Egypt in January: Red Sea weather and resorts
January 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: January
Temperatures by month
Air temperature: range across the selected cities
Cities and resorts
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.
| City | Daytime | Sea | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hurghada | 21 °C | 23 °C | 0.2 |
| Sharm el Sheikh | 23 °C | 23 °C | 0.5 |
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 | 21.2 °C | 15.3 °C | 1.0 mm | 0.3 | 10.6 h |
| Sharm El Sheikh | Egypt | 21.9 °C | 14.5 °C | 1.9 mm | 0.3 | 10.6 h |
Is this a good month to visit?
Hurghada suits city walks and boat trips, while Sharm el Sheikh is a base for exploring bays and natural areas. Pack layers for January evenings.
Winter weather on the Red Sea
In January, Hurghada averages 21.0 °C by day and 14.7 °C at night, with 9.9 hours of sunshine a day. These figures describe Hurghada.
In Sharm el Sheikh, daytime temperatures average 23.2 °C and night-time temperatures 12.8 °C. Take an extra layer for the open shore after sunset.
Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh for the sea
The sea averages about 23 °C by Hurghada and 23 °C by Sharm el Sheikh in January. 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 January, 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 January?
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 January, Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh?
Hurghada averages 21.0 °C by day, while Sharm el Sheikh averages 23.2 °C. These figures describe the two coastal cities.
What is the sea temperature in Egypt in January?
The sea averages about 23 °C by Hurghada and 23 °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 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.
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.