Sharm el Sheikh is a Red Sea resort in Egypte that delivers genuine winter sunshine when northern Europe turns grey. In December through February, daytime temperatures sit around 24C, the sea holds at a comfortable 24C, and you can count on roughly 10.1 hours of sun every day. Nivosola lists 9 accommodations starting from EUR 456 per person, making it a straightforward choice for a warm winter break.
Winter Climate in Sharm el Sheikh
Sharm el Sheikh sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the desert landscape keeps rain almost entirely absent in winter. Daytime air temperatures hover around 24C, which is warm enough for the beach and outdoor sightseeing without feeling oppressively hot.
With approximately 10.1 hours of daylight sun each day, you have plenty of time to make the most of every activity. Evenings cool down noticeably, so packing a light layer for after sunset is a good idea, but the days remain consistently pleasant throughout the winter months.
Who Is Sharm el Sheikh For?
Sharm el Sheikh suits a wide range of travellers. Families appreciate the calm, sheltered bays, the shallow entry points on many beaches, and the wide choice of all-inclusive resorts where children are well catered for. Couples looking for a relaxed yet stimulating break will find the combination of warm sea, good food, and striking desert scenery very appealing.
Active travellers are particularly well served. Snorkelling and diving in the Red Sea are world-class, with vivid coral reefs accessible directly from the shore in several spots. Those who simply want to read a book by the pool under reliable winter sun will find that equally easy to arrange.
Beaches and the Sea
The sea temperature in winter stays around 24C, which is warm enough for comfortable swimming and snorkelling without a wetsuit for most people. The water is famously clear, with excellent visibility that makes it rewarding even for beginners with a snorkel mask.
Naama Bay is the most central and lively beach area, with a long promenade and easy water access. Shark Bay and Ras Um Sid are popular with divers and snorkellers who want to reach the reef quickly. The beaches are generally well maintained, and the sheltered position of the resort means the sea is calm on most winter days.
Things to Do in Sharm el Sheikh
Beyond the beach, Sharm el Sheikh offers genuine variety. Desert excursions by quad bike or jeep take you into the Sinai interior, and a sunrise hike up Mount Sinai is a memorable experience that many visitors combine with a visit to the ancient Saint Catherine Monastery at its base.
The resort town itself has a busy marina area with restaurants, shops, and boat trips to nearby snorkel sites. Glass-bottom boat tours are a good option if you prefer to stay dry while still seeing the reef. For those who want structured activity, diving courses at local PADI centres are readily available and competitively priced.
Getting There and Best Time to Go
Sharm el Sheikh International Airport receives direct charter and scheduled flights from many European cities, including several departures from the Netherlands and Belgium, so connecting through a hub is often not necessary. Flight times from western Europe are typically around five hours.
The winter season from November through March is widely considered the best time to visit if you want warm but not extreme heat. July and August see temperatures well above 35C, which many travellers find too intense. The December to February window gives you the reliable 24C air and sea temperatures alongside those 10.1 daily sun hours, with noticeably fewer crowds than the summer peak.
Climate in Sharm el Sheikh
Monthly average air and sea temperature and sunshine hours per day (2021-2024). Source: Open-Meteo.
Sharm el Sheikh on the map
Accommodations in Sharm el Sheikh
Ras Um El Sid8.0Sharm el Sheikh, Egypte
Falcon Hills
Ras Um El Sid7.5Sharm el Sheikh, Egypte
Dive Inn
Ras Um El Sid6.8Sharm el Sheikh, Egypte
Albatros Sharm Resort
Nabq BaySharm el Sheikh, Egypte
Pickalbatros Laguna Club Resort
Sharks BaySharm el Sheikh, Egypte
Pickalbatros Golf Beach Resort
Nabq Bay8.7Sharm el Sheikh, Egypte
Pickalbatros Royal Moderna
Sharks Bay8.5Sharm el Sheikh, Egypte
Pickalbatros Palace Resort
Sharks BaySharm el Sheikh, Egypte
Pickalbatros Luxury Suites Resort
Ras Um El Sid8.8Sharm el Sheikh, Egypte
Pickalbatros Aqua Blu Resort
Ras Um El Sid8.3Sharm el Sheikh, Egypte
Pickalbatros Royal Grand
Nabq Bay8.7Sharm el Sheikh, Egypte
Pickalbatros Laguna Vista
Ras Um El Sid8.8Sharm el Sheikh, Egypte
Pickalbatros Aqua Park
FAQ about Sharm el Sheikh
How warm is Sharm el Sheikh in winter?
In winter Sharm el Sheikh averages around 24°C during the day, with a sea temperature of about 24°C.
How many hours of sun does Sharm el Sheikh get?
Sharm el Sheikh gets roughly 10.1 hours of sun per day in winter.
What does a winter-sun holiday to Sharm el Sheikh cost?
Accommodations in Sharm el Sheikh start from around €456 per person; Nivosola compares 9 options, refreshed daily.
Is the sea warm enough to swim in during winter?
Yes. The Red Sea in Sharm el Sheikh stays at around 24C throughout the winter months, which is comfortable for swimming and snorkelling without a wetsuit for most people.
How much does a winter holiday to Sharm el Sheikh cost on Nivosola?
Nivosola currently lists 9 accommodations in Sharm el Sheikh, with prices starting from EUR 456 per person. The range of options means you can find something to suit different budgets and preferences.
Is Sharm el Sheikh a good destination for families with young children?
It is well suited to families. Many resorts offer shallow pools, children's clubs, and calm beach areas. The warm and stable winter weather means outdoor time is reliable, and the all-inclusive format available at several properties makes budgeting straightforward.