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Visiting Hurghada in January

BySunMed Guide

Visiting Hurghada in January

# Hurghada in January: What It’s Actually Like

January in Hurghada is genuinely one of the more interesting times to visit, but not for the reasons the brochures will tell you.

The weather is mild and mostly sunny, which sounds perfect until you actually get in the water. Sea temperatures drop to around 20-22°C, which feels refreshingly cool if you’re a confident swimmer or diver, but uncomfortably cold if you were expecting a warm bath. Air temperatures sit around 20°C during the day, pleasant enough for walking around, but evenings get properly chilly. Pack a jacket you’d actually wear, not just fold into your bag.

Rainfall is minimal, Egypt’s Red Sea coast is genuinely dry, but “minimal” doesn’t mean zero. The occasional shower happens and when it does, the city essentially doesn’t know what to do with it. Drainage is poor, and a brief downpour can make streets temporarily chaotic.

Crowds are noticeably thinner than summer or the Christmas peak, which is either a selling point or a warning depending on what you want. Russians and Eastern Europeans still show up in decent numbers chasing winter sun, so you won’t have the place to yourself. But the beaches breathe a bit easier and hotel prices drop meaningfully.

Everything is open. Hurghada isn’t a seasonal destination in the way that, say, a Mediterranean resort town is. Hotels, restaurants, dive shops, desert excursions are all running normally. Diving is arguably better in winter because visibility is excellent and the cooler water brings different marine life.

**Is it worth it?** If you’re a diver or snorkeller comfortable with slightly cooler water, honestly yes, this is a strong month to go. If your entire holiday hinges on lying in warm shallows, you might leave underwhelmed. Beach-and-book types who just want quiet, affordable winter sun will probably be happy enough.

**One practical tip:** Book a wetsuit with your dive or snorkelling trip rather than assuming a thin shorty is enough. A 5mm suit in January makes the difference between a great morning and cutting the whole thing short.

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