What to do in Sharm El Sheikh in winter

Sharm El Sheikh in winter is warm by day and cool at night. From December to February average highs are about 20 to 22°C and lows 10 to 12°C, while the sea averages about 22 to 25°C. Snorkelling is still pleasant for most people, especially with a wetsuit, and winter suits desert trips and the Mount Sinai sunrise climb if you dress for cold.

What is the weather like in Sharm El Sheikh in winter?

Expect sunny days, cool evenings and very little rain. January is the coolest month.

Month	Average high	Average low	Sea temperature	Sunshine per day	Days with some rain
November	25°C	16°C	26°C	9 hours	0
December	22°C	12°C	25°C	8 hours	1
January	20°C	10°C	23°C	8 hours	1
February	21°C	11°C	22°C	9 hours	1
March	24°C	14°C	22°C	10 hours	1

Figures are long-term averages from Weather2Travel. A second source, SeaTemperature.info, gives similar sea averages: 23.5°C in January and 22.8°C in February, with lows of about 21°C.

Is it warm enough to snorkel in winter?

Yes, for most people. A sea of 22 to 23°C feels fresh when you first get in, and you start to feel cold after a long swim, especially if it is windy. The sea in Sharm El Sheikh does not drop below about 20°C. Children and slim adults usually feel the cold sooner.

The bigger issue is often the wind on deck after you get out. Bring a towel, a sweatshirt and a windproof layer for the boat.

Do you need a wetsuit?

For snorkelling a wetsuit is not essential, but many people are more comfortable with one from December to March. You can rent one at the diving centre at the port when you rent a mask and fins. For scuba diving, Circle Divers in Sharm El Sheikh recommends at least a 5 mm full suit in winter.

Which boat trips work best in winter?

Day boat trips run all winter. Calm, sunny days are the best, and the crew may change the route on windy days.

• Tiran Island by boat (from $30): three open-sea stops in the Strait of Tiran, with lunch and soft drinks. For the winter sail we recommend a sweatshirt, tracksuit trousers and socks.
• White Island and Ras Mohammed by boat (from $30): two reef stops in the national park and a stop at the White Island sandbar when conditions allow.

If you would rather not get wet on a cool day, a glass bottom boat or semi-submarine shows the reef from inside the boat.

Which desert trips suit winter?

Winter is the most comfortable season for desert trips, because the midday heat is moderate. Evenings in the desert get cool, so take a layer for any trip that ends after dark.

• Canyon Salama and Three Pools (from $20): a jeep safari to Canyon Salama near Dahab with about an hour’s walk through the canyon, a short camel ride and snorkelling at Three Pools, with lunch. The pickup is around 7:00 and you are back around 18:00.
• VIP Super Safari (from $30): an afternoon trip from around 16:00 with a quad ride, a camel ride, dinner and a show programme. It ends in the evening, when it is cool.

Is the Mount Sinai sunrise climb possible in winter?

Yes, but the summit is cold, often below freezing at dawn, so you need winter clothing. Mount Sinai is 2,285 m high. The nearby town of Saint Catherine, at about 1,600 m, has an average January low of 1.7°C and has recorded lows of minus 4°C in January and minus 6°C in February. The summit is about 700 m higher still, and wind adds to the chill. Snow falls occasionally in the area in December, January and February. In February 2017 the local authority stopped tourists climbing for a time, with temperatures on the mountains between minus 5°C and plus 5°C.

On the Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery (from $30) trip a bus collects you around 19:00, you climb with a Bedouin guide between about 23:30 and 5:00, and you watch the sunrise from the top. After the descent you visit St. Catherine’s Monastery and are back at your hotel around 14:00. A flashlight is included. Blankets can be rented at the summit for an extra fee, and you can ride a camel up part of the way.

The monastery is closed on Sundays, according to Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. If your climb is on a Saturday night, check with us before booking.

What to wear for the climb in winter:

• A warm jacket, hat and gloves.
• Several layers you can take off while climbing and put back on at the top.
• Walking shoes with a good grip and warm socks.
• A headcover or scarf for the monastery.

What else is good to do in winter?

Cooler weather also makes long sightseeing days easier. A day in Cairo for the pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum is less tiring in winter than in summer. The Cairo 1 day by plane (from $255) saves the long overnight drive.

What should you pack for Sharm El Sheikh in winter?

• Summer clothes and swimwear for the day.
• A sweater or fleece and long trousers for the evenings, which drop to about 10 to 12°C.
• A windproof jacket for boat trips.
• Winter clothing, gloves and a hat if you plan to climb Mount Sinai.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses: there are 8 to 9 hours of sunshine a day.