Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh in January: which to choose?
Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh in January: choose between two Red Sea bases by the beach, district and plans beyond the hotel. For a winter trip, consider access to the water and what you want to do after the beach.
Travel month
Average temperatures in the cities on this page, °C
Contents
Compare the weather by city
| City | Daytime | At night | Sea | Wet days | Rainfall | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurghada | 21 °C | 15 °C | 23 °C | 0.2 | 0.8 mm | 10.6 h |
| Sharm el Sheikh | 23 °C | 13 °C | 23 °C | 0.5 | 2.1 mm | 10.6 h |
Air: average daily highs and lows for 2015–2024. Wet day: at least 1 mm of precipitation. Sea: a monthly coastal reference.
The sea and the beach
Average sea temperatures in January are around 23°C in Hurghada and 23°C in Sharm el Sheikh. Start with the stretch of shore: a sandy entry for short dips and access to a reef serve different plans. A hotel with a heated pool is useful for longer winter swims.
Time beyond the beach
In Hurghada, give a separate walk to the city districts and marina. In Sharm el Sheikh, put Naama Bay and the Old Market on different days, with a trip to the natural areas as a separate outing. On a short holiday, explore your own district in more detail and add one excursion to leave time between journeys.
Dates and the pace of your stay
In January, make the most of the warmer daylight hours for swimming and time on the shore. Spend the evening over dinner and a short walk in warmer clothes. For a stay of a few nights, choose a beach base that keeps journeys short.
Detailed city guides
Hurghada in January
January is Hurghada’s coolest winter month, at about 21 °C by day and 15 °C at night. Alternate a day at sea with a museum visit and a walk around town.
Sharm el Sheikh in January
Sharm el Sheikh stays warm during the day in January, while evenings are cool. Bring a sweater and plan sea activities with the wind in your chosen bay in mind.
Common questions
Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh for a winter beach holiday?
Compare individual beaches and accommodation: water access, distance to the shore and a heated pool. In Hurghada, add a walk by the marina; in Sharm el Sheikh, explore Naama Bay and the Old Market.
How much does the sea differ in January?
Average water temperatures are around 23°C in Hurghada and 23°C in Sharm el Sheikh. The difference is small; the beach you choose and an easy exit from the water matter for daily swimming.
Trip ideas
Where to go for winter sun: four sea breaks in January
Compare a stay in Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, Dubai and Abu Dhabi in January. They offer different ways to spend a week: a beach base on the Red Sea, walks through a large city, or museums combined with time on the waterfront.