Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the best month to visit Hurghada for weather?
A1: Late September and late April are the two best windows. Air temperatures sit at 26–30°C, sea temperatures hold at 25–28°C, winds are moderate, and crowds are lower than Christmas, Easter, and August peaks.
Q2: How hot does Hurghada get in summer?
A2: July and August are genuinely hot. Daily highs average 37°C, peak at 42°C during heatwaves, and overnight lows stay near 27°C, based on Egyptian Meteorological Authority climate records.
Q3: What is the sea temperature in Hurghada by month?
A3: Sea temperatures range from 21°C in February to 28°C in August and September. Wetsuit-free swimming and snorkeling are most comfortable from May through November, based on NOAA Red Sea SST averages.
Q4: When is kitesurfing season in Hurghada?
A4: June to September is the core kitesurfing season. Northerly winds blow 15–25 knots on most afternoons, and El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga see the most reliable rideable sessions in summer, based on Windguru Hurghada history.
Q5: Does it rain in Hurghada?
A5: Almost never. Annual rainfall is typically in the single-digit millimetres, with most measurable showers falling in January, November, or December. Many years record no meaningful rain on visitor itineraries.
Q6: When is Ramadan in Hurghada in 2026?
A6: In Egypt, Ramadan 2026 began on 19 February and ran into 19 March, with Eid al-Fitr public holidays listed for 19–23 March. Local cafés and neighborhood restaurants may shift hours, but hotel dining, marina restaurants, snorkeling tours in Hurghada, and diving excursions from Hurghada continue operating.
Q7: What is the Khamsin and when does it hit Hurghada?
A7: The Khamsin is a hot, dust-laden southerly or southeasterly wind that arrives mainly in late winter and spring. Events can last from several hours to three or four days and may push temperatures above 40°C in affected areas.

Quick Summary
- Hot, dry, and sunny nearly every day of the year, with annual rainfall usually measured in single-digit millimetres.
- Summer (June–September): average highs in the mid-to-upper 30s °C, severe heatwaves sometimes above 40°C, sea about 27–29°C, and frequent 15–25 knot northerlies.
- Winter (December–February): highs 22–25°C, sea 21–23°C, and the best conditions for desert safaris, Luxor day trips, and walking tours.
- Best all-around windows: late April and late September to early October — warm sea, manageable heat, and fewer peak-season crowds.
- Watch-outs: spring Khamsin dust-wind episodes, Christmas/New Year hotel premiums, Russian Orthodox Christmas on 7 January, and strong midday UV from May through August.
Hurghada Monthly Weather at a Glance
Hurghada sits on the Red Sea at 27.3°N, between desert heat and a deep, warm sea. The result is a stable subtropical-desert climate with negligible rain, intense sunshine, and sharper inland temperature swings than visitors feel at the marina.
Three patterns govern the year: peak UV from May to August, stronger northerlies from June to September, and sea-temperature lag. The Red Sea is usually coldest in February and warmest in August–September, according to NOAA SST archives.

Hurghada Monthly Weather Data 2026
| Month | Air High °C / °F | Air Low °C / °F | Sea °C / °F | Rain mm | Humidity % | Wind km/h | Wave height m | Sunshine h/day | UV Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22 / 72 | 11 / 52 | 22 / 72 | 0.8 | 52 | 16 | 0.4 | 8 | 4 |
| February | 23 / 73 | 12 / 54 | 21 / 70 | 0.6 | 49 | 17 | 0.5 | 9 | 5 |
| March | 26 / 79 | 14 / 57 | 22 / 72 | 0.4 | 47 | 19 | 0.6 | 9 | 7 |
| April | 30 / 86 | 18 / 64 | 24 / 75 | 0.2 | 44 | 20 | 0.6 | 10 | 9 |
| May | 34 / 93 | 22 / 72 | 26 / 79 | 0.0 | 42 | 21 | 0.7 | 11 | 10 |
| June | 36 / 97 | 25 / 77 | 27 / 81 | 0.0 | 43 | 23 | 0.8 | 12 | 11 |
| July | 37 / 99 | 27 / 81 | 28 / 82 | 0.0 | 46 | 22 | 0.8 | 12 | 11 |
| August | 37 / 99 | 27 / 81 | 28 / 82 | 0.0 | 48 | 21 | 0.7 | 11 | 11 |
| September | 34 / 93 | 25 / 77 | 28 / 82 | 0.0 | 50 | 19 | 0.6 | 10 | 9 |
| October | 31 / 88 | 22 / 72 | 27 / 81 | 0.2 | 52 | 17 | 0.5 | 9 | 7 |
| November | 27 / 81 | 18 / 64 | 25 / 77 | 0.8 | 54 | 16 | 0.4 | 8 | 5 |
| December | 23 / 73 | 13 / 55 | 23 / 73 | 0.7 | 53 | 15 | 0.4 | 7 | 4 |
Values are rounded from long-term climate-normal datasets, Red Sea SST products, and Hurghada wind-statistics sources. Sources: World Meteorological Organization / Egyptian Meteorological Authority climatological tables, NOAA Coral Reef Watch SST products, [Climate-data.org](http://climate-data.org/), Climates to Travel, and local Red Sea kitesurfing wind guides.
Activity Suitability by Month
Each activity is scored 1–10, where 10 means peak conditions and 1 means avoid.
| Month | Snorkeling | Scuba diving | Beach | Desert safari | Walking tours | Kitesurfing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6 | 7 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 5 |
| February | 6 | 7 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 6 |
| March | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 |
| April | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 |
| May | 10 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 9 |
| June | 10 | 10 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 10 |
| July | 9 | 9 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 10 |
| August | 9 | 9 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 10 |
| September | 10 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 9 |
| October | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| November | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 6 |
| December | 7 | 8 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 5 |
How to Read the Scores
- Snorkeling and scuba scores rise with sea temperature and visibility, then dip when winter wind makes offshore crossings choppier.
- Desert safari and walking-tour scores fall sharply in July and August because midday highs sit in the upper 30s °C and severe heat can exceed 40°C.
- Kitesurfing peaks in the warmer wind season when northerlies commonly reach the 15–25 knot range and thermal afternoon wind is most reliable.

Wind, Khamsin, and Kite Season
The Hurghada wind year has three practical phases for travelers and operators.
- December–February: Light to moderate northerlies are common. Boat trips usually run smoothly, and offshore reefs such as Abu Nuhas and Umm Gamar are accessible on many calm days.
- March–April: The Khamsin window. Hot, dusty southerly or southeasterly winds can last several hours to three or four days and may push temperatures above 40°C in affected areas (Source: Britannica, 2026).
- May–October: Red Sea kitesurfing guides generally describe this as the strongest wind season, with June–September especially reliable around El Gouna and Hurghada. Typical rideable winds are often quoted around 15–25 knots (Source: Kiteguide and local Red Sea kitesurfing schools, 2026).
Heat Stress Month by Month
- July–August: Genuinely hot. Daily highs often sit in the upper 30s °C, severe heat can exceed 40°C, and outdoor walking tours are best before 09:00 or after 17:00.
- May–June and September: Warm but workable. Highs sit at 34–36°C in early summer and 34°C in September, with sea temperatures of 26–28°C for snorkeling and diving.
- November–March: Pleasant. Highs range from 22–27°C, which is the strongest stretch for desert safaris, Luxor day trips, and city walking.
Ramadan, Holidays, and Pricing Peaks in 2026
Travel demand and local-business hours shift around religious and school calendars. Plan fixed-date trips around these 2026 windows.
| Window | 2026 Dates | Demand | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year peak | 22 Dec 2025 – 5 Jan 2026 | Very high | Hotel rates and tour availability tighten sharply. Book boat trips and desert safaris well ahead. |
| Russian Orthodox Christmas | 2 Jan – 10 Jan 2026 | High | Russian-language tours fill quickly around 7 January. Giftun, Orange Bay, and dolphin trips are busiest. |
| Ramadan | 19 Feb – 19 Mar 2026 | Moderate | Local dining shifts to sunset hours. Hotels, marinas, Red Sea excursions, and tourist restaurants usually operate normally. |
| Eid al-Fitr | 19–23 Mar 2026 | High domestic | Egyptian travelers fill resorts. Reserve popular excursions ahead, especially for family groups. |
| Easter / Sham El-Nessim | 3–13 Apr 2026 | High | UK and German school breaks overlap with Egypt's spring festival. Expect premium hotel and private-transfer pricing. |
| Summer European holidays | 1 Jul – 31 Aug 2026 | Very high | UK, German, Polish, and Czech family demand peaks. Favor sea-based activities and avoid midday desert departures. |
| October shoulder | 1 Oct – 20 Oct 2026 | Low to moderate | Often one of the best-value periods of the year. Sea remains warm, and hotel rates are commonly below August peak levels. |
The Best 4 Weeks of the Year
Two windows usually deliver the best mix of air temperature, sea comfort, and lower crowd pressure.
- Late April 2026: Sea reaches the mid-20s °C, air sits near 28–30°C, Khamsin risk is easing, and kite winds are still moderate.
- Late September to early October 2026: Sea remains very warm, air eases back from peak summer heat, and European summer crowds have left.
Hurghada vs Sharm El Sheikh vs Dahab vs Marsa Alam
Microclimates along Egypt's Red Sea coast are subtle but useful when choosing a base.
| Destination | Avg Annual High °C | Avg Sea °C | Wind Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurghada | 30 | 25 | Strong N winds Jun–Sep | Snorkeling, kitesurfing, family resorts |
| Sharm El Sheikh | 31 | 26 | Gulf of Aqaba sites are often calmer | Ras Mohammed diving, warmer winter sea |
| Dahab | 28 | 25 | Mountain-cooled with lower humidity | Windsurfing, Blue Hole diving, freediving |
| Marsa Alam | 32 | 26 | Less urban heat shielding and stronger desert feel | Sataya, Dolphin House, remote reef diving |
| El Gouna (Hurghada area) | 30 | 25 | Strongest lagoon and bay winds | Kitesurfing, watersports academies |
Local Insight
A few weather details are obvious only after operating trips from Hurghada week after week.
- Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh sit in a partial wind shadow. On windy summer days, these bays can stay calm enough for snorkeling boats when central Hurghada marinas are too choppy.
- The 14:00–16:00 sea-breeze surge is real. Experienced reef boats schedule the second snorkel or dive site before 13:30, then use the return leg before the afternoon chop builds.
- February's 21°C sea feels colder during repeat dives than the number suggests. Local dive centers commonly issue 5 mm wetsuits with hooded vests from late December through March.
- Desert departures need layers in winter. A January quad or jeep safari can start near 6°C at dawn and reach 24°C by lunch.
- The Eid al-Fitr holiday period is one of the busiest domestic booking windows of the year. International availability can tighten shortly before and after the holiday.
Sources
- Egyptian Meteorological Authority — long-term climate records for Hurghada and Red Sea Governorate.
- NOAA Coral Reef Watch and NOAA sea-surface temperature products — Red Sea SST context and long-term satellite SST products.
- Kiteguide and local Red Sea kitesurfing schools — practical wind-season guidance for Hurghada, El Gouna, and nearby bays.
- Egypt Presidency official holiday calendar and [timeanddate.com](http://timeanddate.com/) — 2026 Ramadan / Eid timing cross-checks for Egypt.
- PADI — Red Sea dive-operator guidance for seasonal water temperatures, wetsuit planning, and recreational-diving conditions.
- Egyptian Tourism Authority — public-holiday calendar, seasonal travel guidance, and Red Sea destination context.



