Egypt all year round: Red Sea resorts, visa and best season

Egypt’s eight reasons don’t change, but travel conditions change every year. The visa has moved online, ticket offices at the pyramids accept cards only, and the sea in January is still warm enough for swimming. We’ve put together what actually affects your choice of resort and your vacation budget.

A quick answer for those deciding fast. In winter, apart from Christmas and New Year, vacations are cheaper than in August, the visa is easier to arrange in advance, and you can swim in the Red Sea year-round. Below is a breakdown by resort, season, visa and excursions, and at the end we’ll tell you what to book first.

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1. Red Sea and Sinai resorts

Egypt gives you a choice of two coasts. Hurghada and Marsa Alam sit on the African coast of the Red Sea, while Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab are on the Sinai Peninsula, which is already part of Asia. The country also has Mediterranean resorts, but tourists from Europe more often choose the Red Sea: the underwater world here is better than at most beaches.

💡 In short:

• Hurghada: sandy shore, calm lagoon and a short transfer from the airport.
• Sharm El Sheikh: corals almost at the shore, diving and nightlife.
• Dahab and Marsa Alam: quieter and cheaper, good for divers and a relaxed vacation.

© Tanya Dedyukhina · CC BYPhoto: Tanya Dedyukhina, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Hurghada suits you if you’re traveling with children or just learning to swim. The entry into the sea is sandy, there are almost no waves, and the lagoon keeps the water calm. Sharm El Sheikh is a different picture: corals start right at the shore, and the depth begins just a few meters from the water’s edge. Snorkeling and diving here are the best in the country, but you won’t walk barefoot through the shallows, you have to go around the reefs.

Dahab lies north of Sharm El Sheikh, on the same shore of the gulf. The resort is famous for its underwater world and nature, so it attracts those who care about diving rather than hotel infrastructure. Marsa Alam sits south of Hurghada and is only gaining popularity, but the sea here is calmer and the hotels are newer. Decide on the main purpose of your trip, and choosing a resort will take you five minutes.

2. Weather and the best season

You can swim in the Red Sea year-round. As of the Hurghada climate table (09/2026), the water doesn’t drop below 21 °C, the average annual air temperature is 21.9 °C, and the sun shines more than 320 days a year.

The hot period lasts from May to September. August is the hardest: the air gets scorching, and beaches shift to a morning schedule. If you don’t handle heat well, book April, May or October, when the sea stays warm and the air is milder.

In winter the air is cooler, but the water stays warm and vacation prices drop. Prices peak at Christmas and New Year. Vacations in late December and January get booked up early, so you should choose a hotel several months ahead: see Red Sea hotels on Trip.com.

3. Visa and flights to Egypt

There are two ways to get an Egyptian visa. A tourist visa on arrival is bought right at the airport: in Sharm El Sheikh it costs $30 and is valid throughout the country (as of 09/2026, Auswärtiges Amt). Your passport must be valid for another six months, so check the expiry date before buying a ticket.

The second option: an e-visa on the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg. You apply at least seven days before departure (as of 09/2026, portal), but at the airport you’ll walk past the bank counter. An e-visa is convenient for the whole family at once and means you don’t depend on the queue upon arrival.

Flights to Egypt can be charter or scheduled. Scheduled flights go through major European hubs, while charters are set up for a specific resort, so look for options in advance: find a flight on Kiwi.com.

Airport transfer

From Hurghada Airport to hotels in the city center it's about five kilometers, while getting to El Gouna in the north and Makadi Bay in the south takes longer. Taxis here don't use meters; you agree on the price before getting in, otherwise you risk overpaying several times over.

4. The all-inclusive system

The all-inclusive formula in Egypt is more generous than in Europe. The price includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, local drinks, pools, an equipped beach, entertainment and grounds maintenance. You pay once at the front desk and then don't have to count every dinner.

For comparison: in Europe, for a comparable amount you usually get only breakfast or half board, and you pay separately for a lounger and umbrella on the beach. That's why couples and families choose Egypt: the trip budget is clear before you even fly.

The catch is that the system has its downsides too. Cheap tours are sold with photos that don't match the actual hotel, so before booking, check the category, renovation year and recent reviews. Remember that all-inclusive applies within the hotel: excursions, spa services and some transfers are paid separately.

5. Vacation with kids without the logistics

All-inclusive is exactly what made Egypt convenient for family vacations. You don't need to spend half a day getting to the beach, looking for a place to have lunch and figuring out how to keep your child entertained: the beach and the pool are right next to your room.

Many hotels have entertainment staff, playgrounds and activities for school-age kids. For toddlers, the water entry matters more: in Hurghada it's sandy and gently sloping, with no rocks or reef. Swimming is relaxed, without constantly watching every step your child takes.

6. Excursions: the Giza pyramids and the sea

The pyramids on the Giza Plateau near Cairo remain the main reason for a first trip to Egypt. The complex is one of the seven wonders of the world, and it's the only surviving wonder from the list.

The plateau is open from 7:00 to 16:00, with the last entry one hour before closing (as of 09/2026, ticket guide). The ticket office only accepts cards; cash is useful only for water and tips. Arrive at opening time: in the morning you can cover the site without crowds and without the heat.

© KennyOMG · CC BY-SAPhoto: KennyOMG, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Besides the pyramids, hotels offer sea and land excursions: snorkeling, diving, yacht trips, and desert tours. Buy them from trusted sellers, not from random people on the beach who promise a low price. We put together a selection of places to visit in our guide to 13 places in Egypt, and you can find tickets and excursions on GetYourGuide.

7. Shopping: oils, spices, and cotton

Shopping in Egypt starts with spices and essential oils. In local shops, you can chat with the seller, try the blends, and haggle the price down. Bargaining has long been part of the local culture here, and Egyptians themselves shop this way too.

© V Manninen from Funland · CC BYPhoto: V Manninen from Funland, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Egyptian cotton comes in second. Local cotton is prized for its softness, so people bring home bed linen, towels, and T-shirts. Check the quality on the spot: the fabric should be dense, with no gaps when held up to the light.

Tea is another thing people ask you to bring back. Tea kiosks are on almost every market, and the most famous variety is hibiscus. Guava or papaya options are just as good, so grab a few packs to try and brew them at home.

A nuance you learn at the airport: antique items, as well as flora and fauna, cannot be taken out of the country. Leave corals, shells, and mollusks on the beach and don't bring them home as souvenirs.

8. Exotic fruit and markets

Fresh fruit is easiest to buy at a market or from roadside stalls. Egyptian mango gets especially high praise, but the selection is wider: try papaya, strawberries, melon, guava, pomegranates, and bananas. Everything ripens locally and is sold ripe.

Go to the market in the morning: that way you'll catch the fresh delivery and a short line. Sellers let you taste things, so buy in small batches and figure out right away what you'll take home.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to travel to Egypt?

Yes, you need a visa: an e-visa in advance or a visa on arrival at the airport. For prices, processing times, and passport requirements, see the "Visa and flights to Egypt" section.

When is the best time to go to the Red Sea?

The swimming season lasts all year; for water temperatures, see the "Weather and best season" section. For excursions and walks, the shoulder seasons, spring and autumn, are better. Summer is hotter, but prices are lower than in late December.

How much does it cost to enter the Giza Plateau?

The plateau ticket and entry inside the Pyramid of Khufu are paid for separately; for prices, see the table in the "Excursions: Giza pyramids and the sea" section. The quota inside the pyramid is small, so buy your ticket online in advance.

Which should I choose: Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh?

Choose Hurghada if you are traveling with children and want a sandy entry into the sea. Choose Sharm El Sheikh for corals, snorkeling, and nightlife. Dahab suits those going for diving and quiet, while Marsa Alam suits those looking for a calm sea and new hotels.

Can I take shells and corals out of the country?

No, for details on the ban, see the "Shopping: oils, spices, and cotton" section. Spices, tea, cotton, and oils can be taken out; they are fine to put in your luggage. Pack large purchases in your suitcase before your flight.

In short: what to book

If you are on vacation with children: choose a hotel in Hurghada with a sandy entry into the sea and all-inclusive meals. If you are going for diving, look at Sharm El Sheikh or Dahab. On a limited budget, choose winter and book your hotel in advance: see hotels on Trip.com. A visa, a warm sea all year round, and three meals a day included in the price will help you relax without counting expenses.