Red Sea Weather Month by Month: A Planning Calendar
Wondering what the weather's like in any given month? Here's a month-by-month planning calendar for the Red Sea — temperatures, sea conditions, and what to expect through the year.
Planning a Red Sea trip is much easier when you know what the weather's actually doing in your chosen month. While the coast enjoys sunshine almost year-round, temperatures and sea conditions shift noticeably through the seasons. Here's a friendly month-by-month planning calendar to help you picture what to expect and pack accordingly — keeping things general, since exact conditions vary by year and location.
The short answer: the Red Sea is warm and sunny most of the year, hottest in summer (June–August), mildest in winter (December–February), with spring and autumn offering the most comfortable all-round conditions. The south runs warmer than the north.
A note before the calendar
Weather varies year to year and between the north (Hurghada area) and the warmer south (Marsa Alam area), so treat this as a general guide rather than a precise forecast. Wind can occur in any month and affect boat trips, so build in some flexibility. With that said, here's the seasonal rhythm.
Winter (December – February)
- Weather: Mild and sunny by day, cooler in the evenings. Pleasant for sunbathing and exploring, but not the intense heat of summer.
- Sea: Cooler — swimmable, and divers dive year-round, but you'll want a thicker wetsuit; the south is warmer.
- Good for: Winter-sun escapes, milder temperatures, exploring, and value.
- Pack: Beachwear plus warm layers for evenings, and a thicker wetsuit for diving.
Spring (March – May)
- Weather: Warm and comfortable, building toward summer — one of the sweet spots, hot enough for the beach without extreme heat.
- Sea: Pleasantly warming, lovely for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.
- Good for: All-round trips, diving, and balanced conditions.
- Pack: Beachwear, light layers for cooler evenings early in the season, sun protection.
Summer (June – August)
- Weather: Hot to very hot — often well into the high 30s°C — with long, bright days. Manageable with air conditioning, the sea breeze, and pacing yourself.
- Sea: Warmest of the year — beautiful for long swims and diving.
- Good for: Heat-lovers, sun-worshippers, the warmest water, and (into the season) big marine life for divers.
- Pack: Light beachwear, strong sun protection, a hat, and plenty of hydration awareness.
Autumn (September – November)
- Weather: Warm and comfortable as the summer heat eases — the other sweet spot, with pleasant temperatures.
- Sea: Still warm from summer — excellent for diving and snorkelling.
- Good for: All-round trips, diving (warm water, prime marine-life season), and balanced conditions.
- Pack: Beachwear, light layers for later in the season, sun protection.
Quick-reference summary
- Hottest: Summer (June–August) — extreme heat, warmest sea.
- Mildest: Winter (December–February) — pleasant days, cooler nights and water.
- Most comfortable all-round: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November).
- Warmest water for diving: Summer into autumn.
- Cooler water (thicker wetsuit): Winter.
- South (Marsa Alam) is warmer than the north year-round.
Factors beyond temperature
- Wind can occur any month and may cancel boat trips — stay flexible.
- Crowds and prices peak in summer holidays and the festive season; shoulder periods can be quieter and better value.
- Rain is rare on this desert coast in any month.
- Marine life seasons matter for divers — big sharks favour the warmer months.
Practical tips
Choose your month by priority — comfort (spring/autumn), heat and warm water (summer), or mild winter-sun (winter). Pack for the season, including warm layers in winter and strong sun protection in summer. Allow flexibility for wind affecting boat trips. Consider the warmer south in winter. And check a current forecast close to your trip, since this calendar is a general guide.
With this month-by-month picture, you can plan your Red Sea trip with confidence — knowing roughly what the weather and sea will be doing, what to pack, and which season best fits the holiday you want. Whatever month you choose, the sunshine is rarely far away.
Ready to plan around the seasons? Build your Red Sea trip on packnplan, and match your dates and activities to the weather that suits you best.
