When you picture winter in Egypt, you might expect chilly nights and mild days. But honestly, Sharm El Sheikh is a different story.
Daytime highs hit the mid-70s °F, and nights dip to the upper 50s or low 60s °F, making it one of the warmest winter spots in the region. The weather holds steady, so sudden changes rarely mess up your plans.
Rain almost never shows up, and skies get clearer as winter goes on. You’ll get more than 10 hours of sunshine a day—plenty of daylight for the beach, the Red Sea, or just soaking in the desert views.
The air stays calm and dry, so you won’t have to deal with heavy humidity or that sticky, damp feeling.
The Red Sea stays warm too, with water temperatures in the low to mid-70s °F. Swimming, diving, and snorkeling are all on the table, even in the heart of winter.
This mix of warmth, clear skies, and stable weather makes Sharm El Sheikh a solid pick for a winter getaway.
Overview of Sharm El Sheikh’s Winter Climate
Sharm El Sheikh’s winters are mild, dry, and sunny. You’ll get comfortable days and cooler nights, but nothing too harsh.
Rain is rare, the sky is usually clear, and the Red Sea stays warm enough for a swim. If you want steady sunshine without the summer scorch, this area fits the bill.
Geographical Location and Climate Classification
Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, right by the Red Sea. Desert mountains surround the city, and the open sea shapes its weather.
The mountains block out cooler inland air, while the sea helps even out temperature swings.
The city falls under a subtropical desert climate (BWh) in the Köppen system. Winters here feel warm compared to many other places at similar latitudes.
Freezing just doesn’t happen, and frost isn’t something you need to worry about.
Elevation sits low, around 36 feet above sea level. The landscape is mostly bare desert, with not much greenery around.
That adds up to low humidity and lots of clear skies almost year-round.
With its desert climate, rainfall stays scarce. Even in winter, there’s only about a 1% chance of a wet day, and monthly totals hardly ever go above 0.1 inches.
You’ll find dry air and long stretches of sunshine during your stay.
Typical Winter Weather Patterns
Daytime highs in winter usually hit 71–74°F (22–23°C). Nights cool off to about 57–60°F (14–16°C). Cold snaps don’t really happen, and temps rarely dip below 52°F (11°C).
You’ll enjoy warm days, but a light jacket comes in handy for evenings.
Clouds don’t stick around much. In December, you might see partly cloudy skies about a quarter of the time, but by February, things are mostly clear. Sunshine hours climb as winter moves forward.
Rain almost never shows up, and when it does, it’s just a quick shower. Humidity stays low, so muggy days are almost unheard of during winter.
The Red Sea keeps its surface water between 72–77°F (22–25°C). So, diving, snorkeling, and other water fun don’t have to stop.
Winds usually blow steady from the north, averaging about 10 mph.
Comparison with Other Seasons
Winter feels a lot cooler and more comfortable than summer, when highs can soar past 95°F (35°C) and humidity goes up.
In winter, you get a nice balance of warmth and dryness—most travelers find it more pleasant.
Spring and autumn sometimes bring sandstorms or stronger winds, but winter is more settled. Sudden weather changes rarely happen, so your outdoor plans are pretty safe.
Daylight hours stretch out as winter rolls on. December gives you about 10 hours of daylight, and by late February, you’re up to nearly 11.5 hours.
That’s more time to explore and enjoy what’s outside as the season moves forward.
The sea cools off a bit in winter compared to summer, but it’s still warmer than lots of Mediterranean spots at the same time of year.
So, if you want beach weather without the summer heat, Sharm El Sheikh is a smart choice.
Average Winter Temperatures
Winter in Sharm El Sheikh stays mild. You get comfortable warmth during the day, cooler evenings, and not much change from month to month.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
During winter, daytime highs usually fall between 70°F and 74°F (21°C to 23°C). The sun keeps afternoons pleasant, so you can be outside without bundling up.
At night, it cools down but doesn’t get too cold. Lows often sit between 58°F and 64°F (14°C to 18°C).
A light jacket is handy for evenings, especially near the coast where the breeze can feel cooler.
You’ll notice a difference between day and night, but it’s not dramatic. This steady balance makes winter good for both sightseeing and relaxing by the water.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
- December: Highs near 72°F (22°C), lows around 61°F (16°C). Cooler evenings start to show up.
- January: The coldest month, with highs about 70°F (21°C) and lows near 58°F (14°C). Still, days feel mild compared to many winter destinations.
- February: A bit warmer, with highs around 73°F (23°C) and lows about 60°F (16°C). By the end of February, you’ll notice it’s slowly turning to spring.
The sea usually stays above 22°C (72°F), so swimming is still an option. This steady warmth makes water activities appealing, even in winter.
Trends and Year-to-Year Variations
Winter temperatures in Sharm El Sheikh don’t change much from year to year. The desert climate keeps things stable, with only small shifts in daily highs or lows.
Some years bring slightly cooler nights, especially when desert winds pick up. Rain barely makes an appearance, so temperature is what really shapes the season’s feel.
Long-term records show January is always the coolest, and February starts the warming trend. You can plan your trip with confidence, knowing what to expect most winters.
Rainfall and Precipitation in Winter
Sharm El Sheikh is dry, even in winter. Rain is rare, and when it does show up, it’s light, brief, and the desert soaks it up fast.
Average Rainfall Amounts
You’ll see very little rain during winter. On average, the city gets just 3–4 millimeters of rain in December and January together.
February often brings even less, sometimes close to 0 mm.
For comparison, lots of Mediterranean cities get more than 50 mm in a single winter month, while Sharm El Sheikh’s total for the whole winter is often under 10 mm.
So, rain doesn’t really shape the local climate. Most days are dry, and sunshine rules the season.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days almost never happen. You might see 1 to 2 days with measurable rain all winter. Some years, it doesn’t rain at all.
If rain does fall, it’s usually a short shower, not a long storm. The sun comes back out quickly.
With so few wet days, your plans are unlikely to get messed up by rain. Unlike places that get regular winter storms, Sharm El Sheikh keeps a steady weather pattern.
Impact on Local Activities
The dry winter is great for outdoor fun. Diving, snorkeling, and desert tours keep going, since rain’s too rare to affect the sea or trails.
You won’t run into muddy roads or closed attractions because of rain. Even if a shower pops up, it clears so fast it almost never ruins your plans.
Travelers can book excursions with confidence. Whether you’re heading into the Sinai desert or hopping on a boat along the Red Sea, winter’s dry weather keeps things on track.
That’s a big reason why Sharm El Sheikh is so popular with those chasing warm, dry weather in winter.
Humidity and Air Quality During Winter
In Sharm El Sheikh, winter brings mild temps and moderate humidity. The air feels comfortable, and visibility or breathing rarely become issues like they might in the hotter months.
Typical Relative Humidity Levels
Winter humidity usually sits between 35% and 45%—pretty moderate. November is the most humid, around 46%, while January and February hold steady in the low-to-mid 40s.
That means you won’t get the sticky feeling you might find in other coastal areas, but it’s not so dry that your skin or throat suffers.
Rain barely happens, with just a few millimeters all season, so the air stays clear. Visibility is great, and dust is less common in winter than in the hot, windy months. Air quality is generally good and easy on your lungs.
Effect of Humidity on Comfort
Mild temperatures and moderate humidity make it easy to be outside. January’s average highs hover around 23°C (73°F), and humidity doesn’t add any heat stress. Walking, sightseeing, or eating outdoors is pleasant—you won’t need constant shade or breaks to cool off.
At night, cooler temperatures and a bit of moisture keep the air from feeling too dry. This helps avoid throat irritation or dry skin that can pop up in other desert spots.
If you have respiratory concerns, you’ll probably find Sharm El Sheikh’s winter air easier to handle than places with more pollution or heavy dampness. In short, the air feels light, clear, and comfortable for just about anything you want to do.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Winter brings shorter days and a bit less sun than summer, but honestly, Sharm El Sheikh still gets more sunlight than most European destinations this time of year. The mix of clear skies and good daylight makes being outdoors pretty enjoyable.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
Skies in winter are mostly clear, so you can count on a solid dose of sun. On average, you get 9 to 10 hours of sunshine per day from December to February.
January usually has the least, about 9 hours, but February bumps it up to around 10 hours. That’s typical for a desert climate, where clouds and rain don’t hang around much.
This steady sunlight means you can plan outdoor activities—snorkeling, diving, day trips—without worrying too much about gray skies. Even though the sun sits lower than in summer, the light stays strong and bright.
Length of Daylight in Winter
Winter days are shorter, but you still get enough daylight to enjoy being outside. December, the shortest month, brings about 10.5 hours of daylight. By February, it’s closer to 11 hours.
The sun rises around 6:30–7:00 AM and sets between 5:00–5:30 PM, depending on the month.
This regular schedule makes planning excursions or relaxing easy.
Unlike northern places where winter days can feel way too short, here you get a decent stretch of daylight. That helps you make the most of your time outdoors, with evenings left for dinner or entertainment.
Sea Temperature and Water Conditions
In winter, the Red Sea around Sharm El Sheikh stays pretty warm compared to lots of other coastal spots. The sea cools down gradually, so swimming and water activities remain comfortable—even during the coldest months.
Average Sea Temperatures in Winter
From December through February, sea temps range between 22°C and 25°C (72°F–77°F). December usually has the warmest winter water, about 24–25°C, while February is a bit cooler, closer to 22°C.
The Red Sea’s semi-enclosed shape helps it hold onto heat longer than open seas. Unlike places where winter waters get chilly fast, here the gap between summer and winter sea temps is much smaller.
You’ll notice only mild cooling as winter goes on. Even at its coldest, the water rarely feels chilly compared to the Mediterranean or Atlantic during the same months.
Suitability for Swimming and Water Sports
The winter sea temperature in Sharm El Sheikh feels pretty good for swimming, even if you don’t want to bother with a heavy wetsuit. Plenty of visitors say the water stays comfortable for a long dip, especially in December and January, when it’s still above 23°C.
People still flock to the Red Sea for water sports like snorkeling, diving, and paddleboarding. The clarity of the water sticks around in winter, so you’ll get excellent underwater visibility—usually 20–30 meters.
If you tend to notice chilly water, you might want a thin wetsuit or just a rash guard, especially in February. Still, most swimmers and divers seem to do fine without much extra gear.
The sea stays mild, making Sharm El Sheikh a solid choice if you want to keep up your aquatic adventures all year.
Influence of the Red Sea on Local Weather
The Red Sea really shapes Sharm El Sheikh’s winter climate in a big way. Since the water holds onto heat, it keeps air temperatures along the coast a bit warmer, especially at night compared to the chilly inland desert.
This warmth from the sea keeps temperatures from swinging too wildly between day and night. The desert just a few kilometers away cools off fast once the sun sets, but the coast? It stays noticeably milder, all thanks to the sea hanging around.
Humidity stays pretty low compared to what you’d get on tropical coasts, so the air feels surprisingly comfortable. The Red Sea’s steady warmth supports pleasant swimming and helps the area enjoy that famously steady, dry winter weather. That’s a big reason why so many people love coming to this resort town.