Okay so — most straightforward answer first: When should you visit Hurghada?
Literally whenever you want.
I know that sounds like a non-answer but it's genuinely true. Over 300 sunny days a year. Water temperature never goes below 21°C. This is desert climate on the Red Sea coast — it's basically engineered by nature for year-round tourism.
But (and there's always a but) — different times are genuinely better for different things. Want perfect diving visibility? That's October. Want to escape European winter at the best prices? May-June. Hate crowds? Avoid European school holidays entirely. So let me break it down properly.
The TL;DR Version
If you're just skimming (fair enough):
Best overall: March-May, October-November. Perfect temperatures, fewer crowds, great prices.
Cheapest: May-June, September. Shoulder season magic.
Hottest: July-August. 35-38°C. Only for heat lovers.
Busiest: December-February (Europeans fleeing winter), July-August (school holidays).
Now if you want the full nerdy breakdown, keep reading.
Winter (December - February)
❄️ "Winter" (It's Not Really Winter)
Peak tourist season for Europeans escaping actual winter. Days hover around 20-24°C which is basically perfect. Nights get cooler — you might want a light jacket for dinner. Water's around 21-23°C so... refreshing but absolutely swimmable.
Downside? Everyone else had the same idea. Hotels are full. Prices are peak. That December/January period especially — book months ahead or pay through the nose.
December
January
February
Spring (March - May)
🌸 Spring: The Secret Best Season
Honestly? This is when I tell friends to visit. March-April has maybe the best diving visibility of the year. Temperatures are warming but not oppressive. Crowds thin out after February. And the prices? Chef's kiss.
May starts getting properly hot but still manageable. Just stay by the pool in the middle of the day.
March
May
Summer (June - August)
☀️ Summer: Hot. Really Hot.
Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat this. 35-38°C is... a lot. The sun at noon is brutal. You will sweat walking from the hotel to the beach.
But here's the thing — you're probably going to spend 90% of your time either in air conditioning or in the water. And the water? It's like a warm bath. 27-29°C. You can stay in for hours without getting cold.
European school holidays mean July-August is actually quite busy despite the heat. Families everywhere. But if you're okay with the temperatures, it works.
June
July
August
Autumn (September - November)
🍂 Autumn: The Other Secret Best Season
September is still hot but cooling. By October it's genuinely lovely — mid-20s, still-warm sea, fewer people, and what many divers consider THE best visibility of the year.
November is basically like March — just approaching from the other direction. Perfect middle-ground weather.
🤫 When I Actually Go
Late October. Every year if I can manage it. The summer crowds have completely cleared out, but the water's still around 27°C from months of summer sun. Diving visibility is insane — saw a manta ray at Elphinstone one year. And prices drop maybe 30-40% from the December peak. It's basically the cheat code month.
🙋♂️ Questions About the Weather (I Get These Daily)
What is the best time to visit Hurghada for weather?
If you want the "Goldilocks" weather (not too hot, NOT cold), it's **October to November** and **March to May**. You get warm days (around 28-30°C), cool evenings, and the sea is swim-able. July and August are for heat-lovers only.
What clothes should I pack for Hurghada in December?
Days are t-shirt weather (22-24°C), but nights get surprisingly chilly (12-15°C). You absolutely need a light jacket, hoodie, or jeans for the evenings. Also, if you go on a desert safari or boat trip, the wind makes it feel colder. Pack layers.
Is it cold in Hurghada at night in winter?
Yes. Many tourists are shocked by this. From December to Feb, once the sun sets, the temperature drops fast. It's not "snow" cold, but with the wind coming off the desert or sea, you will shiver in shorts. Bring a sweater.
Are there mosquitos in Hurghada in winter?
Sadly, yes. They are actually sometimes worse in the cooler months (Nov/Dec) than in the peak summer heat. Bring repellent or buy "Off!" (local brand) from the pharmacy here. Some hotels fog for them, but don't rely on it.
Best Time For Specific Things
| What You Want | When to Go | Why | Approx Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🤿 Best Diving | March-May, Oct-Nov | Visibility is exceptional | 25-28°C |
| 🏖️ Beach Lounging | Literally anytime | It's always beach weather | 22-35°C |
| 🏛️ Luxor/Cairo Trips | Nov-Mar | Desert isn't brutal | 20-25°C |
| 🏕️ Desert Safari | Oct-Apr | Cooler temperatures for activities | |
| 👨👩👧 Family Trip | Jul-Aug, Dec | When kids are off school | |
| 💑 Couples Escape | Mar-May, Sep-Nov | Fewer families, better prices | |
| 💰 Best Prices | May-Jun, Sep | Shoulder season sweet spot |
What to Pack (Because Everyone Asks)
☀️ Summer Packing (Jun-Aug)
❄️ Winter Packing (Dec-Feb)
Questions I Get Asked Constantly
Is it too hot in summer? Like actually unbearable?
Honestly depends on your heat tolerance. For me? Manageable. For my very pale Scottish friend? She struggled. The key is accepting that midday (11am-3pm) is pool/AC time, not explore-the-town time. Early mornings and evenings are lovely. And the sea is like bathwater — you can snorkel for hours.
Can I swim in winter?
Absolutely yes! 21-23°C water is warmer than British beaches in summer. Most people swim happily. You might want a rash guard for longer sessions but it's definitely not cold.
Does it ever rain?
*laughs in desert climate* — Maybe 2-3 days of light rain per YEAR. Hurghada averages 1mm of annual rainfall. Pack an umbrella if you want to carry useless things, I guess.
When are hotels cheapest?
May-June (before school holidays) and September-early October. I've seen prices 40-50% lower than December-January peak. Same hotels, same service, fewer people.
You've Got the Weather Info. Now Plan the Trip.
Sun's waiting. It's always waiting. That's the whole point. ☀️
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