When you picture winter in Egypt, you might expect chilly nights and short days. Hurghada, though, surprises people with its mild, sunny vibe.
This Red Sea spot stays pleasant and bright, offering a comfortable escape from cold weather elsewhere. Average winter temperatures in Hurghada range from about 12°C at night to 23°C during the day, making it one of the most pleasant times to visit.
You’ll see dry skies with barely any rain. Daylight lasts, and the calm conditions make it easy to explore the coast.
The Red Sea stays warm enough for a swim or a dive. Northern winds blow steadily, keeping the air fresh but not rough.
With warm days and cool evenings, plus reliable sunshine, winter in Hurghada finds a nice balance for relaxing or staying active outdoors.
You can hang out on the beaches, wander through the desert, or jump into water sports. Hurghada’s winter weather gives you the right setting to enjoy your trip.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Hurghada
Winter brings mild days and cool nights to Hurghada.
Temperatures stay steady compared to many places, with only minor changes as the season shifts from December to February.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime highs in winter usually land around 70–73°F (21–23°C). They rarely fall below 65°F (18°C) or go above 82°F (28°C).
The air feels comfortable, so you can spend most of the day outside without bundling up.
At night, it cools down. Lows average around 54–58°F (12–14°C), sometimes dipping close to 50°F (10°C).
A light jacket or sweater does the trick for evenings. There’s a clear difference between day and night, but it’s not dramatic.
This mix of warm days and cooler nights makes Hurghada’s winter appealing if you like moderate weather.
Monthly Temperature Variations
In December, daytime highs average about 72°F (22°C), and nights drop to around 57°F (14°C). The weather stays mild and steady, with almost no risk of a cold snap.
January feels coolest. Highs hover near 70°F (21°C), and lows reach about 54°F (12°C).
By February, things start warming up. Highs climb back to 72–73°F (22–23°C), and lows tick up to 56–57°F (13–14°C).
Winter never gets harsh, and the changes from month to month stay gentle.
Temperature Extremes and Records
Hurghada sees few extremes in winter. The coldest average day comes in late January, with highs near 70°F (21°C) and lows around 54°F (12°C).
Freezing? That just doesn’t happen here.
Sometimes a warm spell pushes highs toward 80–82°F (27–28°C), but that’s rare. Nights almost never drop below 50°F (10°C).
You can count on steady, predictable weather. Hurghada’s winters are reliable—no wild swings or surprises.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Hurghada sits in a desert, so you’ll barely notice any rain during winter. Precipitation is rare, but tiny differences between months might affect how the air feels.
Average Monthly Rainfall
Rainfall in Hurghada is almost nonexistent, with yearly totals averaging less than 10 mm. During December, January, and February, you’ll just see trace amounts.
For example, January typically gets about 1 mm of rain. December and February are about the same.
Some years, it doesn’t rain at all.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| December | ~1 mm |
| January | ~1 mm |
| February | ~1 mm |
Mountains around Hurghada block most moisture, keeping the city dry. Heavy showers just don’t happen here.
Rainy Days Frequency
You’ll rarely see rainy days in Hurghada, even in winter. Maybe 1 to 2 days of light rain for the whole season.
December and January have the highest chance, but it’s still very low. Most winters pass without a single drop.
If it does rain, it’s usually just a quick drizzle.
Humidity Levels During Winter
Humidity in Hurghada feels moderate in winter, compared to the drier summer months. You can expect average relative humidity around 50–55% from December to February.
This level is comfortable for most people, especially with the cooler air. It’s not that bone-dry feeling you get in summer.
Mornings and evenings might feel a bit more humid. Afternoons dry out as the air warms.
That mix—mild humidity, low rain, and cool temperatures—makes winter a pleasant time to be outside in Hurghada.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours in Winter
Hurghada’s winters stay bright, with lots of sunshine, little cloud cover, and steady daylight.
You’ll find it easy to plan outdoor activities without worrying about gloomy days.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
Winter gives you about 8 to 9 hours of sunshine per day in Hurghada. That’s a lot more than most European cities get in winter.
December usually brings the least, at around 8.3 hours daily, but January and February stay close.
Even in the coolest months, you’ll get reliable sun exposure for most of the day.
Compared to places like Manchester, UK—which gets only about 2 hours per day in winter—Hurghada is a sun-lover’s dream.
Day Length Changes
Day length shifts just a little in winter. December has the shortest days, with about 10.5 hours of daylight.
By late February, you’ll see about 11.5 hours.
Sunrise happens around 6:30–7:00 AM, and sunset falls between 5:00–6:00 PM.
This small change means your daily routine won’t need much adjusting.
Cloud Cover and Overcast Days
Winter skies in Hurghada usually stay clear. Overcast or mostly cloudy skies drop from about 25% in early winter to 19% by late winter.
You’ll see blue skies way more often than gray. Even when it’s cloudy, it rarely lasts all day.
The strong sun and low cloud cover keep the atmosphere open and bright. Visibility stays good for both land and sea adventures.
Red Sea Water Temperatures in Winter
The Red Sea in Hurghada stays warm enough for swimming through winter. While the air cools a bit, the water feels mild and inviting.
Average Sea Temperature by Month
In December, the sea averages about 76°F (24°C). It’s the warmest point of winter and comfy for most swimmers.
By January, water cools to around 73.5°F (23°C). Still good for long swims.
In February, the average drops to about 72°F (22°C). That’s the coolest water all year in Hurghada, but still warmer than many other winter beach spots.
The difference between December and February is only about 4°F (2°C). You won’t run into sudden changes.
Swimming and Water Activities Conditions
You can swim in Hurghada year-round. Winter water might feel a bit cooler if you’re used to the tropics.
Most people find 22–24°C (72–76°F) comfortable. If you plan to snorkel or dive for a long time in February, you might want a short wetsuit.
Seas stay calm and visibility is great, so winter is a solid time for diving and snorkeling. Coral reefs look vibrant, and you’ll likely find fewer crowds.
If you’re into windsurfing or kitesurfing, steady winter breezes work in your favor. The mild water balances the cooler air, so it’s manageable even on windy days.
The Red Sea in winter offers reliable conditions for both casual swimmers and those chasing more action.
Wind and Weather Phenomena
In winter, you’ll notice steady winds and mostly calm weather in Hurghada. The breeze shapes the daily feel more than rain or storms do, though sometimes dust or sand events pop up.
Typical Wind Speeds and Directions
Hurghada is famous for consistent winds, especially in winter. Average wind speeds range from 18 to 19 km/h, with the occasional stronger gust.
Most of the time, the wind comes from the north, blowing down the Red Sea coast. This keeps the air dry and skies clear.
You’ll feel a refreshing breeze during the day and cooler air in the evenings.
That’s why windsurfing and kitesurfing are so popular here. Open beaches get the strongest winds, while inland spots feel calmer.
The wind rarely gets strong enough to disrupt plans. A light jacket in the evening is usually all you need.
Occasional Weather Events (e.g., Sandstorms)
Rain almost never shows up in Hurghada during winter, but sometimes dust or sand rides in on the wind. These events are short and not as intense as the spring khamsin winds that hit other parts of Egypt.
If dust kicks up, visibility drops and fine sand might land on outdoor surfaces. If you have breathing issues, it’s best to stay inside until it clears.
These sand or dust episodes don’t happen often in winter. Most days, you’ll see clear skies and clean air.
The Red Sea helps keep the climate moderate, so storms and heavy rain just aren’t part of winter here. Mostly, you’ll notice the cool, dry wind rather than any wild weather.
Packing and Travel Tips for Winter in Hurghada
Daytime temperatures usually stay mild, but evenings? They turn noticeably cooler. The Red Sea still feels swimmable for many people, and outdoor excursions feel pretty comfortable when the sun’s out.
If you pack smart and plan your activities around the weather, your winter stay in Hurghada gets a whole lot smoother.
Recommended Clothing and Essentials
For the daytime, you’ll want light clothing like cotton shirts, shorts, or maybe a dress. These keep you comfortable during those sunny hours, when temperatures hit the low 20s °C.
Once the sun goes down, it gets chillier—think 10–14°C. Toss in a light jacket or a hoodie. You might also want a scarf or shawl for those breezy boat rides or just to wrap up a bit more at night.
Heading to the beach? Pack swimwear. The water feels cooler than in summer, but lots of hotels have heated pools, so a swimsuit still makes sense. Flip-flops or sandals are perfect for the beach, but you’ll want comfortable walking shoes for any exploring.
Make sure you bring sun protection. Even in winter, the UV can be sneaky strong. Pack SPF 30+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Don’t forget a small travel adapter (European 2‑pin) if you need to charge your devices.
Checklist at a glance:
- Light layers for daytime
- Warm jacket for evenings
- Swimwear and sandals
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
- Comfortable walking shoes
Best Activities for the Winter Season
Winter might just be one of the most comfortable times to explore Hurghada. The cooler air actually makes desert safaris a lot more pleasant, especially if you want to try quad biking or go for a camel ride.
The Red Sea stays inviting, with sea temperatures hovering around 21–23°C. Sure, it’s cooler than summer, but plenty of travelers still jump in for snorkeling and diving.
You can reach the coral reefs near Giftun Island any time of year.
Boat trips get pretty popular, since the weather’s calmer and the sun doesn’t feel as harsh. If you plan to hang out on deck for a while, a light jacket definitely comes in handy.
In town, you can wander through the Hurghada Marina or browse local markets without getting stuck in heavy summer crowds. Outdoor dining feels easier in winter, and evenings have this lively but laid-back vibe.
This season also works great for day trips to Luxor or Cairo, since the inland heat isn’t nearly as intense as it is in the summer.