| Wish | What works in winter | Precaution |
|---|---|---|
| Culture | Luxor in a day | Very early start, dress in layers |
| Sea | Boat trip and snorkeling in the morning | Water at 21-24 °C, cool wind on deck |
| Desert | Quad and Bedouin dinner | Cold nights, trousers and jacket |
| Family | Grand Aquarium | Indoors, open whatever the wind |
| Wind | Kitesurfing | See the schools in El Gouna |
The real winter weather
Hurghada has very little rain all year, and winter is the mildest season. The sun is still strong by day, but the air is cool in the evening, sometimes below 15 °C. Sea at 21-24 °C is fine when swimming, less so when floating still to snorkel: a short wetsuit helps, which dive clubs often rent. For the month-by-month detail and peak periods, see the best time to visit Hurghada.
Excursions: what changes in winter
- Luxor and Karnak: summer heat makes the visit painful; in winter the day is more bearable. Compare in Luxor from Hurghada. For Cairo, Cairo by plane; for longer, the Nile cruise and Abu Simbel.
- Desert: quad and Bedouin dinner are pleasant by day but cold at night; see desert quad and evening: cruise or Bedouin dinner.
- Islands and snorkeling: trips run all year, but the water is cooler; choose the morning and the yacht (more sheltered). See snorkeling: which trip and Giftun and Orange Bay.
- Diving: cool water calls for a wetsuit; the intro dive remains possible all year.
When the sea is cool
- Hotel with a heated pool: some hotels heat their pool in winter; the Albatros advertises a heated pool (see water parks).
- Hammam and spa: see hammam and spa in Hurghada.
- Indoors: the Grand Aquarium and the Hurghada museum.
- Free activities: free things to do in Hurghada.
Year-end holidays
Christmas and New Year are high-demand periods: book hotels and flights early. See New Year in Hurghada. The El Gouna film festival takes place in autumn; check its dates each year.
What to pack
A sweater or windbreaker for the evening, a long-sleeved top for the boat, a quick-dry towel, sunscreen (the sun is still strong), closed shoes for the desert.
Where to stay in winter
The beach stays pleasant by day along the whole coast. For a hotel with a heated pool, ask before booking and compare where to stay in Hurghada and all-inclusive: which area.
FAQ
Can you swim in Hurghada in December? Yes, the water is about 21 to 24 °C according to sources, but the evening air is cool.
Which excursion to book first? Luxor, as winter is when the heat is most bearable.
Do you need a wetsuit for snorkeling? Many people take a short one in January-February; clubs rent them.
Does it rain in winter? Very rarely; see what to do when it rains.
The Hurghada Authority editorial team, 19 October 2026.
