
Our autumn trips help you make the most of this season, from shared or private boat trips to the reefs to Bedouin evenings under the stars.
Winter (December – February): Mild Days & Magical Nights
Winter brings cooler, milder temperatures, making it a popular choice for those escaping colder climates. Daytime temperatures average 20-25°C (68-77°F), while evenings can be crisp, sometimes dropping to 10-15°C (50-59°F). It is still very pleasant, especially for trips away from the beach.
- Weather: Comfortable, sunny days, cooler evenings. Occasional breezes.
- Activities: Good for longer excursions. This is a great time for a Cairo day trip from Sharm El Sheikh, allowing you to explore the Giza pyramids Sharm El Sheikh (or rather, from Sharm El Sheikh) and the Egyptian Museum in comfortable conditions without intense heat.
- Highlight: Discover if can you visit the pyramids from Sharm El Sheikh? Yes, you can, with a Cairo day trip by flight.
PyraSafari runs a family pyramids trip from Sharm El Sheikh by flight, at £230 per adult and £165 per child. It is a full day, so plan a quiet day before and after. If you don’t have a full day for Cairo, you can still see a pyramid close to Sharm: PyraSafari’s Artificial Pyramid is a modern pyramid in the Sharm El Sheikh desert that you visit on a quad bike or camel safari.
Spring (March – May): Blossoming Deserts & Vibrant Reefs
As spring unfolds, temperatures begin to climb, ranging from 25-35°C (77-95°F). The desert briefly blooms with hardy flora, offering a unique landscape, while the Red Sea continues to offer very good conditions for time in the water.
- Weather: Warming up, generally clear skies.
- Activities: Still very good for diving and snorkeling, with the sea warming up to inviting temperatures. Consider a Ras Mohammed snorkeling boat trip from Sharm to see the colourful marine life. Ideal for early morning desert activities before the midday heat.
Spring is a good time for combining marine exploration with a touch of desert beauty, all within a comfortable climate before the peak summer heat.
Summer (June – September): Sunny Shores & Lower Prices
Summer in Sharm El Sheikh is hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F) and sometimes reaching 40°C (104°F). While intense, the dry heat is manageable, especially with the sea breeze. Hotel prices are often lower in this season, so check deals when you book.
- Weather: Hot, dry, abundant sunshine.
- Activities: Best enjoyed by the water: early morning dives, lazy beach days, or relaxing by your resort pool. Evenings are warm and lively, good for experiencing the buzzing Naama Bay nightlife or the lights and shops of Soho Square.
- Considerations: Plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons. Hydration is key!
If you like the heat and want good value, summer can be a great time. Many of our trips run in the evening, when it is cooler.
Sharm El Sheikh Activities by Interest: Plan Your Itinerary
Underwater Wonders: Diving & Snorkeling in the Red Sea
The Red Sea is a favourite with divers, with colourful coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. Any time outside of peak summer heat is excellent, with October-November and March-May being very good. Consider enrolling in a PADI open water diving course Sharm El Sheikh to learn to dive. The course takes 3-4 days and costs £399. Certified divers can also ask us on WhatsApp about a private dive trip with their own dive guide.
Desert Expeditions: From Sands to Stars
The cooler months (October-April) are ideal for exploring the wide Sinai desert. A desert safari Sharm El Sheikh is a fun way to see it, while a Bedouin cultural evening with traditional dance dinner gives you a taste of Bedouin food, music and dance under the stars. These experiences are best enjoyed when the desert air is cool and crisp.
Historical & Cultural Journeys: Visiting the Pyramids from Sharm El Sheikh
Many travelers ask if they can see the Pyramids during a Sharm holiday. Yes. Our Cairo day trip by flight goes to Cairo and back in one day, from £230 per adult. The cooler months from about October to April are the most comfortable time for it.
Planning your days? See our list of 35+ things to do in Sharm El Sheikh, with prices.
What is the best month to visit Sharm El Sheikh?
October, November, March, April and May. The weather is warm but not too hot, and the sea is great for snorkeling.
What is the weather like in Sharm El Sheikh in November?
Warm and dry: about 27°C in the day, 19°C at night, and a sea of about 25°C. Bring a light jacket for desert evenings.
Is Sharm El Sheikh too hot in summer?
From June to September it is often above 35°C and can reach 40°C. Plan outdoor trips for early morning or sunset and spend the middle of the day by the sea.
Can you swim in Sharm El Sheikh in winter?
Yes. The sea stays around 21-24°C in winter, which most visitors find fine for swimming and snorkeling.
When is the best time for a desert safari?
October to April, when the desert is cooler. Sunset safaris are the most popular all year.


