Egypt in December: Red Sea resorts and swimming
December is a time for a Red Sea break and trips along the coast. Hurghada combines city neighbourhoods, a marina and boat trips; Sharm el Sheikh is known for its bays, reefs and natural areas of Sinai. The calendar below shows Hurghada weather; see the separate city guide for Sinai.
Choose a month
Selected month: December
Temperatures by month
Air temperature: range across the selected cities
Cities and resorts
Hurghada in December
December in Hurghada suits walks by the sea and reef trips. It is about 23 °C during the day and cooler in the evening, so take a light jacket for dinner on the promenade.
Sharm el Sheikh in December
In December, Sharm el Sheikh is about 25 °C by day, and the sea is about 25 °C. Plan time in the bays, a museum visit and trips to natural areas on separate days.
| City | Daytime | Sea | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hurghada | 23 °C | 24 °C | 0.1 |
| Sharm el Sheikh | 25 °C | 25 °C | 0.1 |
Average air and sea temperatures, with the number of wet days per month.
All cities in this country in the catalogue
| City | Country or territory | Daytime high | Nighttime low | Precipitation | Days with at least 1 mm | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurghada | Egypt | 23.2 °C | 17.7 °C | 0.2 mm | 0.0 | 10.5 h |
| Sharm El Sheikh | Egypt | 23.9 °C | 16.8 °C | 1.1 mm | 0.2 | 10.4 h |
Is this a good month to visit?
For a mix of the sea and city walks, consider Hurghada; choose Sharm el Sheikh for its bays and a trip to Ras Mohammed. Take a jacket for December evenings by the shore.
Winter weather on the Red Sea
In December, Hurghada averages 22.9 °C by day and 16.8 °C at night, with 9.9 hours of sunshine a day. These figures describe Hurghada.
In Sharm el Sheikh, daytime temperatures average 25.4 °C and night-time temperatures 15.0 °C. Take an extra layer for the open shore after sunset.
Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh for the sea
The sea averages about 24 °C by Hurghada and 25 °C by Sharm el Sheikh in December. Wind and the shape of a particular bay affect how it feels; take a towel and dry clothes for after swimming.
In Hurghada, pair a day at sea with a walk by the marina or through El Dahar. In Sharm el Sheikh, choose a bay and leave Ras Mohammed or Nabq for a separate outing.
Planning a winter trip
At the start of December, get to know the area around your accommodation. Set aside a day for a boat trip midway through your stay and leave time for a city route before departure.
For the day, bring light clothes, closed shoes, a hat and water. Add a sweater or light jacket for evenings by the sea, and change into dry clothes after swimming.
Common questions
Where should I go to the sea in Egypt in December?
Hurghada combines the city, marina and boat trips. Sharm el Sheikh is known for its bays, reefs and trips to Ras Mohammed.
Which is warmer in December, Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh?
Hurghada averages 22.9 °C by day, while Sharm el Sheikh averages 25.4 °C. These figures describe the two coastal cities.
What is the sea temperature in Egypt in December?
The sea averages about 24 °C by Hurghada and 25 °C by Sharm el Sheikh. Wind and the stretch of coast you choose affect how it feels.
What should I pack for a winter holiday in Egypt?
Bring light clothes, a hat and sun protection for the day, plus a sweater or light jacket for evening walks. Take dry clothes for a boat trip.
Compare destinations
Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh in December: which to choose?
Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh in December: 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.
Trip ideas
Where to go for winter sun: four sea breaks in December
Compare a stay in Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, Dubai and Abu Dhabi in December. 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.