Let me be honest with you from the start:
July in Hurghada is hot. Like, properly hot. 35-38°C during the day hot. But here's what nobody tells you — it's dry heat. And that makes all the difference.
I've lived here for 20 years, and I actually prefer our July over a humid 28°C day in London. The constant sea breeze, the crystal-clear water at bath temperature, the empty beaches in the morning... there's a reason smart Europeans keep coming back in summer.
🌡️ July Weather Reality
Let me give you the honest numbers, not the sugar-coated tourism brochure version:
The key thing Europeans don't realise until they arrive: this is desert heat. It's not sticky. You don't feel like you're swimming through the air. You step into shade and the temperature drops 10 degrees. Air conditioning actually works properly here.
🏊 Best Activities for July
The secret to enjoying July is all about timing. The sun is brutal between 11am and 3pm. But early morning? Golden hour? Absolutely magical.
🤿 Snorkelling & Diving
Warm water means no wetsuit and more marine life activity. The reefs are buzzing. Many dive centres offer early morning trips starting at 6am — perfect for beating the heat.
🕕 Best: 6am - 10am🚤 Boat Trips
Full-day boat trips to Giftun Island or Orange Bay are brilliant — you're on the water all day with the breeze keeping you cool. Just don't forget the SPF 50.
🕗 All Day (on water)🏖️ Beach Time
Early morning beach sessions are spectacular. By 7am, you can have an entire beach to yourself. The water is warm enough to stay in for hours.
🕖 Best: 7am - 10am🌅 Marina Evening Walk
The Hurghada Marina comes alive after sunset. Temperature drops to a comfortable 28-30°C, restaurants open their terraces, and the atmosphere is magical.
🕖 Best: 7pm onwards🏜️ Desert Safari
Book a sunset desert safari that departs at 3pm. You'll arrive in the desert as it cools down, watch the sunset, and return under the stars.
🕒 Best: 3pm - 10pm🏛️ City Tours
If you want to explore Dahar (old town) or local markets, go at sunrise. By 9am you should be heading back to air conditioning.
🕕 Best: 6am - 9amComplete Diving Guide →
July diving conditions, best sites, and what marine life to expect this month.
🧊 Heat Survival Guide for Europeans
After 20 years of helping visitors acclimatise, here are my non-negotiable rules for enjoying July:
The Daily Schedule That Works
6:00-10:00 → Active time. Beach, snorkelling, morning dive, walking
10:00-11:00 → Big breakfast at your hotel
11:00-16:00 → Pool, spa, reading, napping, air-conditioned restaurants
16:00-18:00 → Back to the beach as it cools
18:00 onwards → Marina, restaurants, nightlife
Hydration is Not Optional
I cannot stress this enough. You need to drink at least 3-4 litres of water daily. Not coffee. Not beer (at least not during the day). Water. Electrolyte drinks are also brilliant — you can buy them at any pharmacy here.
Signs you're not drinking enough: headache, fatigue, dizziness. If you feel any of these, get inside, drink water, and rest. Heatstroke is serious but completely preventable.
🩺 Protect Yourself This Summer
Heat-related illnesses, sun damage, and dehydration can ruin a holiday. Travel insurance with medical coverage is essential for July visits.
Get Travel Insurance →What to Pack for July
- 🧴 SPF 50+ sunscreen — Apply every 2 hours, even if cloudy
- 👒 Wide-brimmed hat — Not a cap, a proper hat with shade
- 🕶️ Quality sunglasses — UV protection is not optional
- 👕 Light, loose, light-coloured clothing — Cotton or linen
- 💧 Reusable water bottle — Carry it everywhere
- 👙 Multiple swimsuits — They won't dry quickly in humidity-free air (actually they will, but you'll want rotation)
- 🧥 One light cardigan — For over-airconditioned restaurants
🍽️ Best Cooling-Off Restaurants
Not all restaurants are created equal in July. You want either brilliant air conditioning or a proper sea breeze terrace. Here are my picks:
Starfish Restaurant
Moby Dick
The Lodge
El Mina
Complete Restaurant Guide →
My honest reviews of every restaurant worth visiting in Hurghada.
✈️ Book Your July Adventure
July is actually one of the busier months due to European school holidays. Book your flights and hotels at least 6-8 weeks in advance for the best selection and prices.
🛫 Find Your Summer Flight
Compare prices from all airlines flying to Hurghada this July. Direct flights available from most major European cities.
Compare Flights on Aviasales → Browse Hotels❓ July FAQs from My Visitors
Questions I get asked almost daily in July:
Is July too hot to visit Hurghada?
July in Hurghada reaches 35-38°C during the day, but with dry desert heat and constant sea breeze, it is absolutely manageable. The sea temperature is a perfect 28°C. Plan activities for early morning or evening, and spend midday in air-conditioned restaurants or the pool.
What is the sea temperature in Hurghada in July?
The Red Sea reaches its warmest in July at around 28°C — like a warm bath. It is perfect for extended snorkelling sessions without needing a wetsuit. The warm water also means more fish activity near the reefs.
What should I pack for Hurghada in July?
Pack the lightest clothes you own, SPF 50+ sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, quality sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. Bring multiple swimsuits as they will not dry between uses. Also pack a light layer for heavily air-conditioned restaurants.
Are there fewer tourists in Hurghada in July?
Actually, July is busy due to European school holidays. German, British, and Russian families flock to the Red Sea. Book accommodation and popular restaurants in advance.
What activities can I do in Hurghada in July?
July is excellent for snorkelling, diving (warm water attracts more marine life), boat trips, and beach lounging. Schedule desert safaris and city tours for early morning or sunset. Evening is perfect for marina walks and outdoor dining.
Complete Weather Guide →
Compare July with other months and find your perfect time to visit.
Final thoughts from Salem:
July is not for everyone; I'll admit that. If you genuinely can't handle heat, November might be better for you.
But if you embrace the rhythm — early mornings, lazy afternoons, magical evenings — July offers something special. Fewer stressed tourists, warmer water, longer days. The Red Sea in summer is like bathwater filled with tropical fish. The sunsets are on fire. And yes, the air conditioning exists for a reason. Use it!