| Day | What works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| 24 December | Christmas Eve dinner at the hotel | Often extra, book ahead |
| 25 December | Boat trip to the Giftun Islands | Morning, cool wind on deck |
| 26 December | Intro dive | Wetsuit provided by the club |
| Your choice | Luxor in one day | Very early start |
Weather and water at Christmas
Expect 22 to 23 °C by day, cool evenings (bring a sweater) and about 12 to 13 °C at night. The water is around 23 to 24 °C: pleasant for swimming, cooler if you float still while snorkelling. Rain is almost nonexistent. For the overall picture of the season, see Hurghada in winter.
Hotels: Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner
Most hotels put on a Christmas buffet or menu with entertainment, sometimes a gala dinner on the 24th or 25th. It is often charged on top of the stay and can be compulsory for guests: read the conditions when you book and ask what is included (drinks, show, seating). Non-residents can sometimes buy a table, by reservation. To choose an area and a board type, see all-inclusive: which area and where to stay in Hurghada. If a heated pool matters to you, ask before booking.
Tours on 24, 25 and 26 December
Tours generally run all year, but schedules and availability vary around the holidays: book several days ahead and confirm with the seller before departure.
- Boat: a morning trip to the Giftun Islands is the most pleasant; compare in Giftun and Orange Bay and snorkelling: which trip.
- Diving: if the water feels cool, the intro dive in a wetsuit is an alternative; see which club.
- Culture: Luxor, very bearable at this time of year.
In the evening
For the evening of the 31st, see the New Year in Hurghada page. On other nights: the marina and cruise or Bedouin dinner.
FAQ
Is it warm enough to swim at Christmas? Yes, the water is about 23 to 24 °C according to the sources, but the evening air is cool.
Do tours run on 25 December? Generally yes, but confirm with the seller and book ahead.
Is Christmas dinner included in my stay? Not always: check whether the gala is charged extra.
When is Christmas celebrated in Egypt? Coptic Christmas is on 7 January, a public holiday.
The Hurghada Authority editorial team, 20 October 2026.
