Marsa Alam Weather by Month: Best Time to Visit

Planning a Red Sea holiday? Knowing what to expect from the Marsa Alam weather by month helps you choose the right time for your trip. Marsa Alam enjoys sunshine almost all year, with warm sea temperatures and little rain, making it one of Egypt’s most reliable destinations for beach holidays, snorkeling, and diving.

While you can visit any time, the experience changes with the seasons. Summer brings hot days and warm seas, while winter offers milder air but slightly cooler evenings. For many, spring and autumn are the most comfortable months, combining pleasant weather with calm seas and great visibility underwater.

In this guide, we’ll break down the weather in Marsa Alam month by month, including air and sea temperatures, wind conditions, and tips on when to plan snorkeling trips, desert safaris, or cultural excursions.

Marsa Alam Climate Overview

Marsa Alam has a desert climate, which means long hours of sunshine, very little rainfall, and stable warm temperatures most of the year. Unlike northern Red Sea resorts such as Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam is located further south, closer to the Tropic of Cancer. This makes the region warmer in winter and less crowded during peak summer months.

Key Climate Features

• Sunshine: Marsa Alam averages 9–11 hours of sunshine per day year-round.
• Rainfall: Rain is extremely rare, usually limited to one or two short showers a year.
• Humidity: Moderate compared to northern resorts, as sea breezes balance the dry desert air.
• Sea Temperature: Warm throughout the year, ranging from 22°C in February to 30°C in August.

Because of its stable climate, Marsa Alam is a year-round destination. The main difference between seasons lies in air temperature, wind strength, and water visibility, which can influence activities like snorkeling, diving, and desert excursions.

Marsa Alam Weather by Month

Month	Air Temp (°C)	Sea Temp (°C)	Weather Notes & Activities
January	18–24 (day) / 12–15 (night)	~23	Mild days, cooler evenings. Great for sightseeing trips to Luxor or Cairo. Wetsuit recommended for snorkeling.
February	19–25 / 13–15	~22	Coolest sea temps of the year. Still sunny, good for desert safaris and cultural tours.
March	21–27 / 14–17	~23	Warming up. Excellent visibility underwater. Good month for a Sharm El Luli or Abu Dabbab snorkeling trip.
April	24–30 / 17–20	~24	Warm, comfortable. Peak season begins. Calm seas ideal for diving and dolphin trips.
May	27–33 / 20–23	~25	Hot but not extreme. One of the best months for reef trips.
June	30–36 / 23–25	~27	Hot days, warm nights. Sea is very comfortable. Great for diving, though mid-day sun is strong.
July	32–38 / 25–27	~29	Hottest month. Ideal for sea activities but less comfortable for desert or city trips.
August	33–39 / 26–28	~30	Very hot on land. Best time for pure beach and snorkeling holidays.
September	30–36 / 24–26	~29	Weather begins to cool slightly. One of the top months for both sea and cultural trips.
October	27–33 / 21–24	~27	Perfect balance. Calm seas, warm days, mild evenings. Popular for families.
November	23–28 / 17–20	~25	Pleasant temperatures. Great for mixed holidays (beach + day trips).
December	20–25 / 14–17	~24	Mild winter sun. Comfortable for sightseeing and desert safaris. Sea still swimmable, wetsuit recommended for long snorkeling sessions.

Best Time to Visit Marsa Alam

Thanks to its location on Egypt’s southern Red Sea coast, Marsa Alam is a year-round destination. The best time to visit depends on what you want from your holiday.

• For Snorkeling and Diving:
  The most comfortable months are April to June and September to November. Seas are calm, visibility is excellent, and water temperatures are warm enough for long sessions without a wetsuit.
• For Desert Safaris and Cultural Trips:
  Winter and early spring (December to March) are best. The cooler air makes day trips to Luxor, Cairo, or Aswan more comfortable, and exploring the desert is easier without extreme heat.
• For Relaxed Beach Holidays:
  Summer (July and August) brings the hottest air temperatures, but the sea is at its warmest and calmest. If you plan to spend most of your time swimming or relaxing by the water, this season is ideal—just be prepared for strong sun.

In short:

• Spring and autumn = best all-round balance.
• Summer = best for beach and sea lovers.
• Winter = best for cultural sightseeing and desert exploration.

Tips for Travelers: Weather and Activities

Planning around the Marsa Alam weather by month can help you make the most of your trip. Here are some practical tips to match activities with the seasons:

• Snorkeling & Diving:
  Bring a light wetsuit if visiting in winter (December–March) as the sea can feel cooler. In summer, use reef-safe sunscreen and consider morning or late-afternoon trips to avoid peak sun.
• Desert Safaris:
  Evenings in the desert can be cold in winter, so bring a light jacket. In summer, safaris are best scheduled at sunrise or sunset to avoid extreme heat.
• Cultural Excursions (Luxor, Aswan, Cairo):
  Cooler months (November–March) make long sightseeing days much more comfortable. In summer, tours often start very early to beat the midday heat.
• Families with Children:
  Spring and autumn offer the most balanced weather—warm but not overwhelming, with calm seas for safe swimming.
• Packing Essentials:
  Year-round musts include sunglasses, hats, high-SPF sunscreen, and breathable clothing. For winter months, pack an extra layer for cooler evenings.

By planning activities around seasonal conditions, you’ll enjoy a smoother, more comfortable holiday while experiencing the best of Marsa Alam both on land and in the water.

The Marsa Alam weather by month offers something for every traveler. With year-round sunshine, warm seas, and almost no rainfall, it’s one of Egypt’s most reliable destinations for beach holidays, snorkeling, and cultural adventures.

• Visit in spring or autumn for the best all-round balance of weather and activities.
• Choose winter for cooler air, perfect for sightseeing and desert safaris.
• Opt for summer if you love warm seas and long days by the beach.

No matter when you visit, Marsa Alam combines natural beauty, marine life, and cultural access in a way few other Red Sea resorts can. By planning with the weather in mind, you’ll enjoy every moment of your stay in this unique coastal city.

Frequently Asked Questions