Marsa Alam is a laid-back Red Sea resort town in Egypt that delivers reliable winter sunshine when much of Europe turns grey and cold. In January and February you can expect daytime temperatures around 25C, a sea temperature of roughly 24C, and more than 10 hours of sun every day. Nivosola lists 37 accommodations starting from EUR 211 per person, making it a accessible choice for a warm winter getaway.
Winter Climate in Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam sits in the Egyptian Eastern Desert along the Red Sea coast, which gives it one of the most stable winter climates you will find anywhere. Daytime air temperatures hover around 25C from November through February, evenings are mild rather than cold, and rainfall is extremely rare.
With approximately 10.4 hours of sunshine per day even in the depths of winter, you can count on long bright days at the beach or on the water. The combination of warm air, a sea temperature of around 24C, and virtually zero cloud cover makes this destination a genuine sun guarantee.
Who Is Marsa Alam Suited For
Marsa Alam is a strong match for couples looking for a peaceful, uncrowded alternative to busier Red Sea resorts such as Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh. The relaxed pace, clear water, and excellent diving and snorkelling also make it popular with active travellers and underwater enthusiasts of all experience levels.
Families with children will appreciate the calm, shallow areas near many resort beaches and the safe swimming conditions created by the warm, sheltered Red Sea. Solo travellers and small groups who want a beach holiday with a side of adventure, whether that means desert excursions or dolphin watching, will feel well catered for too.
Beaches and the Sea
The coastline around Marsa Alam is characterised by natural coral reefs that sit very close to the shore, meaning you can snorkel directly from the beach at many spots without needing a boat. The water is exceptionally clear and, at around 24C in winter, comfortable for swimming and snorkelling without a thick wetsuit.
Popular beach areas include the protected bays near the town itself and the quieter stretches further north and south along the coast road. Because Marsa Alam is less developed than other Egyptian resorts, many beaches retain a natural, uncrowded feel that is hard to find elsewhere on the Red Sea.
Things to Do in Marsa Alam
Diving and snorkelling are the headline activities, with sites such as Elphinstone Reef drawing experienced divers from around the world thanks to regular sightings of oceanic whitetip sharks and manta rays. Dugong sightings are also reported in the seagrass beds near Marsa Mubarak, making this one of the few places in the world where you can encounter these gentle animals in the wild.
Beyond the water there are desert jeep safaris into the Eastern Desert, visits to ancient sites such as the Roman port of Berenice, quad biking, and camel trekking. For those who simply want to relax, the resort areas offer spas, pool facilities, and sunset boat trips along the coast.
Getting There and Best Time to Go
Marsa Alam has its own international airport, Marsa Alam International Airport, which receives direct charter and scheduled flights from several European cities during the winter season. Flight times from Western Europe are typically around five to six hours, making it a practical short-haul winter escape.
The best time to visit for warm, dry, sunny weather is October through April. December, January, and February offer the ideal combination of comfortable temperatures around 25C, a warm swimmable sea at 24C, and more than 10 hours of daily sunshine, without the intense summer heat that can make July and August uncomfortable for many visitors.
Climate in Marsa Alam
Monthly average air and sea temperature and sunshine hours per day (2021-2024). Source: Open-Meteo.
Marsa Alam on the map
Accommodations in Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam9.8Marsa Alam, Egypte
MG Alexander The Great Hotel
Marsa Alam, Egypte
Gemma Resort
Marsa Alam9.2Marsa Alam, Egypte
Amarina Queen Resort Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam9.4Marsa Alam, Egypte
Blend Elphistone Resort
Wadi Gimal8.9Marsa Alam, Egypte
Shams Alam Beach Resort
Marsa Alam, Egypte
Gorgonia Beach Resort
Marsa Alam, Egypte
Pickalbatros Villaggio Resort - Portofino Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam, Egypte
Sirena Beach Resort & Spa
Marsa Alam, Egypte
Pickalbatros Vita Resort - Portofino Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam, Egypte
True Beach Resort
Marsa Alam, Egypte
The Oasis
Marsa Alam, Egypte
Pickalbatros Sands Hotel - Port Ghalib
Marsa Alam, Egypte
Pickalbatros Oasis Hotel - Port Ghalib
Marsa Alam, Egypte
Three Corners Sea Beach Resort
Marsa Alam, Egypte
Pickalbatros Palace Hotel - Port Ghalib
Marsa Alam, Egypte
Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort
Marsa Alam, Egypte
JAZ Neo Dar El Madina
Marsa Alam, Egypte
JAZ Neo Reef Marsa
Marsa Alam, Egypte
JAZ Elite Maraya
Madinat Coraya9.5Marsa Alam, Egypte
Jaz Solaya
Madinat Coraya9.4Marsa Alam, Egypte
JAZ Lamaya Resort
Madinat Coraya9.9Marsa Alam, Egypte
Steigenberger Coraya Beach
Marsa Alam8.8Marsa Alam, Egypte
Pickalbatros Sea World Resort
Marsa Alam, Egypte
Wadi Sabarah Lodge
Marsa Alam, Egypte
JAZ Costa Mares
Marsa Alam8.9Marsa Alam, Egypte
True Beach Resort
Marsa Alam9.5Marsa Alam, Egypte
Pickalbatros Villaggio Resort
Marsa Alam, Egypte
Steigenberger Resort Alaya
Marsa Alam, Egypte
JAZ Elite Riviera
Marsa Alam9.7Marsa Alam, Egypte
Pickalbatros Sands Hotel
Marsa Alam8.8Marsa Alam, Egypte
Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort
Marsa Alam9.8Marsa Alam, Egypte
Gorgonia Beach Resort
El Quseir9.0Marsa Alam, Egypte
Akassia Swiss Resort
Marsa Alam9.2Marsa Alam, Egypte
Casa Mare Resort
Marsa Alam9.2Marsa Alam, Egypte
Brayka Bay Resort
Marsa Alam8.8Marsa Alam, Egypte
Hotel Pickalbatros Vita Resort
Coraya Bay9.0Marsa Alam, Egypte
Jaz Grand Marsa
Marsa Alam9.2Marsa Alam, Egypte
Reef Oasis Suakin Resort
Coraya Bay9.6Marsa Alam, Egypte
Jaz Neo Dar El Madina
Marsa Alam9.0Marsa Alam, Egypte
Hotel Casa Blue Beach Resort
Coraya Bay9.6Marsa Alam, Egypte
Jaz Solaya
Marsa Alam9.4Marsa Alam, Egypte
Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort
Marsa Alam9.2Marsa Alam, Egypte
Pickalbatros Sea World Resort
Coraya Bay9.2Marsa Alam, Egypte
SPLASHWORLD Jaz Lamaya
Marsa Alam9.2Marsa Alam, Egypte
SUNRISE Anjum Resort
Marsa Mares10.0Marsa Alam, Egypte
Jaz Elite Riviera
Marsa Alam10.0Marsa Alam, Egypte
Pickalbatros Sands Hotel Port Ghalib
Port Ghalib10.0Marsa Alam, Egypte
Pickalbatros Palace Hotel Port Ghalib
FAQ about Marsa Alam
How warm is Marsa Alam in winter?
In winter Marsa Alam averages around 25°C during the day, with a sea temperature of about 24°C.
How many hours of sun does Marsa Alam get?
Marsa Alam gets roughly 10.4 hours of sun per day in winter.
What does a winter-sun holiday to Marsa Alam cost?
Accommodations in Marsa Alam start from around €250 per person; Nivosola compares 100 options, refreshed daily.
Is the sea warm enough to swim in during winter?
Yes. The Red Sea at Marsa Alam sits at around 24C in winter, which is warm enough for comfortable swimming and snorkelling without a thick wetsuit. Many people find a thin shorty wetsuit or even just a swimsuit is sufficient.
How many accommodations are available on Nivosola and what is the starting price?
Nivosola lists 37 accommodations in Marsa Alam, with prices starting from EUR 211 per person. The range means you can find options to suit different budgets and travel styles.
Is Marsa Alam suitable for a family holiday in winter?
Marsa Alam is well suited to families. The calm, warm sea, sheltered resort beaches, and child-friendly activities such as snorkelling and boat trips make it a practical and enjoyable destination. The mild winter temperatures around 25C are comfortable for children and adults alike.