| Criterion | Hurghada | Canaries (Tenerife) |
|---|---|---|
| Sea in January | about 22°C | about 20°C (17 to 20°C depending on the site) |
| Sea in February | about 21°C | about 19°C |
| Air in January | 12 to 22°C | highs around 20 to 22°C |
| Flight from Europe | about 5.5 to 6 h from the UK | about 4.5 h from the UK |
| Excursions | Luxor, Cairo, desert, snorkelling | volcano, hikes, whale-watching boats |
| Plus | warm sea, affordable all-inclusive hotels | shorter flight, euro, no visa |
Water and sun
In Hurghada the air is 12 to 22°C in January, with cool nights: see Hurghada in January, sea temperature by month and weather by month. In the Canaries the water is cooler: many swimmers prefer the hotel pool in February.
The flight and formalities
The Canaries are closer, with no visa for Europeans. Egypt requires a visa or authorisation depending on nationality: see Egypt visa and flights to Hurghada.
Our pick
Hurghada if the goal is to swim in December-February, dive or combine beach and Luxor; the Canaries if you want a shorter flight and a trip without formalities. For a winter in Hurghada: Hurghada in winter, Christmas in Hurghada and last-minute deals. Hotels: Booking in Hurghada.
FAQ
Can you swim in Hurghada in January? Yes, the sea is about 22°C, with a shorty to stay in longer.
Is the flight longer than to the Canaries? Yes, about an hour more from the UK.
Where is it hottest? The air is close; the sea is warmer in Hurghada.
The Hurghada Authority editorial team, 30 October 2026.
