Seasonal Travel and Weather: how it works in Egypt — first-hand
Short answer
Due to extreme heat reaching 45°C, travelers should avoid land excursions in July and August and focus on marine activities instead. Hurghada is generally preferred over Sharm El Sheikh for excursions, while September and October offer more comfortable temperatures for visiting historical sites.
From real experience
1. **Summer Travel (July-August):** Extreme heat makes most land excursions (e.g., Pyramids, Luxor) challenging.
Focus on marine activities and beach relaxation; evening quad biking is acceptable. 2. **Hurghada for Land Excursions:** Better base for long-distance excursions like Pyramids and Luxor. 3. **Sharm El Sheikh in August:** If choosing Sharm, select hotels without excessively long reefs to avoid discomfort from sun exposure while walking to deeper water. 4. **Diving:** Good opportunities in both Hurghada (and surrounding areas) and Sharm. Hurghada is suitable for beginners. 5. **General Recommendation for August:** Hurghada is often recommended over Sharm for overall comfort, especially if planning excursions beyond just marine activities.
✓ 1 report from chats
In Sharm El Sheikh, August is the hottest month (40-45°C in shade).
Mid-September to October is considered ideal with comfortable water temperatures (28-29°C). November is also suggested as ideal (32-34°C). Wind conditions vary by area: Nabq has winds in November, while Ras Umm Sid and Hadaba do not. September and October can still be very hot, reaching nearly 40°C.
✓ 1 report from chats
In August, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, experiences high temperatures, potentially reaching +45°C during the day.
However, due to dry air and sea breezes, the heat is often more tolerable compared to destinations like Belek, Turkey, which might have similar temperatures but higher humidity, making the climate feel much hotter and oppressive.
✓ 1 report from chats
Summer is highly discouraged for visiting Egyptian historical sites due to extreme heat.
For a better experience, travelers are advised to visit during cooler months and consider a Nile cruise from Alexandria to Aswan to cover major cultural landmarks efficiently.