Egypt's Red Sea is technically a year-round snorkeling destination but the experience varies significantly from January to December. Here's what to expect each month, and which trade-offs you're making by visiting then.
Snapshot summary
- Best overall: April, May, October, November (warm, calm, fewer crowds)
- Warmest water: July–September (28–30°C)
- Coolest water: January–February (21–22°C, wetsuit recommended)
- Best visibility: June–September (35m+ on clear days)
- Worst weather: Late December and January (wind, choppy sea)
March–May: shoulder season, the sweet spot
Water climbs from 22°C to 25°C, daytime air is 26–32°C, the sea is calm, and the busy summer crowds haven't arrived yet. Visibility is consistent at 25–30 metres. Wildlife is active and you'll often have reefs almost to yourself by mid-week.
June–August: peak summer
Air temperatures hit 38–42°C and the water reaches 28–30°C, bathwater warm but you'll overheat above water. Visibility peaks at over 35 metres on clear days. Resorts and boats are at full capacity; book trips in advance. Dolphin sightings are strong; dugongs at Abu Dabbab are reliable.
September–November: local favourite
Possibly the best window of the year. Water is still 26–28°C, air drops to 28–32°C, summer crowds thin out, and prices ease. Late November can start to see wind picking up in the afternoons but mornings remain calm.
December–February: low season trade-offs
Water cools to 21–23°C, most people need a shorty wetsuit. Air temperatures are 18–24°C in the day, much cooler at night. Wind is more frequent and can cancel trips. Visibility is still good (20–25m). On the upside: heavy discounts and almost no crowds.
What season ARE you?
- Sun + warm water priority → June–September
- Quiet + reasonable weather → April–May or October–November
- Maximum budget → January–February (accept the wetsuit)
- Wildlife-focused (dugongs, dolphins) → April–November
