The Red Sea Governorate is Egypt's premier coastal destination, stretching over 1,200km along the Red Sea coast and offering world-class diving, pristine coral reefs, and luxury beach resorts. From the bustling resort hub of Hurghada to the unspoiled shores of Marsa Alam, this governorate combines natural wonders with modern amenities. The region attracts millions of visitors annually seeking underwater adventures, desert safaris, and sun-soaked relaxation.
The Red Sea Governorate has a hot desert climate (Köppen BWh) with over 300 days of sunshine annually, virtually no rainfall, and extremely low humidity. The Red Sea moderates temperatures somewhat compared to the interior Sahara, and sea breezes provide relief at the coast. Water temperatures range from 22°C (72°F) in winter to 28°C (82°F) in summer — warm enough for year-round swimming and diving without a thick wetsuit.
Best time to visit
Best: October to May
Best Reason: Temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities (20-30°C), diving visibility is excellent, and the sea is warm. The winter months (December-February) are peak season with near-perfect weather.
Peak Season: December to February
Avoid: July and August
Avoid Reason: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F) at midday, making outdoor activities uncomfortable. However, water sports and beach activities remain popular with heat-tolerant travelers, and hotel prices are at their lowest.
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
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Cool and sunny — ideal for all beach and outdoor activities. Peak season crowds and prices. Bring a jacket for evenings.
February
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Similar to January — near-perfect conditions. Still peak season. Occasional winds can affect sea conditions.
March
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Warming up beautifully. Possible khamsin sandstorm days but mostly excellent. Pre-Easter rush building.
April
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Warm and sunny — good for all activities. Whale shark season at southern sites. Some plankton blooms can reduce visibility.
May
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Getting hot. Morning and evening activities are comfortable. Good value shoulder period before summer.
June
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Hot but popular with budget travelers. Water sports from dawn are excellent. Pool and beach afternoons.
July
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Peak summer heat. Best for water sports enthusiasts. Lowest hotel prices of the year.
August
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Hottest month. Excellent water sports conditions. Extreme heat outside the water.
September
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Still hot but cooling. Good visibility starting to return. Excellent value period.
October
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Excellent — warm, clear, comfortable for all activities. One of the best months overall. El Gouna Film Festival.
November
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Very pleasant, pre-peak season prices, smaller crowds. Excellent diving visibility. Perfect beach weather.
December
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Ideal beach and diving conditions. Peak season begins — Christmas and New Year are very busy. Book ahead.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: March-May
Spring brings warming temperatures and occasional khamsin sandstorms from the Western Desert in March-April. By May it is getting very hot but mornings and evenings are still pleasant. Diving visibility can be reduced by plankton blooms in April-May but this brings whale sharks to the southern Red Sea.
Summer
Months: June-August
Very hot and dry with temperatures regularly hitting 38-42°C. Early morning and evening are tolerable. Water sports and beach activities remain popular. Hotel rates are at their lowest.
Fall
Months: September-November
Temperatures ease from summer extremes. October and November are excellent months with comfortable temperatures (25-30°C), clear blue skies, and fewer tourists than the December-February peak. Diving conditions are excellent.
Winter
Months: December-February
The Red Sea's 'winter' is mild compared to northern Europe — daytime temperatures of 22-26°C are perfect for beach and outdoor activities. Evenings can be surprisingly cool (15-18°C). This is peak tourist season, particularly popular with European sun-seekers.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- December to February (European winter sun peak); July-August (Egyptian and Gulf state summer vacations)
- Shoulder Season
- March-May and October-November
- Low Season
- June-September (extreme heat deters most European tourists)
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
El Gouna Film Festival
International film festival bringing celebrities and film industry professionals to El Gouna
Ramadan
Islamic holy month — special atmosphere especially after sunset iftar meals
Whale Shark Season
Whale sharks aggregate at Brothers Islands and Daedalus Reef in spring
Kitesurfing High Season
Best kitesurfing winds at Safaga, Soma Bay, and El Gouna