When to Go
Best Time to Visit
Now in Sharm el-Sheikh—:—Sunrise—:—Sunset—:—
October–May. Warm dry days (22-30°C) with cool nights. Skip mid-July to mid-September; temperatures hit 40°C+. Water is warm year-round for diving.
Warmest in Sharm el-Sheikh: Jul (40°C / 104°F) · Coolest: Jan (22°C / 72°F) · Wettest: Jan (~1 rain days)
Daily highs / lows in °C · bars show rain days per month · ERA5 climate normals (2020–2024)
Daily Spend in USD
Budget
Budget
$50/day
Mid-range
$120/day
Luxury
$350/day
- Budget $50/day ≈ €44 · £37 · ₹4,750 · A$72 · C$71
- Mid-range $120/day ≈ €105 · £89 · ₹11,500 · A$175 · C$170
- Luxury $350/day ≈ €305 · £260 · ₹33,500 · A$505 · C$495
Converted at ECB reference rates, refreshed daily.
One of the world's best-value beach + dive destinations. All-inclusive resorts $80-180/person/night; luxury Red Sea properties (Four Seasons, Rixos) push $500+.
With Kids
Family Travel
Family-friendly all-inclusives (Rixos, Baron, Coral Sea) run kids clubs. Ras Mohammed National Park boat trips include reef snorkeling — safe for all ages.
Together
Couples Travel
A honeymoon-favored Red Sea destination — private dive boats to Tiran and Ras Mohammed, then dinner in Naama Bay.
On Your Own
Solo Travel
Popular with European solo divers (PADI dive courses cost 30-40% less than Australia or Thailand). Hostels are rare — most solos stay in mid-range resorts.
Food
What to Eat
- Fatta. Layered rice, bread, and beef in tomato sauce — the Egyptian holiday-table classic.
- Ta'meya. Egyptian falafel — made with fava beans instead of chickpeas.
- Molokhia. Green soup made from jute leaves — an acquired texture, but deeply beloved.
- Baladi bread + dips. Fresh pita with hummus, baba ghanoush, tahini, and pickled turnip — the Egyptian breakfast in every hotel.
Transportation
Getting Around
Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport (SSH) receives European charters and direct flights from Cairo (~1 hour). Resort shuttles or private cars to Naama Bay + Sharks Bay.
Book dive trips through your hotel or a PADI shop with 5-star reviews — Sinai Divers, Emperor Divers are reliable. Bring cash Euros or USD.
Where to Base Yourself
Neighborhoods
- Naama Bay. Main tourist strip — restaurants, dive shops, souks, mid-range hotels.
- Sharks Bay. Higher-end resorts on the reef edge — home reef diving straight from your hotel beach.
- Nabq. Newer resort area 15 min north of the airport — quieter, larger all-inclusives.
- Old Market (Sharm el-Maya). Original town — cheaper local restaurants, souvenir stalls, more authentic.
Get Your Bearings
Sharm el-Sheikh Map & Walking Distances
City centerNeighborhoodsClick the map to enable scroll zoom
- Naama Bayneighborhood16 min walk from center
- Sharks Bayneighborhood8.8 km from center
- Nabqneighborhood9.5 km from center
- Old Market (Sharm el-Maya)neighborhood6.5 km from center
What to Know
Safety
Resort areas are heavily patrolled and very safe. Follow Foreign Office advice about Sinai interior — most travelers stay on the coast where restrictions don't apply. Watch for tourist-rate scams in Naama Bay taxis; agree on fares first.