Marsa Alam in December: weather, sea temperature and trips
In December Marsa Alam averages 25°C by day and 15°C at night, and the sea is about 24°C. Warm winter sun of about 25°C and a sea of about 24°C, with fairly light wind. The warmest choice on the Red Sea for Christmas and New Year.
Marsa Alam in December at a glance
| Average | |
|---|---|
| Day temperature | 25°C |
| Night temperature | 15°C |
| Sea temperature | 24°C (22.6°C to 27°C over the past 10 years) |
| Sunshine | 9 hours a day |
| Rain | Usually no rain |
| Daylight | 10.6 hours; sunrise about 06:18, sunset about 16:53 |
| Wind | Windy on some days (about 2 in 10) |
| UV index | 5 (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 is still about 24°C and the wind is relatively light, so Sataya and the reef trips are still good; take a warm top for the boat ride home. Abu Dabab is a sheltered beach day.
December is an excellent month for Luxor and Dendera (about 24°C) and for the old town of El Quseir. The Christmas weeks are busy, so book 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
Sataya dolphin reef by yacht
Still a good month for the dolphins; take a warm top for the ride home.
Abu Dabab bay by bus
A sheltered sandy bay where turtles often feed near the shore.
Luxor and Dendera
Luxor at about 24°C, plus the Temple of Hathor.
Sights of El Quseir
An Ottoman fort and an old port town, a short drive north.
What to pack for Marsa Alam in December
- Swimwear, sunglasses and a hat
- Sun cream (SPF 30 or higher)
- A light sweater or long sleeves for the evening and for air-conditioned buses
- 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 |
Marsa Alam weather by month
| Month | Day | Night | Sea | Sun | Windy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23°C | 13°C | 23°C | 9 h | 3/10 |
| February | 24°C | 14°C | 22°C | 10 h | 3/10 |
| March | 27°C | 16°C | 23°C | 10 h | 4/10 |
| April | 30°C | 20°C | 23°C | 11 h | 4/10 |
| May | 32°C | 23°C | 25°C | 12 h | 5/10 |
| June | 34°C | 25°C | 27°C | 13 h | 6/10 |
| July | 35°C | 25°C | 28°C | 13 h | 4/10 |
| August | 35°C | 26°C | 29°C | 12 h | 5/10 |
| September | 34°C | 25°C | 28°C | 11 h | 6/10 |
| October | 32°C | 22°C | 27°C | 10 h | 3/10 |
| November | 27°C | 18°C | 26°C | 10 h | 1/10 |
| December | 25°C | 15°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 Marsa Alam in December?
About 24°C on average. Over the past 10 years, readings for December ranged from 22.6°C to 27°C.
Is it warm enough to swim in Marsa Alam 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 Marsa Alam in December?
Average highs are 25°C and lows 15°C, with about 9 hours of sunshine a day and usually no rain.
Is December a good time to visit Marsa Alam?
Warm winter sun of about 25°C and a sea of about 24°C, with fairly light wind. The warmest choice on the Red Sea for Christmas and New Year.
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: Marsa Alam climate by month
- SeaTemperature.info: Marsa Alam water temperature
- HEPCA: A management plan for Satayah reef (2018)
- HEPCA: February, as windy as it gets (Satayah and Samadai survey)
- Open-Meteo: historical weather API (ERA5), wind 2016 to 2025
- timeanddate.com: daylight saving time in Egypt
- Weather2Travel: Cairo climate
- Weather2Travel: Luxor climate
