Hurghada in May: weather, sea temperature and trips
In May Hurghada averages 31°C by day and 21°C at night, and the sea is about 24°C. Hot days, warm evenings and a sea of about 24°C. A good month for island trips and water parks; Luxor and Cairo are getting hot.
Hurghada in May at a glance
| Average | |
|---|---|
| Day temperature | 31°C |
| Night temperature | 21°C |
| Sea temperature | 24°C (22.5°C to 27.4°C over the past 10 years) |
| Sunshine | 11 hours a day |
| Rain | Usually no rain |
| Daylight | 13.5 hours; sunrise about 05:56, sunset about 19:26 |
| Wind | Often windy (about 5 days in 10) |
| UV index | 11+ (extreme) |
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 May
The sea is warming up. Average sea temperature: 23°C in April, 24°C in May and 26°C in June. 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 May
By May the island trips feel warm again, and long days give you plenty of time at Orange Bay or Dolphin House. Windy days still happen, so keep one day spare.
Afternoons are about 31°C, which suits a day at Makadi Water World. The super safari is comfortable, and Egyptian holidays this month (see below) make boats busier for a few days.
Day-trip weather in May
| Trip | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Luxor | 38°C | 20°C |
| Cairo and the pyramids | 32°C | 17°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 May
Two Egyptian holidays fall this month: Sham el-Nessim, the spring festival, on 3 May 2027, and Eid al-Adha, expected around 16 May 2027, when Egyptian families fill many coastal hotels for several days. The late May half-term is busy with UK families. Book boat trips a few days ahead around those dates.
What to book in May
Orange Bay by boat
White sand and warmer water: the island day is comfortable again.
Dolphin House by boat
Wild dolphins at Shaab El Erg as the sea warms up.
Makadi Water World
More than 50 attractions for a hot day.
Super safari 5 in 1
Quads, buggies, a jeep and camels, then dinner in a Bedouin village.
What to pack for Hurghada in May
- Swimwear, sunglasses and a hat
- High-factor sun cream (SPF 50): the UV index is very high, even when a breeze makes it feel cooler
- 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
May in Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam
| Resort | Day | Night | Sea | Windy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharm El Sheikh | 32°C | 21°C | 25°C | 1/10 |
| Hurghada | 31°C | 21°C | 24°C | 5/10 |
| Marsa Alam | 32°C | 23°C | 25°C | 5/10 |
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 May?
About 24°C on average. Over the past 10 years, readings for May ranged from 22.5°C to 27.4°C.
Is it warm enough to swim in Hurghada in May?
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 May?
Average highs are 31°C and lows 21°C, with about 11 hours of sunshine a day and usually no rain.
Is May a good time to visit Hurghada?
Hot days, warm evenings and a sea of about 24°C. A good month for island trips and water parks; Luxor and Cairo are getting hot.
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
- Gulf News: Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha 2027 expected dates
