It’s not just the weather that matters when you go to Hurghada. Crowd levels, prices, underwater visibility, wind conditions and even the comfort of desert excursions depend on timing. Each period has its own rhythm and feel. Sometimes the Red Sea is calm as a sheet, sometimes it offers great waves for windsurfers. Sometimes you can barely find a foot on the beach, while other times you’ll have kilometers of sand almost to yourself.
So, when planning your trip to Hurghada, it’s critical to look at the calendar, know what the time of year has to offer and adjust your expectations accordingly. I went for the first time in the middle of summer and to be honest, the heat caught me off guard. On subsequent visits, I tried different seasons and each time I saw a different side of Hurghada.
Golden Period Fall (September – November)
If you asked me, “If you had to pick one time of year for Hurghada, what would it be?”, I would say Fall without thinking. Especially from the end of September to mid-November is when Hurghada shines for me. The sweltering, searing heat of summer gradually fades away and the air becomes sweetly warm. During the daytime, the temperatures are ideal for sunbathing, sightseeing and enjoying the sea.
The sea water temperature is perfect. The Red Sea, which warms up throughout the summer, is like a jacuzzi during these months. Neither too hot nor too cool, this is my favorite. Underwater visibility for diving and snorkeling is usually great and the water temperature allows you to stay for hours. The wind is usually calm or a light breeze, which creates ideal conditions for boat trips and sea activities.
The city’s tourist density is also quite balanced during this period. The peak tourist influx is slightly reduced as the summer vacation in Europe comes to an end, but the weather is still perfect so the area remains lively. Prices can be more reasonable than during the peak summer months, but not as high as during the most popular holiday periods in winter. I once went in October and the weather was so perfect, it was as if they had made the whole city special for me. Lying on the beach and reading a book during the day, diving and watching the colorful fish in the afternoons, and walking on the beach in the evenings in a thin outfit… That’s when Hurghada is at its purest for me.
Towards November the nights can get a little cooler, so it’s a good idea to pack a thin cardigan, but in general the days are still warm and sunny. The wind can also sometimes increase towards this month. If you are a water sports enthusiast, this may not be to your liking. Still, this is arguably one of the best times to experience most of what Hurghada has to offer in comfort.
Warm Winter Sun: Winter (December – February)
If you want to escape the freezing temperatures of Europe and soak up some sun, Hurghada winter can be a great escape. Don’t mind me saying “winter”, winter here is not what we are used to. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 20-25°C, which is quite comfortable for sunbathing and outdoor activities. Yes, it’s not as hot as summer or fall, but you can still sweat sitting in the sun!
The sea water temperature drops slightly during the winter months, down to around 22-24°C. This can be a bit chilly for warm water lovers, you might want to consider a thin wetsuit, especially if you will be snorkeling or diving for long periods of time. it is still possible to get into the sea and for many people it is quite refreshing. One of the distinctive features of winter is the wind. Especially in January and February the wind can increase a bit. While this makes Hurghada attractive for windsurfers and kite surfers, it can sometimes be uncomfortable for those just looking for a quiet beach vacation.
Night temperatures drop significantly during winter. They can drop to around 10-15°C in the evenings, sometimes even cooler. Therefore, when going out in the evenings, you should always take something warm with you. Long pants, a sweatshirt or a thin jacket are essential.
Revitalized Spring Spring (March – May)
Spring is a vibrant and colorful time when Hurghada wakes up from hibernation and warms up. While it can still be a little chilly and windy in March, temperatures start to rise rapidly in April and May, and the ideal pre-summer beach weather slowly begins to make itself known. Daytime temperatures start at 25°C and can reach 30-35°C by the end of May.
The sea water temperature also rises gradually in spring, reaching very comfortable levels again in late April and early May. Winter winds persist in March, but generally diminish in April and May. This period is great for both sea and land activities as temperatures have not yet reached the peak of summer. Trips to the desert are still possible, but it makes more sense to opt for early mornings or late evenings as the weather warms up considerably towards May.
However, I should mention that especially towards the end of May, the temperatures start to rise rapidly, signaling the intense heat of summer. If you are sensitive to heat or don’t like overcrowding, it might be better to choose March or early April instead of late May. Overall, though, Spring is a great option for an enjoyable Hurghada vacation, even if it’s not as ideal as Fall, especially in terms of weather.
Peak of Heat Summer (June – August)
And here we come to the hottest, most scorching time in Hurghada: Summer. If you have a high tolerance for extreme heat and don’t mind the dry heat with low humidity, summer is an option. But I’ll be honest, for me, Hurghada’s summer heat can sometimes be a challenge. Daytime temperatures regularly hover in the 35-40°C range, sometimes even reaching over 45°C. It’s almost impossible to stay out in the sun, especially at midday.
The sea water temperature, on the other hand, can be almost soupy, reaching over 30°C. This can make it feel like warming up in the water instead of cooling off in the sea! While still suitable for water activities, boat trips or diving breaks can feel more tiring due to the heat. The wind is usually quite calm in summer, which makes the water surface smooth.
Which Month Is For Whom? Diving into the Details
We’ve given a seasonal overview, but you might want to go a bit more month-specific. After all, there can even be a difference between early March and late March.
- September-October: My clear favorite. Perfect weather, great sea water, crowds not too overwhelming. Diving, snorkeling, beach, boat trips – ideal for it all.
- November: Still very good. Autumn-like during the day, evenings start to get cooler. Wind may increase slightly. Crowds diminish.
- December: The beginning of winter. Sunny and mild days, cool evenings. Calm except for Christmas and New Year holidays. Ideal for the desert. The sea gets a little cooler.
- January-February: Mid-winter. Coolest months (20-23°C during the day). Can be windy. Evenings are cold. Crowds are minimal (except on holidays). Can be budget friendly. Great for desert tours. Sea cool, wetsuit recommended.
- March: Transitional period. Still windy and can be cool in the evenings. Days start to warm up. The sea gradually warms up. Good prices can be found before summer.
- April: Approaching perfection. The weather gets warmer, the wind decreases. Sea water reaches a very good level. Crowds start to increase (Easter).
- May The precursor to summer. Very warm and sunny days. Sea water temperature is great. Crowds become noticeable. Ideal morning/evening for desert excursions.
- June-August: The peak of the heat. Extremely hot, very sunny. Sea water is very warm. Crowds are the highest, prices are the highest. If you like the heat or if summer is your only option, stay in the shade and drink plenty of water.
In short, I can’t think of a better time than October to experience everything Hurghada has to offer in the most comfortable and enjoyable way. This is the “golden time” of Hurghada for me.