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.
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 |
| Dubai | 25 °C | 16 °C | 23 °C | 1.8 | 14.6 mm | 10.8 h |
| Abu Dhabi | 24 °C | 17 °C | 21 °C | 1.8 | 11.5 mm | 10.8 h |
Air: average daily highs and lows for 2015–2024. Wet day: at least 1 mm of precipitation. Sea: a monthly coastal reference.
If swimming comes first
In January, sea temperatures average around 23°C in Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh and Dubai, and around 21°C in Abu Dhabi. The middle of the day suits a short dip. If you enjoy long swims, look for a hotel with a heated pool to complement your time in the sea.
Beach base or city break?
Choose Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh if you want to spend much of the holiday by the sea. Start with the beach and access to the water, then consider the district and excursions. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, list the city activities you want to do: nearby accommodation cuts travel time, while the beach can have a day of its own.
Three days or a week?
For three days, choose one base and two main routes. In Dubai these could be the Creek and a modern waterfront; in Abu Dhabi, the Corniche and Saadiyat’s cultural district. For a week on the Red Sea, leave days free of excursions between city walks and boat trips. This pace suits a stay focused on relaxing by the water.
Choosing winter accommodation
For a beach holiday, consider the walk from your room to the shore, entry to the water and somewhere to relax after swimming. A heated pool is useful if you find the sea cool. For a city break, convenient transport and cafés near your accommodation matter more. Bring an extra warm layer for evenings.
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.
Dubai in January
January is a good month for full days of walking among old quarters, promenades and open city spaces. Nights are cooler than daytime, so bring an extra layer for a late dinner or the trip back from the beach. If daily swimming is the main goal, choose accommodation with a pool or close to the beach.
Abu Dhabi in January
January is a good month for an active city itinerary with long walks and stops by the sea. Pair the Corniche with parks and historic places during the day, and make separate trips to Saadiyat and the mosque. Evenings by the water can feel cooler than sunny afternoons, so plan a convenient route back.
Common questions
Is the sea warmer in Egypt or the UAE in January?
Compare individual cities: Hurghada averages around 23°C, Sharm el Sheikh 23°C, Dubai 23°C and Abu Dhabi 21°C in the sea. Entry to the water and conditions on the shore also matter when choosing a beach.
Where can I enjoy winter warmth without swimming every day?
For winter warmth with city walks, Dubai offers the Creek, waterfront districts and architecture. In Abu Dhabi, combine the Corniche, museums and Saadiyat’s cultural district. Plan transport between distant areas rather than long walks across the city.
How should I choose a winter trip with children?
Start with convenient accommodation: a short walk to the beach, suitable access to the water and a heated pool help with swimming days. For city outings, leave time for one main route and a relaxed walk near your base.
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.
Dubai or Abu Dhabi in January: which to choose?
Dubai or Abu Dhabi in January: Dubai combines older districts with modern city life, while Abu Dhabi offers the Corniche, museums and separate days on Saadiyat. Compare the sea and the distances between stops on your route.