Sharm El Sheikh in May: sea, weather and day plans
In May, Sharm El Sheikh averages a daytime high of 34.4 °C and a night-time low of 24.3 °C; the sea is around 25 °C. Go snorkelling in the morning; return to shade around midday and visit the market later in the day.
Choose a month
Selected month: May
Temperatures by month
Air temperature: Sharm El Sheikh
Contents
Weather at a glance
- Daytime high
- 34.4 °C
- Nighttime low
- 24.3 °C
- Sea
- 25.0 °C
- Monthly precipitation
- 0.3 mm
- Days with at least 1 mm
- 0.1
- Daylight
- 13.5 h
2015–2024 averages. Daytime temperature is the average daily maximum; nighttime temperature is the average daily minimum.
Early, middle and late month
| Period | Daytime high, °C | Nighttime low, °C | Days with at least 1 mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days 1–10 | 32.6 | 22.9 | 0.0 |
| Days 11–20 | 35.2 | 24.7 | 0.0 |
| From day 21 | 35.5 | 25.2 | 0.1 |
Things to do in Sharm El Sheikh in May
Go snorkelling in the morning; return to shade around midday and visit the market later in the day.
The daytime high is around 34.4 °C and the night-time low around 24.3 °C. Keep outdoor routes to morning or evening and plan air-conditioned indoor stops for midday.
Swimming and time by the sea
The sea averages about 25 °C. It is warm, though a long beach day calls for shade, a hat and regular breaks.
The sea averages about 25 °C. Swimming can be part of the itinerary; in hot months alternate time in the water with shade and drink water regularly.
Planning your trip
With an average daytime high of 34.4 °C through the month. Plan outdoor time for early morning or evening, and use midday for a museum, mall or indoor rest. Include Ras Um Sid and Sharm El Maya bays in the itinerary.
Pack light, breathable clothes, a hat, sun protection and comfortable shoes; a thin layer helps in strongly air-conditioned interiors.
Precipitation and an alternative plan
There are relatively few days with precipitation. Build your plans around walks and keep an indoor activity for a wet-weather day.
What to pack
Pack light loose clothing, a hat, sunglasses and a water bottle. The day-to-night temperature difference is noticeable, so dressing in layers is practical.
Compared with neighbouring months
Average daytime high: previous month — 30.6 °C, May — 34.4 °C, next month — 37.5 °C. Days with at least 1 mm of precipitation: 0.1, 0.1 and 0.0.
Things to do
Sharm el Sheikh consists of resort bays and separate natural areas. Choose a base in Naama Bay, Shark’s Bay or Nabq to suit your pace, and plan Ras Mohammed and the museum as separate outings.
Reefs and boat trips
The area has bays and reef zones including Ras Um Sid and the Near, Middle and Far Gardens. Shore entry and boat routes differ; choose a site to suit your swimming experience and follow local rules.
Ras Mohammed National Park
Ras Mohammed, with coastal and underwater landscapes, lies southwest of the city. Set aside a day and use an authorised route with a licensed guide or organiser.
Museum and evening walk
Sharm el Sheikh Museum features ancient Egyptian and regional collections. Afterwards, return to your chosen bay or walk around Naama Bay.
Where to stay
Naama Bay
Naama Bay combines a beach, pedestrian street, cafés and hotels. It suits visitors who want evening dining nearby and prefer to stay within the resort area.
Shark’s Bay
Shark’s Bay is a starting point for boat trips and time by the water. Choose an equipped area for snorkelling, and follow beach rules and staff instructions.
Nabq and the northern coast
Nabq lies north of the main bays and includes a protected coastal area with mangroves. Consider distance to your preferred bay and cafés, and plan the nature area separately.
Getting to and around Sharm el Sheikh
Arrange a transfer or taxi from the airport to your hotel. Allow separate journeys between the bays and natural areas. For Ras Mohammed and Nabq, choose a permitted route with a licensed organiser.
Three days in Sharm el Sheikh
Naama Bay and the waterfront
Spend the first day around your accommodation and Naama Bay, combining the shore, cafés and promenade. Choose an equipped beach and follow staff instructions, particularly where there is a reef.
The museum and an evening by the sea
Visit Sharm el Sheikh Museum for its ancient Egyptian and South Sinai collections. After a break, spend the evening in Naama Bay or near the bay where you are staying.
Ras Mohammed or Nabq
Choose one natural area for the day. Ras Mohammed lies southwest of the city and Nabq north of the resort area. Give each its own trip with a licensed guide or operator and follow the protected area rules.
Weather throughout the year
| Month | Daytime high, °C | Nighttime low, °C | Sea, °C | Precipitation, mm | Days with at least 1 mm | Daylight, h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21.9 | 14.5 | 23.0 | 1.9 | 0.3 | 10.6 |
| February | 23.3 | 15.0 | 22.0 | 2.8 | 0.7 | 11.2 |
| March | 26.6 | 17.1 | 22.0 | 2.0 | 0.3 | 12.0 |
| April | 30.6 | 20.6 | 23.0 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 12.8 |
| May | 34.4 | 24.3 | 25.0 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 13.5 |
| June | 37.5 | 26.9 | 26.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 13.9 |
| July | 37.9 | 28.6 | 28.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 13.7 |
| August | 38.7 | 29.2 | 28.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 13.1 |
| September | 37.4 | 27.6 | 27.0 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 12.3 |
| October | 33.4 | 24.6 | 27.0 | 2.5 | 0.3 | 11.5 |
| November | 28.2 | 20.7 | 26.0 | 3.2 | 0.9 | 10.8 |
| December | 23.9 | 16.8 | 25.0 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 10.4 |
Frequently asked questions
Sharm El Sheikh: what is the temperature in May?
The average daytime high is 34.4 °C and the night-time low is 24.3 °C. Daytime is hot. Plan the main walk for the morning and spend the warmest hours in shade or indoors.
How many days with precipitation are there in May?
On average, there are 0.1 days with at least 1 mm of precipitation; the monthly total is 0.3 mm. There are relatively few days with precipitation. Build your plans around walks and keep an indoor activity for a wet-weather day.
What should I pack for walks in May?
Pack light loose clothing, a hat, sunglasses and a water bottle. The day-to-night temperature difference is noticeable, so dressing in layers is practical.
How does the weather change from the start to the end of the month?
Average daytime highs by part of the month: 1–10 — 32.6 °C; 11–20 — 35.2 °C; 21 to month-end — 35.5 °C.
How many daylight hours are there in May?
The average is 13.5 hours. Spread walks between the morning and afternoon, then leave the evening for dinner or indoor activities.
Can you swim in Sharm El Sheikh in May?
The sea averages about 25 °C. Swimming can be part of the itinerary; in hot months alternate time in the water with shade and drink water regularly.
Where should I stay in Sharm El Sheikh in May?
Choose coastal accommodation for a beach-focused trip, or a district with easy transport to Ras Um Sid and Sharm El Maya bays for city visits. In hot months, staying near indoor venues and a short ride from them makes the day easier to plan.
What should I see in Sharm El Sheikh in May?
Set aside time for Ras Um Sid and Sharm El Maya bays. With an average daytime high near 34.4 °C, schedule the walk for early morning or evening and make the beach or museum a separate part of the day.