December in Egypt has one feature that travel brochures never mention: the evenings are genuinely cold. After sunset the temperature drops to +12–15°C, and in the desert to +7–10°C. That's no reason to cancel the trip, but it is reason to pack a warm jacket and not be surprised. Everything else about December is the best weather of the year for those going beyond the beach.
- Weather by region → Weather in December
- Swimming and sea → Sea and diving
- Which resort to choose → Resorts in December
- Pyramids, Luxor, the Nile → Excursions and routes
- New Year → New Year's Eve and Christmas in Egypt
- Compare with alternatives → Egypt vs other destinations
- What to know → Practical tips
- Prices → When to book and how much it costs
Weather in Egypt in December — by region
Egypt is not a uniform country. The temperature difference between Alexandria in the north and Aswan in the south in December is almost 10°C. The Red Sea coast is warmer than the Mediterranean. The Sinai Peninsula (Sharm) is warmer than Hurghada. Understanding this geography immediately answers the question of where it's warmest in December.
| Region / city | Air (daytime) | Air (night) | Sea / Nile | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharm el-Sheikh | +22–26°C | +12–15°C | +24–25°C | Virtually none |
| Hurghada | +20–24°C | +12–14°C | +23–24°C | Virtually none |
| Marsa Alam / Dahab | +22–26°C | +13–16°C | +24–26°C | None |
| Cairo | +18–21°C | +9–12°C | — | 2–3 days per month |
| Luxor / Aswan | +22–25°C | +7–10°C | — | None |
| Alexandria | +16–19°C | +10–12°C | +19–20°C | Up to 50 mm / 8–10 days |
Key takeaway: Sharm el-Sheikh and Marsa Alam are the warmest options in December. Hurghada is a little cooler and windier. Luxor and Aswan are warm during the day but genuinely cold at night (+7–10°C) — a jacket is essential for dawn excursions (sunrise over the Valley of the Kings). Alexandria in December means Mediterranean autumn with rain — not a beach option.
The sea in December — swimming, snorkelling and diving
The Red Sea is the main asset of Egypt's December. Water temperature of +23–25°C holds all along the coast, making swimming comfortable. December is one of the best months of the year for snorkelling and diving: the water is crystal clear, underwater visibility reaches 30–40 metres, jellyfish are scarce and there are fewer tourists than in summer.
Snorkelling
The coral reefs of the Red Sea are in excellent condition in December. The reefs off Sharm el-Sheikh (Ras Mohammed, Tiran, Ras Umm Sid) and Dahab rank among the world's most biodiverse. Even with just a mask and snorkel straight from a hotel beach in Sharm or Hurghada, the fish-watching is aquarium-quality. Water at +24°C means swimming without a wetsuit is fine, though cold-sensitive people may start to feel the chill after 30–40 minutes.
Diving
For divers, December is peak season — not an exception. Visibility is at its maximum, large pelagic species (hammerhead sharks, manta rays) are active at Sharm's southern reefs. Dive centres operate at full capacity all along the coast. Top dive sites in December: Blue Hole in Dahab (for experienced divers), Ras Mohammed off Sharm, The Brothers and Daedalus — offshore reefs in open water off Marsa Alam. Liveaboard and day trips to open-water reefs from Hurghada and Marsa Alam operate throughout December.
Wind and sea conditions
December marks the start of the winter wind season. Hurghada and Safaga are exposed to northerly winds from the Mediterranean and can be noticeably choppy (force 4–5). Sharm el-Sheikh is better sheltered by the Sinai mountains — calmer conditions. At Marsa Alam in the south there's virtually no wind. For family swimming with children, the bays of Sharm and Marsa Alam are preferable to open Hurghada.
December rule: swimming — yes, comfortable all month. Getting a deep tan under December sun (UV index 4, moderate) — less than in summer, but a light tan over a week is perfectly achievable. For diving and snorkelling, December is the best choice of the year.
Egypt's resorts in December — where is better
Sharm el-Sheikh
The best choice for families with children and beach holidays in December. The sheltered bays of Naama Bay and Nabq Bay deliver calm water even in winter winds. All Inclusive infrastructure at the highest level — huge 5* hotels operating at full capacity, heated pools, entertainment. For families with children Nabq Bay is preferable; for young travellers and those who want to venture beyond the hotel — Naama Bay.
Coral reef at the shoreline in most hotels allows snorkelling straight from the beach. The proximity of Ras Mohammed reserve — one of the world's finest dive sites, two hours away. Nabq National Park with its mangrove groves — a unique nature route within walking distance.
Hurghada
The most affordable and most "animation-heavy" resort. Hurghada is a large tourist city with well-developed infrastructure: waterparks, shopping centres, a promenade, nightlife. Beaches are mostly long shallow flats — good for children who don't like deep water. In December it's windy — a minus for the beach, but a plus for windsurfing and kitesurfing: Safaga, 30 km from Hurghada, is one of the Red Sea's top kite spots. Hurghada is a convenient base for Luxor (3 hours) and Cairo (6 hours by bus or 1 hour by plane).
Marsa Alam
The best choice for divers and those seeking quiet and unspoilt nature. The most southerly of the mainstream resorts — and the warmest in December: air up to +26°C, sea up to +25–26°C, wind minimal.
The coral reefs here are virtually pristine — nearby are the Abu Dabbab reefs with dugongs, Elphinstone with hammerhead sharks, and the St. John's reefs in open water. The resort is small, with fewer hotels than Sharm or Hurghada, and prices are moderate. Downsides — limited excursion options directly from town, small airport.
Dahab
An alternative for independent travellers. A small town on the Sinai with an atmosphere completely unlike Sharm or Hurghada: no All Inclusive and no vast hotel complexes — small guesthouses, restaurants right over the water, an unhurried pace.
The famous Blue Hole — a world-class dive site 10 minutes away. The lagoon of the Gulf of Aqaba — the Red Sea's finest spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. In December it's comfortable (+22–25°C during the day), evenings are cool. Getting there: 90 km from Sharm el-Sheikh by taxi or bus.
Excursions and routes — December opens a different Egypt
December is the best month for an excursion programme in Egypt. In July and August, touring the Pyramids of Giza at +40°C is an ordeal. In December at +20°C you can walk for hours, photograph details, read every inscription.
The Pyramids of Giza and Cairo
The Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, the Great Sphinx — Egypt's defining image. Best time to visit: morning, before 10am, when the tourist coaches have yet to arrive. The Egyptian Museum in Cairo (or the Grand Egyptian Museum — GEM, opened 2023–2024) — the world's largest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. Old Cairo — the Coptic quarter with the Hanging Church, the Ibn Tulun Mosque, Khan el-Khalili bazaar. From Hurghada to Cairo: 6 hours by overnight bus or 1 hour by plane.
Luxor — at its best in December
Luxor is called the world's greatest open-air museum. Karnak Temple with the avenue of sphinxes and the hypostyle hall of 134 columns; Luxor Temple in the city centre, beautifully lit in the evenings; the Valley of the Kings with the tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs — Ramesses VI, Thutmose III, Ramesses II; the tomb of Nefertari with the finest surviving frescoes in Egypt; the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari — one of the most beautiful architectural ensembles of antiquity. In December the temperature in Luxor reaches +22–25°C by day, but nights are cold (+7–10°C) — dawn tours require warm clothing. From Hurghada to Luxor — 3 hours by car.
Aswan and Abu Simbel
Aswan is the southernmost major city, and the warmest of the cultural centres in December. The Temple of Isis on Philae island — relocated during the construction of the Aswan Dam, it stands directly over the waters of the Nile. Nubian villages on the riverbanks — a living culture found nowhere else in Egypt. Abu Simbel, 280 km from Aswan — the colossal rock temples of Ramesses II: either a flight (45 minutes) or a 3am bus departure to arrive at sunrise. One of the most breathtaking sites in the world.
Nile cruise
Egypt's classic route — a river cruise between Luxor and Aswan (3–4 nights). In December the deck is comfortable: +22–24°C by day, cool but not cold in the evenings. The riverbanks scroll past — papyrus beds, palm groves, villages, fishermen. Stops en route: Kom Ombo temple (dedicated to two gods simultaneously), Edfu temple — the best-preserved Ptolemaic temple in Egypt. Cruise vessels operate at full capacity in December and prices are lower than in January–February, the peak season.
St Catherine's Monastery and the ascent of Mount Sinai
One of the oldest active Christian monasteries in the world, at the foot of Mount Sinai. The ascent to the summit (2,285 m) starts at night — the sunrise over Sinai from altitude is considered one of the most powerful travel experiences in Egypt. In December the summit is cold (+2–5°C) — jacket, hat and gloves are essential. The trail takes 2–3 hours to climb. From Sharm — 1.5 hours by car.
Coloured Canyon and the White Desert
Coloured Canyon (30 km from Nuweiba) — a narrow gorge with multi-coloured sandstone layers: red, yellow, violet, white. The route takes 1–2 hours, not demanding. The White Desert, 500 km from Cairo — fantastical chalk formations resembling snow sculptures. Overnight safari with a desert camp: December nights there reach +5–8°C and the stargazing is exceptional. Organised from Hurghada or Cairo.
Ideal December route: 2–3 days in Sharm (sea, Ras Mohammed) → Cairo 1 day (pyramids + GEM) → Luxor 2 days (Valley of the Kings, Karnak) → back to Sharm or Hurghada. Seven days covers all the essentials. Domestic flights are cheaper than buses if booked in advance: Cairo — Luxor ~€50–80, Luxor — Hurghada ~€40–70.
New Year's Eve and Christmas in Egypt
December in Egypt's resorts ends with New Year's Eve — and that's a reason for the trip in its own right. Five-star hotels in Sharm and Hurghada put on large-scale programmes: gala dinners, live concerts, fireworks, entertainers. Some hotels sell New Year's Eve as a separate package with a surcharge.
Important about New Year: 31 December and 1–3 January are the most expensive dates in Egypt's tourist year. Tours arriving 28–31 December and departing 4–7 January cost 30–50% more than regular December prices. Hotels sell out 2–3 months ahead. If you're going for New Year — book in October or November. If you want December at normal prices — travel before the 28th or after 5 January.
Catholic Christmas (25 December) is celebrated in all major resort hotels — Christmas trees, decorations, festive dinners. The atmosphere is unexpectedly festive for a Muslim country, but Egypt's tourism industry has long mastered the art of delivering a winter holiday experience for European guests.
Egypt in December vs the competition
What other warm destinations offer tourists from Poland in December.
| Destination | Sea | Air (daytime) | Flight from Warsaw | 7-night tour / 2 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt — Sharm / Marsa Alam | +24–25°C | +22–26°C | ~4.5 hrs | 3,500–7,000 zł |
| Egypt — Hurghada | +23–24°C | +20–24°C | ~4.5 hrs | 3,000–6,000 zł |
| Cyprus (Limassol / Paphos) | +20–22°C | +18–22°C | ~3.5 hrs | 4,000–8,000 zł |
| Tunisia (Djerba) | +18–20°C | +18–21°C | ~3 hrs | 2,000–4,000 zł |
| Turkey (Antalya) | +18–20°C | +14–18°C | ~3.5 hrs | 2,500–5,500 zł |
| Canary Islands (Tenerife) | +22–23°C | +22–24°C | ~5.5 hrs | 4,000–9,000 zł |
| Morocco (Agadir) | +19–21°C | +20–24°C | ~4 hrs | 3,000–5,500 zł |
| UAE (Dubai) | +24–26°C | +25–28°C | ~6 hrs | 6,000–14,000 zł |
December is Egypt's finest hour in the competitive landscape. On sea temperature (+24–25°C) it outperforms all European and Mediterranean competitors except the UAE and Thailand. Prices are significantly lower than the UAE and the flight is half as long. Cyprus in December is interesting, but the water is already +20–22°C and beach infrastructure is closed. Tunisia and Turkey in December are more suited to cultural sightseeing than beach holidays. The Canary Islands are a direct competitor on water temperature, but considerably more expensive and a longer flight. For the combination of warm sea, sunshine and the history of civilisation, Egypt in December has no equal on value for money.
What to know before you go
Visa
Polish and EU citizens: visa on arrival at the airport — 30 USD cash, takes 5 minutes.
Ukraine and Belarus: visa on arrival, 30 USD.
In Sharm el-Sheikh, for those who will not leave the Sinai Peninsula — a free entry stamp instead of a visa.
Important note about Sharm el-Sheikh: if you fly into Sharm and plan to travel to Cairo or Luxor, you need a full Egyptian visa (30 USD) — not the Sinai stamp. The Sinai stamp only permits you to stay on the Sinai Peninsula. Many tourists don't know this and find themselves unable to leave for a mainland Egypt excursion. If you're planning any trips to the mainland — get the full visa on arrival.
Currency
Egyptian pound (EGP). Exchange offices and ATMs are everywhere. Payment cards accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and shops. For markets, shopping streets, taxis and small cafes — cash. Exchange money at bureaux de change outside the airport (better rates) or withdraw from ATMs of Egyptian banks. Bargaining at markets is essential: the first price quoted is inflated by two or three times.
What to pack for December
On the beach and during the day — ordinary summer clothes. In the evenings and for desert excursions — a warm layer is essential: a fleece or light jacket. For the ascent of Mount Sinai or an overnight desert safari in the White Desert — a proper winter jacket, hat and gloves (nights there reach +3–7°C). For visits to mosques and religious sites — covered shoulders and legs.
Health and safety
Tap water is not drinkable anywhere in Egypt — bottled water only. Food at All Inclusive hotels is safe. With street food — caution: traveller's diarrhoea is a common problem. Medical insurance is mandatory, minimum coverage 30,000 EUR. For diving — insurance must cover decompression incidents.
Transport punctuality
Egyptian time is a flexible concept. Coach excursions may depart late. Domestic flights are regularly delayed. Build in buffers when planning connections and excursions.
Prices in December and when to book
December is a peak month for Egypt. The combination of good weather, winter holidays and New Year's Eve creates high demand. Prices are 20–30% higher than in autumn (October–November), but still lower than Cyprus, the UAE or the Maldives in the same period.
Regular December (1–27 December) — book 4–8 weeks ahead. 7-night / 2-person All Inclusive tours: Hurghada 4* — 3,000–5,000 zł, Sharm 4* — 3,500–6,000 zł, Sharm 5* — 5,000–8,000 zł. Dahab and Marsa Alam (self-catering) — 30–40% cheaper.
New Year December (28 Dec — 4 Jan) — book 2–3 months ahead, otherwise the hotels you want simply won't be available. Price premium — from 30% to 100% at popular hotels. 7-night / 2-person tours at a good Sharm 5* for New Year's Eve — 7,000–14,000 zł.
Charter flights in December from Warsaw, Kraków, Katowice and Gdańsk to Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada operate regularly throughout the month. To Marsa Alam — fewer flights, often routed via Cairo or Hurghada.
Important: insurance covering diving and active pursuits is mandatory for any dives. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the entry date. Egyptian pounds cannot be taken out of the country — exchange only what you need. When visiting mosques — remove shoes; women should cover their head and shoulders (a scarf or wrap is available at the entrance to most sites).
Is Egypt in December worth it
Egypt in December is the country at its finest for those not going purely to lie on a beach. Warm Red Sea, the best conditions for diving in the year, the Pyramids without exhausting heat, Luxor at a comfortable +22°C, festive New Year's atmosphere in the hotels — all of this working at the same time. On the combination of sea temperature, tour price and cultural depth, Egypt in December has no equal.
The downsides are honest: cold evenings — a jacket is needed; Hurghada is windy; New Year's Eve is expensive and requires advance booking; the Sinai stamp won't let you reach the mainland. Knowing these things in advance makes the disappointments easy to avoid.
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