Best Months for a Marsa Alam Holiday, Month by Month

When is the best time to visit Marsa Alam?

Sunshine is nearly constant here, so the real choice is between mild winters, warm shoulder months and very hot summers.

Egypt Discovery editorsUpdated 14 September 20263 min readReviewed by Egypt Discovery

In short

For a mix of warm days and comfortable evenings, aim for spring or autumn. Winter days are pleasant and good for sightseeing, though the sea is cooler at roughly 22 to 24 degrees Celsius and it can be windier. Late summer has the warmest water, around 28 to 30 degrees, but the land is very hot, so plan inland outings for the early morning. Direct charter flights from the UK run in season to Marsa Alam airport (RMF).

Marsa Alam is dry and sunny almost every day of the year.
Winter sea temperatures are around 22 to 24 degrees Celsius, and the wind is stronger.
Late summer sea temperatures reach about 28 to 30 degrees Celsius, with very hot air.
Spring and autumn balance warm water with milder days.
Charter flights from the UK to RMF run in season, so check the schedule before you plan dates.

Marsa Alam sits in a desert on the Red Sea, so it is dry and bright for most of the year. That makes the choice of month a matter of comfort rather than rain. Think about how warm you like the sea, how much heat you can handle on land and what you want to do.

Winter, from December to February

Days are pleasant and nights are cool. It is the best season for road trips to the temples, because walking around ancient sites is easy in mild weather. The sea is at its coolest, roughly 22 to 24 degrees Celsius, so many snorkellers wear a thin wetsuit. Wind is more common in winter, which can make boat days bumpy and sometimes change the route.

Spring, March to May

The air warms up and the sea follows. These months are popular with divers and snorkellers who want comfortable water without peak summer heat. Evenings in the desert are comfortable. Easter weeks are busy, so book flights and rooms ahead.

Summer, June to August

Summers are hot, and inland temperatures can be extreme. Water is much warmer, so you can stay in for a long time without a wetsuit. Choose early starts, stay in the shade at midday and keep long road trips to a minimum. The sea breeze at the coast takes a little of the edge off.

Autumn, September to November

The sea is still at its warmest in September, and the land starts to cool through October and November. Many travellers think autumn is the sweet spot: warm swimming, good light and calmer winds than in winter.

Which month for which plan

Snorkelling and swimming: late spring to autumn.
Temple day trips: winter and the cooler shoulder months.
Quad rides and stargazing: any time, with sunset slots in summer and warm layers in winter.
Families with young children: spring and autumn.

Getting there

Marsa Alam airport has the code RMF, and charter flights from the UK operate in season. The airport is a short transfer from many resorts, and Port Ghalib is close by. Schedules shift from year to year, so check with your airline or tour operator before choosing dates.

Plan with us

When is the best time to visit Marsa Alam?

Marsa Alam has sun all year. See how sea temperature, wind, heat and crowds change by season, and which months suit snorkellers, divers and families.

Speak to a specialist →View tours

Frequently asked questions

How hot does Marsa Alam get in high summer?

It is very hot, especially inland. Many visitors still enjoy it because the sea is warm and the hotels have pools and air conditioning. Plan outings for the morning or evening and avoid long walks at midday.

How cold is the sea in winter?

Roughly 22 to 24 degrees Celsius. That is comfortable for short swims but cool for long snorkels, so a thin wetsuit or rash vest with a shorty helps.

Does it ever rain?

Very rarely, and it is usually brief. Strong winds are a bigger issue than rain, mainly in winter, because they affect boat trips.

When are the fewest crowds?

Outside school holidays and the main festive weeks. Marsa Alam is quiet at the best of times, but the busy weeks fill the boats and the bays.

Can I fly direct from the UK?

Charter flights serve Marsa Alam airport (RMF) in season, depending on the operator. Check the current timetable, since routes and days vary.