Diving the Red Sea in Winter (December–February)
December–February is a comfortable time to dive Egypt’s Red Sea. The sea averages 22.4°C at Hurghada and 22.7°C at Marsa Alam; days reach 22°C and mornings are about 15°C. About 52% of days at Hurghada are calm enough for smooth boat trips — calmer than the yearly average (41%). Rain is rare. Figures are averages for 2016–2024.
December–February at a glance
Hurghada
Month by month →Wetsuit: 5–7 mm suit, hood and gloves
Marsa Alam
Month by month →Wetsuit: 5–7 mm suit, hood and gloves
Month by month
Averages 2016–2024. A typical year, not a forecast.
| Month | Hurghada: Sea °C | Hurghada: Air | Hurghada: calm | Marsa Alam: Sea °C | Marsa Alam: Air | Marsa Alam: calm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 23.6 | 23° / 16° | 65% | 23.7 | 24° / 18° | 63% |
| January | 22.5 | 21° / 14° | 52% | 22.7 | 22° / 15° | 54% |
| February | 21.2 | 22° / 14° | 38% | 21.6 | 23° / 16° | 38% |
What to expect
- ✓Water around 22.4°C at Hurghada: 5–7 mm suit, hood and gloves is the usual choice.
- ✓52% calm days at Hurghada and 52% at Marsa Alam; wind, not rain, is the usual reason a trip changes.
- ✓Mornings are about 15°C at Hurghada: bring a warm layer and a towel robe for the ride back.
- ✓Rain is rare: about 0.4 day a month at Hurghada, 0.2 at Marsa Alam.
What to pack
- •A warm layer and a towel robe or poncho for the boat — the ride back after a dive is the coldest part of the day.
- •A wetsuit to suit the water: 5–7 mm suit, hood and gloves at Hurghada, 5–7 mm suit, hood and gloves at Marsa Alam. Centres rent suits.
- •Sun protection still matters on deck: a rash vest, hat and reef-safe sunscreen.
- •A seasickness tablet an hour before departure if you are sensitive — breezy days make the crossing livelier.
Dive trips and courses in Hurghada
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Dive trips and courses in Marsa Alam
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Frequently asked questions
Can you dive in the Red Sea in December–February?
Yes — the Red Sea has no closed season. In December–February the sea is about 22.4°C at Hurghada and 22.7°C at Marsa Alam, with 52% calm days at Hurghada.
What wetsuit do I need in December–February?
At 22.4°C (Hurghada) the usual choice is 5–7 mm suit, hood and gloves; at 22.7°C (Marsa Alam) 5–7 mm suit, hood and gloves. Feeling the cold is personal — if you chill easily, go one step thicker.
Is the sea calm in December–February?
About 52% of days at Hurghada and 52% at Marsa Alam have waves under 0.9 m and wind under 15 knots — calmer than the yearly average. Mornings are usually calmer than afternoons.
Hurghada or Marsa Alam in December–February?
The sea is warmer at Marsa Alam (22.4°C at Hurghada, 22.7°C at Marsa Alam) and calmer at Marsa Alam (52% against 52% of days). Both dive all year; Marsa Alam is the quieter, more remote base, Hurghada has the wider choice of trips and sites.
Do boat trips run in December–February?
On most days, yes. Strong wind and swell are the usual reason a trip is moved, delayed or cancelled — the captain and the port authority decide on the day. Today’s conditions and a 7-day outlook are on our diving-conditions page.
Data: Open-Meteo historical weather & marine APIs, 2016–2024 (CC BY 4.0). Averages for the area, not a reading at each reef. Open-Meteo.com
