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Visiting Sharm el-Sheikh in January

BySunMed Guide

Visiting Sharm el-Sheikh in January

# Sharm el-Sheikh in January: What It’s Actually Like

Let me be straight with you – January in Sharm is genuinely pleasant, but it’s not the guaranteed sunshine fest the brochures promise.

**The Weather Reality**

Daytime temperatures sit around 20-23°C, which sounds lovely until the wind picks up off the Red Sea and suddenly you’re reaching for a jumper you definitely didn’t pack. Mornings can feel surprisingly cool, and evenings get properly cold – think 14°C or lower. Rainfall is rare but not impossible; when it does rain in Sinai, it can be dramatic and the infrastructure handles it about as well as you’d expect. Don’t panic-pack waterproofs, but don’t assume sunshine every single day either.

**The Water**

Sea temperatures drop to around 22°C in January. For British standards, that’s practically tropical. For serious snorkelers or divers, it’s absolutely fine with a wetsuit – visibility is often excellent in winter. For casually floating around in a bikini, it’s manageable but bracing.

**Crowds and Atmosphere**

This is genuinely one of the quieter periods. Post-Christmas families have gone home, European summer crowds are months away. You’ll share Ras Mohammed or the Tiran reefs with far fewer people, which if diving or snorkeling is your thing, makes January quietly brilliant. Naama Bay feels a bit subdued compared to peak season, with some smaller restaurants running reduced hours or closed entirely. The resort hotels are all fully operational and often running decent deals.

**Who Should Go in January**

Divers, couples wanting somewhere warmer than home without fighting for sunbeds, and anyone doing Sharm purely for underwater life rather than beach culture. If you’re expecting a buzzing resort atmosphere with full beach days, manage your expectations slightly.

**One Practical Tip**

Book a liveaboard or dive trip before you arrive. Operators run fewer boats in January and the good ones genuinely do fill up. Showing up hoping to organise diving on the day works in August. In January, less so.

Worth it? For the right person, honestly yes.

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