Hurghada in December: weather, sea temperature and trips
In December Hurghada averages 23°C by day and 12°C at night, and the sea is about 24°C. Mild, sunny days and a sea of about 24°C, with less wind than most of the year. Good for sightseeing and still fine for snorkelling, with a warm layer for the boat.
Hurghada in December at a glance
| Average | |
|---|---|
| Day temperature | 23°C |
| Night temperature | 12°C |
| Sea temperature | 24°C (22.7°C to 27.2°C over the past 10 years) |
| Sunshine | 9 hours a day |
| Rain | Usually no rain |
| Daylight | 10.5 hours; sunrise about 06:26, sunset about 16:52 |
| Wind | Windy on some days (about 2 in 10) |
| UV index | 4 (moderate) |
Air, sea, sunshine and rain: long-term averages from Weather2Travel. Sea range: lowest and highest readings for the month over the past 10 years (SeaTemperature.info). Wind: share of days when the wind reached 30 km/h or more, ERA5 data for 2016 to 2025 via Open-Meteo. Sunrise and sunset on the 15th, Egypt time.
Sea temperature and swimming in December
The sea is cooling down. Average sea temperature: 26°C in November, 24°C in December and 23°C in January. The water feels fresh when you get in. It is fine for swimming, but many people start to feel cool after half an hour of snorkelling.
A shorty or a long-sleeved rash vest makes long snorkelling stops more comfortable. Bring a towel and a sweatshirt for the boat.
What's running in December
The sea cools to about 24°C but the wind is relatively light, so Orange Bay and the island trips are pleasant on a sunny day. Take a towel and a sweatshirt for the ride back.
December is an excellent month for Luxor (about 24°C) and Cairo by bus (about 21°C). The Christmas and New Year weeks are busy, so book trips a few days ahead.
Day-trip weather in December
| Trip | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Luxor | 24°C | 7°C |
| Cairo and the pyramids | 21°C | 10°C |
Weather2Travel long-term averages. Luxor is inland, so its days are hotter and its nights cooler than on the coast.
Holidays and crowds in December
Quiet until about 20 December. Then the Christmas and New Year holidays make it the busiest and most expensive fortnight of winter, so book hotels and flights well ahead, and book popular trips for the New Year week a few days in advance.
What to book in December
Orange Bay by boat
Pick a sunny day; the deck is cool on the way back.
Luxor 1 day by bus
Karnak, the Colossi of Memnon and Hatshepsut's temple at about 24°C.
Cairo 1 day by bus
The pyramids, the museum and a Nile cruise in mild weather.
Seascope Panorama semi-submarine
The reef through big windows, warm and dry.
What to pack for Hurghada in December
- Swimwear, sunglasses and a hat
- Sun cream (SPF 30 or higher)
- A warm sweater or fleece and long trousers for the evenings, which drop to about 12°C
- A wetsuit or long-sleeved rash vest if you plan long snorkelling stops
- A windproof layer for boat trips, as it is cooler on deck
- Reef shoes or water shoes for coral beaches and rocky entries
December in Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam
| Resort | Day | Night | Sea | Windy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharm El Sheikh | 22°C | 12°C | 25°C | rare |
| Hurghada | 23°C | 12°C | 24°C | 2/10 |
| Marsa Alam | 25°C | 15°C | 24°C | 2/10 |
Hurghada weather by month
| Month | Day | Night | Sea | Sun | Windy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°C | 10°C | 23°C | 9 h | 3/10 |
| February | 22°C | 11°C | 22°C | 10 h | 4/10 |
| March | 25°C | 14°C | 22°C | 10 h | 5/10 |
| April | 28°C | 17°C | 23°C | 10 h | 4/10 |
| May | 31°C | 21°C | 24°C | 11 h | 5/10 |
| June | 33°C | 24°C | 26°C | 12 h | 6/10 |
| July | 34°C | 25°C | 27°C | 13 h | 5/10 |
| August | 34°C | 26°C | 28°C | 12 h | 6/10 |
| September | 32°C | 24°C | 27°C | 11 h | 6/10 |
| October | 30°C | 20°C | 27°C | 10 h | 4/10 |
| November | 27°C | 16°C | 26°C | 9 h | 2/10 |
| December | 23°C | 12°C | 24°C | 9 h | 2/10 |
Long-term averages from Weather2Travel. Windy days: share of days with wind of 30 km/h or more (ERA5, 2016 to 2025).
Frequently asked questions
What is the sea temperature in Hurghada in December?
About 24°C on average. Over the past 10 years, readings for December ranged from 22.7°C to 27.2°C.
Is it warm enough to swim in Hurghada in December?
Yes, for most people. At about 24°C the water feels fresh at first, and a shorty or rash vest helps on long snorkelling stops.
What is the weather like in Hurghada in December?
Average highs are 23°C and lows 12°C, with about 9 hours of sunshine a day and usually no rain.
Is December a good time to visit Hurghada?
Mild, sunny days and a sea of about 24°C, with less wind than most of the year. Good for sightseeing and still fine for snorkelling, with a warm layer for the boat.
Book or ask a question
Every tour on this page can be booked online from its page, with no prepayment: you pay on the day. To ask about dates, hotel pickup or private trips, write to us on WhatsApp at +20 101 337 0369 or Telegram at @sinbad_tour_bot, or call +20 100 687 2059.
Sources
- Weather2Travel: Hurghada climate by month
- SeaTemperature.info: Hurghada water temperature
- Climates to Travel: Hurghada climate (wind and khamsin)
- Open-Meteo: historical weather API (ERA5), wind 2016 to 2025
- timeanddate.com: daylight saving time in Egypt
- Weather2Travel: Cairo climate
- Weather2Travel: Luxor climate
