Photo: Diego Delso (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia CommonsBest Time to Snorkel the Red Sea in Egypt (2026)
When to snorkel Egypt's Red Sea: month-by-month water temperatures, visibility, wind and crowds for Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam.
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Quick answer: You can snorkel Egypt's Red Sea year-round, but the sweet spot is April–May and September–November — warm water (around 25–28°C), calm seas, excellent visibility and fewer crowds than peak summer. June–August is warmest (up to ~29°C) but hot and busy; December–February is cooler (~21–23°C, a shorty wetsuit helps) yet visibility stays superb and the reefs are just as alive.
Red Sea snorkelling by season
| Season | Water temp | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | ~22–26°C | Warming, calm, great visibility — ideal |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ~27–29°C | Warmest water, hot air, busiest, some afternoon wind |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | ~26–28°C | Warm, calm, clear — the best all-round window |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | ~21–23°C | Cooler; wetsuit welcome; excellent visibility, quiet |
Egypt's Red Sea is one of the world's great snorkelling destinations, and the reefs perform every month of the year. What changes with the seasons is the water temperature, the wind, and how busy the boats are.
Month by month
- April–May & September–November are the pick: warm, settled seas, water around 25–28°C, and top visibility, without the peak-summer heat and crowds. Comfortable for long swims and long boat days.
- June–August brings the warmest water (up to ~29°C) but strong sun and the busiest period; mornings are calmest before any afternoon breeze.
- December–February is cooler above and below the surface (~21–23°C). A shorty wetsuit or rash vest makes it comfortable, and you get quiet reefs and clear water in return.
By destination
Conditions are broadly similar across the main bases — Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam — because they share the same sea. Marsa Alam, further south, is a touch warmer in shoulder seasons. Wind can pick up in the afternoons in summer, so morning boat trips tend to be calmest everywhere.
Practical tips
- Book morning trips in summer for the calmest water.
- Bring a rash vest year-round against the strong sun, and a shorty wetsuit in winter.
- Visibility is reliably good all year, so pick your month for temperature and crowds rather than clarity.
Ready to get in the water? Browse Red Sea snorkelling trips on This is Egypt, or ask us on WhatsApp for the right boat and season.
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Ask Seif on WhatsAppCommon questions
What is the best month to snorkel the Red Sea in Egypt?
April–May and September–November are ideal: water around 25–28°C, calm seas, excellent visibility and fewer crowds than peak summer. Any month works, but these are the most comfortable.
Can you snorkel the Red Sea in winter?
Yes. In December–February the water is cooler (around 21–23°C), so a shorty wetsuit or rash vest helps, but visibility stays excellent and the reefs are just as full of life — with far fewer crowds.
How warm is the Red Sea for snorkelling?
Water temperatures range from about 21–23°C in winter to 27–29°C at the height of summer, with 25–28°C in spring and autumn — warm enough for comfortable snorkelling without a full wetsuit most of the year.
Is Hurghada, Sharm or Marsa Alam better for snorkelling by season?
All three share the same Red Sea and are good year-round. Marsa Alam, further south, runs slightly warmer in the shoulder seasons. Everywhere, morning boat trips are calmest, especially in summer.
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