Winter 2025 Vacation in Egypt: Top Destinations

From late autumn through February (excluding the New Year and Christmas holidays), the cost of tours and accommodation in Egypt drops significantly. If you are not tied to holiday dates, you can find truly great deals: hotels often offer seasonal discounts, and airlines reduce ticket prices. Furthermore, during the winter months, the number of tourists at the resorts noticeably decreases, ensuring a more relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to enjoy the Red Sea without crowds on the beaches.

Thanks to the mild climate, affordable prices (especially outside the New Year holidays), and the variety of resorts, a winter holiday in Egypt becomes a real escape from the frost. Here, you'll find wide beaches, warm water, and the main feature — picturesque bays that protect the coast from the wind.

In this article, we will explore where to go in Egypt in winter, which best bays in Egypt for winter to choose, and how to spend your vacation as comfortably as possible. We'll talk about air and water temperatures, local features, and what to pay attention to when choosing a hotel or tour.

Climate and Weather in Egypt in Winter

Winter weather in Egypt is typically mild and sunny. Daytime temperatures in November–December hover around +24…+26 °C, while in January-February they can drop to +20…+23 °C. Nights can be cooler, with temperatures sometimes falling to +15 °C, so bring a windbreaker or light jacket. As for the water, air and water temperatures in Egypt in winter are usually as follows:

Sharm El Sheikh:

• Daytime: +22…+25 °C.
• Nighttime: +15…+18 °C.
• Sea water: +21…+23 °C.

Hurghada:

• Daytime: +20…+24 °C.
• Nighttime: +14…+17 °C.
• Sea water: +20…+22 °C.

These figures are relevant approximately for the period from December to February. January and early February are often the coolest months. Nevertheless, thanks to the country's southern location, even in winter you can find a place for comfortable beach holidays and swimming, especially in well-protected bays.

Why You Should Go to Egypt in Winter

Low Prices and Fewer Tourists

From late autumn through February (excluding the New Year and Christmas holidays), the cost of tours and accommodation in Egypt drops significantly. If you are not tied to holiday dates, you can find truly great deals: hotels often offer seasonal discounts, and airlines reduce ticket prices. Furthermore, during the winter months, the number of tourists at the resorts noticeably decreases, ensuring a more relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to enjoy the Red Sea without crowds on the beaches.

Cons: Cooler Temperatures and Shorter Daylight Hours

Although Egypt is known for its warmth, it is still cooler here in winter than during the high season (April–October). Mornings and evenings can be quite fresh, and the sun sets earlier, so daylight hours are shorter. This means it's better to plan active excursions and long sea trips for the first half of the day. Also, don't forget to pack a sweater or light jacket — they will come in handy for evening walks and excursions.

Best Places for a Winter Holiday in Egypt

When it comes to a winter seaside holiday, the most important factor remains protection from the wind. Next, we'll talk about where to go in Egypt in winter to minimize the impact of weather conditions and enjoy a beach holiday.

Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh

Naama Bay is located in the very heart of Sharm El Sheikh and is one of the most famous bays in the region. In winter, it is an especially popular spot because the bay is reliably protected from the wind due to the terrain features: the natural arc of the coastline creates comfortable conditions for relaxation when the cold winter breeze blows along the coast.

The beach here is sandy, with a convenient gentle slope into the water, which is especially liked by families with children and those who don't like coral shores. Numerous restaurants, bars, and nightclubs are located around, as well as shopping rows where you can buy souvenirs and relax in cafes. Naama Bay is perfect for lovers of active recreation, young people, and those who want to be in the thick of things.

Pros:

• Convenient gentle slope into the water.
• Well-developed infrastructure (many cafes, shops, and clubs).

Cons:

• Can be noisy during the high season.
• Hotel prices are often above average for Sharm El Sheikh.

Sharks Bay, Sharm El Sheikh

Sharks Bay is located north of Naama Bay, closer to Tiran Island, which is famous for its stunning dive sites. In winter, this bay is valued for its good level of protection from the wind: the rocky coastal terrain and the natural shape of the bay make the sea calmer than on the open coastline. The beach here is mostly coral, so access to the water is mainly via pontoons. The infrastructure is less noisy than in Naama Bay: there are several cozy cafes and diving centers, but the nightlife is not as developed. Sharks Bay is perfect for those who value tranquility, love snorkeling and diving, and are looking for seclusion.

Pros:

• Excellent conditions for snorkeling and diving.
• Peaceful atmosphere, fewer tourists.

Cons:

• Coral shore requires special footwear or a pontoon.
• Fewer nightlife options.

Ras Um Sid Cape, Sharm El Sheikh

From Ras Um Sid Cape to Ras Katy Cape, on the southern tip of Sharm El Sheikh, lies a bay, which is more correctly called Tample (Temple). In winter, this place is often chosen due to its decent protection from the wind: part of the bay is shielded by rocks and the cape, creating more comfortable conditions for beach relaxation.

The beach here is predominantly coral, although there are small sandy patches. The infrastructure is concentrated around hotels and local diving centers; bars and clubs are located a bit further away, so the atmosphere is generally calm. Ras Um Sid is perfect for divers, snorkeling enthusiasts, and everyone who prefers secluded beach relaxation.

Pros:

• Beautiful coral reefs.
• Quiet atmosphere, fewer crowds.

Cons:

• Water access is mostly via pontoon.
• Few nightlife options within walking distance.

Hadaba, Sharm El Sheikh

The Hadaba district is located on a hill to the south of the main bays of Sharm El Sheikh. Despite the relatively open coastline, the rocky terrain still partially protects the beaches from windy weather, which is relevant in winter.

Most of the beaches in Hadaba are a mix of sand and coral, sometimes requiring a pontoon. However, the famous Old Market is located nearby, along with several large shopping malls and water parks. Hadaba is an excellent choice for tranquil family vacations, as well as for those who love combining the beach with city walks.

Pros:

• Close to the Old Market and the center of Sharm.
• More intimate atmosphere.

Cons:

• There may be winds on elevated areas.
• Beaches can be rocky or have corals in some places.

Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada

Sahl Hasheesh is an upscale area located approximately 20 km south of central Hurghada. Thanks to the favorable coastal topography and artificial lagoons, there is noticeably less wind here in winter compared to the open beaches of Hurghada.

The beaches in Sahl Hasheesh are sandy, with a convenient gentle slope into the water and partially man-made lagoons. This area is mainly home to modern luxury hotels, restaurants, and boutiques, making it ideal for romantic and upscale family vacations. There aren't many noisy nightlife spots here, but you'll find peace and a beautiful promenade.

Pros:

• Tranquil and prestigious atmosphere.
• Sandy beaches without corals.

Cons:

• Prices are higher than in other bays of Hurghada.
• Somewhat remote from the city center.

Makadi Bay, Hurghada

Makadi Bay is located approximately 25 km south of Hurghada and is a semi-enclosed bay surrounded by mountains. Because of this, winter winds are felt less strongly here than on open stretches of the coast.

Most beaches are a combination of sand and coral, sometimes requiring a pontoon for water access. The infrastructure is centered around large hotels with kids' clubs, animation, and water parks. This place is loved by families with children and couples who prefer a quiet All-Inclusive vacation, but divers will also find picturesque coral areas here.

Pros:

• Mountain protection from winds.
• Good conditions for diving and snorkeling.

Cons:

• The beach may be partially coral.
• Some distance from 'city' life.

El Gouna, Hurghada

El Gouna is located approximately 30 km north of Hurghada and is famous for its artificial network of canals, islands, and lagoons, which help partially dampen the wind. It can still be cool here in winter, but the water in the lagoons is usually calmer.

Many of El Gouna's beaches are sandy with a gentle slope. The local infrastructure is especially pleasing to lovers of modern vacations: marinas with yachts, restaurant quarters, golf courses, and water sports (kitesurfing, windsurfing). The resort is often chosen by couples, young people, and those who love active leisure.

Pros:

• Modern infrastructure and stylish architecture.
• Good conditions for sports (kitesurfing, windsurfing).

Cons:

• Accommodation costs are above average.
• Some tourists may find it 'not Egyptian enough' due to its European style.