| At a glance | January in Hurghada |
|---|---|
| Air, daytime | about 20-22 °C |
| Air, night | about 10-12 °C |
| Sea | about 19-22 °C |
| Rain | almost none (about 1 mm) |
| Wind | light to moderate, north and north-west |
| Crowds | heavy at the start of the month, calmer afterwards |
Weather and water: what to expect
The sources agree: January is the coldest month of the year, with no notable rain. The sun still warms at midday, but as soon as it drops or the wind picks up, you need a sweater. The north wind, around 4 to 6 m/s on average according to the records, chills mostly the boat decks and the seafront. The water, between 19 and 22 °C, is fine for swimming but not for staying still: a shorty wetsuit is useful for snorkelling, and the clubs lend or rent them. To compare other months, see the best time to visit Hurghada.
What to do in January
- Luxor and the Valley of the Kings: January is ideal for this day, without the summer heat. Compare offers in Luxor from Hurghada; the departure is very early, so dress in layers.
- Desert: the quad bike tour or the desert safari run in the daytime; the desert is cold in the evening, so bring a jacket and long trousers. Comparison: quad biking: which offer.
- Boat and snorkelling: choose a yacht and a morning trip, which are more sheltered; see snorkelling: which trip.
- When it is cool: hammam and spa, the Grand Aquarium and the Hurghada Museum.
- Kitesurfing: the north wind attracts kiters; see the El Gouna schools.
Prices and booking
The start of January extends the festive high season: hotels and flights are pricier and fuller, then demand calms down during the month. There is no official price grid for Hurghada; for ballpark figures, see the Hurghada travel budget and check rates when you book. For the holidays, see New Year in Hurghada and Hurghada in December.
What to pack
A sweater and a windbreaker for the evening, a long-sleeved T-shirt for the boat, a shorty wetsuit if you snorkel, closed shoes for the desert, sunscreen (the sun is still strong).
Where to stay
Ask whether the pool is heated before booking, and compare where to stay in Hurghada and all-inclusive: which area. For the rest of the season, read Hurghada in winter.
FAQ
Can you swim in Hurghada in January? Yes, the water is about 19 to 22 °C according to the sources, but the air feels cool when you get out.
Which tour should I book in January? Luxor, because the day there is the most bearable of the year, then the desert quad bike tour.
Is it cold at night? About 10-12 °C: bring a jacket, especially in the desert.
Does it rain in January? Very rarely; see what to do when it rains.
The Hurghada Authority editorial team, 20 October 2026.
