Hurghada Weather 2026 - Month by Month Temperatures and Red Sea

Hurghada weather in 2026 remains the number-one reason to choose this Red Sea resort town - 360 days of sunshine a year, mild temperatures even in winter (64-72F in January), water at 72-82F depending on the season, and almost no rain. That is what makes it THE winter sun destination for American travelers when the northern US is shivering. Our SEV team walks you through Hurghada weather month by month (min/max temperatures, sea, sunshine, wind), the best diving windows, the traps to avoid (the spring sandstorm wind), and our recommendations based on your type of trip.

Hurghada climate - an overview

Hurghada enjoys a hot desert climate (BWh in the Köppen classification) tempered by the Red Sea. The 27 degrees north latitude (the same as Tampa, Florida) guarantees 3,800 hours of sunshine a year - among the highest in the world. To the west the coast is shielded by the mountains of the Eastern Desert, which block the most extreme continental winds.

Key features of the Hurghada climate:

• Sunshine - 360 days of sun a year, 3,800 hours annually (versus around 2,500 in New York)
• Rainfall - almost none, 0.2 inches total per year (New York - 47 inches/year)
• Average annual temperature - 75F (versus 55F in New York)
• Sea - 72F in winter, 82F in summer. Swimmable all year with a 3mm shorty wetsuit in winter
• Humidity - 50-60% on average, dry and comfortable
• Wind - prevailing from the north (etesian winds), moderate at 6-16 mph

Hurghada weather month-by-month table 2026

Month	Min temp	Max temp	Sea	Sun	Rain	Wind
January	55F	72F	72F	8h	0.08 in	9 mph
February	57F	73F	72F	9h	0.04 in	11 mph
March	61F	79F	72F	10h	0 in	12 mph
April	66F	84F	73F	11h	0 in	12 mph
May	72F	91F	77F	12h	0 in	11 mph
June	77F	97F	81F	13h	0 in	9 mph
July	79F	99F	82F	13h	0 in	9 mph
August	79F	99F	82F	12h	0 in	9 mph
September	75F	93F	82F	11h	0 in	9 mph
October	70F	88F	81F	10h	0.04 in	9 mph
November	63F	79F	77F	9h	0.08 in	9 mph
December	57F	73F	73F	8h	0.08 in	9 mph

The Hurghada temperature stays pleasant all year. The two transition seasons (March-April and October-November) offer the best balance - perfect beach temperatures (82-90F max), still-warm water (77-81F), and far fewer crowds than July-August.

Hurghada weather season by season

Winter in Hurghada (December - February) - the peak season for sun seekers

This is THE favorite window for American travelers escaping the winter cold back home. Mild daytime temperatures of 57-73F, warm in the sun but cool in the evening. Sea at 72F - swimmable with a 3mm shorty wetsuit if you run cold, and ideal for diving with excellent visibility (100-130 ft). Crowds peak around Christmas and New Year, then quiet down in January and February. Hotel rates are at their highest.

Spring in Hurghada (March - May) - peak diving

March marks the shift toward the hot season. Temperatures climb from 79F in March to 91F in May. The sea warms from 72 to 77F. This is the best window for diving - a 3mm shorty wetsuit is enough, visibility is optimal (100-130 ft), and plankton is reduced. Watch out for the khamsin (Saharan sandstorm wind), which can blow for 1-3 days in April-May - choppy sea, dusty sky.

Summer in Hurghada (June - August) - hot and dry

Spells of intense heat - 91-99F during the day, 77-79F at night. The dry climate makes the heat bearable (unlike the humidity of Asia or the Caribbean). Sea at 81-82F, ideal for swimming. Coral reefs are in full activity, with more rays and turtles around. Hotel rates are at their lowest (high season in Cairo but low season on the coast). Go for hotels with a shaded pool and air-conditioned rooms.

Fall in Hurghada (September - November) - the hidden gem

Our favorite season here at SEV. The summer heat eases off gradually (93 down to 79F max). The sea is still very warm (82 down to 77F). Diving visibility is optimal. Tourist crowds are moderate. Hotel rates are the best of the year. September is still very hot, October is perfect, November is cool in the morning and evening. Ideal for families with school-age children during the fall break.

When to visit Hurghada based on your profile

Traveler profile	Recommended window	Reason
Family with children	April-May, October	Mild temperatures 77-86F, sea 77F, few crowds
Passionate diver	March-May, October-November	Visibility 100-130 ft, comfortable water, little plankton
Pure winter sun	December-February	72F in the dead of winter, a contrast with the freezing US
Budget traveler	June-August	Hotel rates at their lowest (-30 to -40% vs winter)
Romantic couple	September-November	Golden sunsets, warm sea, quiet hotels
Sporty/adventurer	March-May	Steady wind for kitesurfing, all water sports

Rain and weather phenomena to know about

The Hurghada weather is exceptionally stable, but a few phenomena deserve attention:

• Rain - just 0.2 inches total per year, meaning one rainy day every 5 years. When it does happen (usually November-February), it comes as a brief 30-minute thunderstorm in the late afternoon. None of the tropical downpours you get in Asia.
• Khamsin - a hot, dry wind from the Sahara that kicks up dust storms. It mainly occurs in April-May for 1 to 3 days. Reduced visibility, an orange-yellow sky, choppy sea. It affects diving (visibility drops to 15-30 ft). Stay at the hotel that day.
• Flash floods - rare but possible in the wadis of the Eastern Desert after a thunderstorm. Never venture into the dry valleys when rain is forecast.
• Morning sea mist - in winter (December-February), light mist is possible in the morning over the port and the marinas. It clears around 9-10 a.m.
• Thermal beach wind - an afternoon sea breeze (noon-6 p.m.) blows from the sea toward the land, pleasant for cooling off. The prevailing wind is from the north, ideal for water sports.

Note that the area has a desert climate - the day/night swings can reach 22-27F in winter. Pack a sweater for January-February evenings, and a fleece if you do an overnight desert excursion.

Hurghada vs other Red Sea resorts compared

Resort	Winter temp	Winter sea	Advantage
Hurghada	72F	72F	Best connected, the widest choice of hotels
El Gouna	72F	72F	Upscale resort, European atmosphere
Marsa Alam	73F	73F	Further south, warmer, untouched diving
Sharm el-Sheikh	72F	73F	Sinai, Ras Mohammed (top dive site)
Dahab	72F	73F	Sinai, backpacker vibe, the Blue Hole

All the Red Sea resorts share a similar climate with a few degrees of difference. Marsa Alam, further south, gains 2-4F in winter. Sharm and Dahab, on the Sinai Peninsula, have slightly different winds (offshore rather than onshore).

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about Hurghada weather

What is the best time to visit Hurghada?

April-May and October-November offer the best balance - 79-86F during the day, sea at 77-81F, few crowds, reasonable rates. December-February for winter sun. June-August if you are after intense heat.

Can you swim in Hurghada in winter?

Yes, the sea stays at 72F in January-February. That is cool for those used to the Caribbean but pleasant for many travelers. A 3mm shorty wetsuit is recommended for diving. For a simple swim, no gear is needed if you tolerate cooler water.

Are there mosquitoes in Hurghada?

Very few - the dry climate does not suit them. A handful of mosquitoes can show up in the irrigated gardens of luxury hotels in summer. There is no risk of malaria or dengue in Hurghada.

Is the Hurghada weather in July-August bearable?

Yes for most travelers. The dry heat (99F max, 0% humidity at times) is more bearable than the humid 90F of Bali or Phuket. Air-conditioned hotels, beaches with parasols, and swimming in a sea at 82F all make up for it. Just avoid desert outings in the middle of the day.

When does the khamsin happen and should you avoid it?

The khamsin (Saharan sandstorm wind) mainly blows in April-May, over 1 to 3 days that cannot be predicted in advance. If you happen to hit one, stay at the hotel that day. To really avoid it, travel in November-March or July-October.

What is the weather like at night in Hurghada?

Summer (June-August) - 77-79F at night, pleasant for dining on a terrace. Winter (December-February) - 55-57F at night, bring a sweater. Spring/fall - 63-72F, perfect. The Red Sea tempers the nights compared with the inland desert.

Does it rain in Hurghada in winter?

Almost never. The average total is 0.08 inches in January-February, meaning one rainy day every 3-5 years on average. When it does happen, it is a brief thunderstorm. Hurghada winter weather is statistically sunnier than the weather in Marrakech or the Canary Islands.

Is the wind in Hurghada a problem?

Not for classic tourism. The prevailing wind from the north is 9-12 mph, moderate and refreshing. It is even an asset for water sports (kitesurfing, windsurfing) that built El Gouna's reputation. The sea can get choppy for diving in the afternoon - go for morning outings.

Plan your Hurghada trip with the SEV team

Our English-speaking team organizes trips to Hurghada all year round with recommendations tailored to the weather of your travel period:

• Hotels selected by season - 4 or 5 stars with a heated pool in winter, a private beach all year round
• Diving and snorkeling - Giftun Island, Mahmya, Abu Dabbab for the turtles
• Desert excursions - quad bike, jeep safari, Bedouin bivouac
• Luxor excursion from Hurghada - a day round trip to see the Valley of the Kings
• Hurghada + Nile Cruise + Cairo combo for a complete trip

To plan your Hurghada 2026 trip, see our complete destination guide with all the hotels, excursions and tips. For Egypt's overall climate, see our Egypt weather guide 2026 or our Egypt temperature by month. For the best time to visit Egypt, see our dedicated guide.

To go further, see our Egypt travel budget 2026, our complete Red Sea package, or our Egypt safety guide 2026 to prepare your trip with complete peace of mind.