Red Sea Winter Sun 2026/27: Hurghada, El Gouna or Makadi Bay?
Winter sun on the Red Sea from November to February: how Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay compare, sea temperatures and festive-season tips.
Why the Red Sea works from November to February
From November to February the Red Sea coast around Hurghada is one of the closest reliable winter-sun destinations for European travellers. All the resort areas in this guide are reached from Hurghada International Airport (HRG), with drive times from about 20 minutes to one hour.
Daytime highs usually sit in the mid to high 20s °C in November and drop to the low 20s °C in January and February. Evenings are noticeably cooler, often in the low to mid teens, and a steady northerly wind is common, so it feels fresher on the beach than the thermometer suggests.
The sea stays swimmable all winter. Water temperatures are typically in the mid 20s °C in November and fall to roughly 21–23 °C by February. Rain is rare.
Which resort area suits you
- Hurghada (about 20 min from HRG)
- The town itself, with the marina, Sakkala and the long hotel strip to the south. Best if you want restaurants, shops and boat trips to the Giftun islands without a long transfer.
- Sahl Hasheesh (about 35 min)
- A planned bay south of Hurghada with a seafront promenade, spread-out resorts and good house reefs. Quieter than Hurghada town, popular with couples and families who want a calm base close to the airport.
- Makadi Bay (about 45 min)
- A self-contained bay of mostly all-inclusive resorts with sheltered beaches and reef access from several jetties. A practical choice for families who plan to stay mainly at the hotel.
- El Gouna (about 50 min)
- A lagoon town north of the airport with a marina, an old-town-style centre, many independent restaurants and one of the best-known kitesurfing areas on the coast. Good for travellers who like to walk or cycle between cafés and beaches.
- Soma Bay and Safaga (about 1 h)
- Soma Bay is a peninsula with a few large resorts, a golf course and steady wind for kitesurfing. Safaga is a working port town further south, known among divers for reefs such as Panorama Reef.
Snorkelling and diving in winter
Winter does not stop the underwater season. Visibility is often very good, and popular reefs are less crowded than in the summer holidays. Day boats from Hurghada and El Gouna visit the Giftun islands and nearby reefs; Safaga and Soma Bay are good bases for divers who prefer quieter sites.
Most divers switch to a thicker wetsuit from December, typically 5 mm, and a windproof jacket for the boat ride back helps a lot. Snorkellers are often happiest with a shorty or a thin long suit in January and February. Many resorts in Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay and Soma Bay have reef access from a jetty, which is easier for children than a full boat day.
If you travel with your own diving gear or a kite, declare it when you book your airport transfer so the right vehicle is sent. HotelTaxi arranges private transfers from Hurghada Airport with local transfer companies, which makes a difference when you arrive with heavy bags late in the evening.
Christmas and New Year demand
The weeks around Christmas and New Year are the busiest part of the Red Sea winter season. Flights and family rooms fill early, and many resorts hold gala dinners on 24 and 31 December that are sometimes compulsory and charged separately, so read the booking conditions carefully.
In Egypt, Coptic Christmas on 7 January is a public holiday, and hotels often stay busy into the first week of January. If you have flexible dates, the first half of December and the second half of January are usually calmer and still pleasant.
For the festive period, book the airport transfer when you book the hotel. Arrival peaks on weekends mean busy arrival halls, and a pre-booked private car with a fixed price saves negotiating in the evening.
Practical checklist
- Pack for two climates
- Swimwear and sun protection for the day, a warm layer and closed shoes for the evening and for boat trips.
- Visa and passport
- Check the current entry rules for your nationality before travel, including passport validity.
- Return flights
- For the trip back to HRG, allow the drive time plus at least two and a half to three hours before departure, a little more in the festive season.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Red Sea warm enough to swim in January?
Most people swim comfortably in January, as the water is usually around the low 20s °C. The air on a windy day can feel cooler than the water, so a towel and a warm layer on the beach help.
Which area is best for a family winter holiday?
Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh have sheltered beaches and many family resorts. Hurghada town is closest to the airport at around 20 minutes. El Gouna suits families who want restaurants and activities outside the hotel.
Can I bring diving equipment in a private transfer?
Yes, as long as you declare it when booking. The local provider then sends a vehicle with enough room for dive bags, fins and other equipment.