Planning Hurghada in December? This guide covers the weather, sea temperature, diving, day trips and crowd levels so you can judge December in Hurghada before you book. It is written by the team at Bastet Travel, who run Red Sea and Nile itineraries all winter.

Hurghada in December: What to Expect

Hurghada in December is warm by northern European standards and cool by Red Sea standards. That gap decides whether the month suits you. Daytime air sits in the low 20s °C, the sea holds around 23°C, and the sky is clear on most days. You get beach weather without the July furnace.

Many travelers planning holidays to Egypt in December pick the Red Sea coast for exactly this reason. Cairo and Luxor are comfortable for sightseeing, yet only the coast guarantees sunshine and open water. This guide covers what December in Hurghada really feels like, what it costs, what to do, and where it falls short.

december in Hurghada

The Short Answer: Is Hurghada in December Worth It?

Yes, for most people. Hurghada in December delivers reliable sun, calm mornings, uncrowded reefs in the first half of the month and a festive peak at the end. The trade-off is a cooler sea, a stiffer breeze and higher prices over Christmas and New Year.

Who December in Hurghada Suits

  • Winter sun seekers: Dry air, almost no rain and roughly ten hours of daylight make it one of the safest bets for escaping a gray winter.
  • Divers and snorkelers: Visibility is usually excellent and boats are less packed than in summer, especially before the holidays.
  • Families with school breaks: Hotels run kids’ programs and heated pools, and temperatures are gentle enough for young children to play outside all day.
  • Sightseers: You can pair the coast with Luxor or Cairo without suffering the heat that makes those cities exhausting in summer.

Who Should Think Twice

  • Heat lovers: If you need 35°C to relax, December in Hurghada will feel mild, and the sea may feel cold without a wetsuit.
  • Strict budget travelers: The last two weeks of the month carry holiday pricing. A cheaper alternative is to travel in the first half of December.
  • Wind-sensitive visitors: Northerly breezes can make exposed beaches uncomfortable, so a sheltered resort matters.

The Short Answer: Is Hurghada in December Worth It?

Hurghada Weather in December: The Numbers

Hurghada sits in a desert, so the weather is dry and steady. December has little variation from day to day, which makes planning easy.

Air Temperature and Sunshine

  • Expect daytime highs of about 22 to 24°C and nighttime lows of about 13 to 15°C. Sunshine is abundant, with most days clear from sunrise to sunset. Sunrise comes around 6:30 am and sunset near 5:00 pm, so plan beach time and boat trips for the middle of the day.
  • The sun is gentler than in summer, but UV is still real. Travelers often burn on the first day of December in Hurghada because the air feels cool while the sun is strong.

Sea Temperature and Swimming

  • The Red Sea in December hovers around 23 to 24°C. That is swimmable, though not warm. Most people manage a short dip in the sea and spend longer in the resort pool, many of which are heated in winter. Children usually last about 20 minutes in the open sea before they want a towel.
  • Divers and snorkelers can stay in the water for far longer with a 5 mm wetsuit or a shorty over a rash vest. A quick tip: put on the wetsuit before you leave the boat’s shade, because the wind chill when you step out is where most people feel cold.

Wind, Rain and Cold Desert Nights

  • Wind is the real variable in December in Hurghada. Northerly breezes can build in the afternoon, which affects kite surfers, small boats and open beaches. Mornings are usually the calmest part of the day, so schedule snorkeling and diving early.
  • Rain is rare and brief when it comes. A shower can interrupt a day once or twice a month at most, and flash rain in the Eastern Desert occasionally closes a road for a few hours. Desert nights are surprisingly cold, and temperatures can fall into single digits away from the coast, so safari evenings need real layers.

Hurghada Weather in December: The Numbers

Crowds and Costs: December in Hurghada Week by Week

December is two different months. The first half is calm, and the second half is one of the busiest stretches of the Egyptian winter.

Early December: The Quiet Window

  • From the start of the month until roughly the third week, Hurghada in December is relaxed. Reefs are quieter, boat decks have space, and resort buffets have no queues. Rates are noticeably lower than at Christmas. If you have flexible dates, this is the best value window of the month.
  • If you want a comparison point, the lead-up to this period is covered in our guide to Hurghada in november, which has even lower crowd levels and a slightly warmer sea.

Christmas and New Year: The Peak

  • From around December 20, demand rises sharply. European visitors arrive for the holidays, flights fill, and hotels raise prices and set minimum stays. Resorts hold Christmas Eve dinners and New Year parties, which adds to the appeal for families and groups.
  • If you are set on these dates, book early. Our Christmas and New Year Egypt Tour Packages combine the coast with Cairo and Luxor, which helps you secure rooms before availability disappears. Coptic Christmas falls on January 7, so some local celebrations come after the main holiday rush.

Crowds and Costs: December in Hurghada Week by Week

Things to Do in Hurghada in December

Water activities slow down a little in winter, but they do not stop. The best of December in Hurghada is the mix of sea days, desert days and cool-weather alternatives.

Boat Days and Island Stops

  • A boat day is the classic December plan. Giftun Island Hurghada is the headline destination, with white sand, clear water and two or three snorkeling stops. The sea is cooler than summer, so wear a rash vest or a thin wetsuit and keep a towel and a hooded top within reach on deck.
  • If you want a gentler option, a Glass Boat or SeaScope trip lets you see coral without getting in the water. That works well for children, grandparents and anyone who finds the sea too cold. Another family favorite is Orange Bay Hurghada, a beach stop with soft sand and turquoise water. For something livelier, a Pirates Boat day adds music and games, and a Speed Boat gets you to the outer reefs faster before the afternoon breeze picks up.

Diving and Snorkeling

December is a strong diving month. Water clarity is typically excellent, marine life is active, and day boats carry fewer passengers than in peak summer. You will want a 5 mm wetsuit, and many divers add a hood for the second dive of the day.

If you are choosing dates for a dive trip, read our note on diving in Egypt in november, because conditions are very similar and the two months can be compared. You can book Diving days directly, or build a full week using our diving holidays Egypt options. Beginners should start with an introductory dive, which gives you a guide, equipment and a shallow site.

Quick checklist for a good dive day in December in Hurghada:

  • Morning departures: The sea is calmest before the wind rises.
  • Warm layers: A hooded top and windproof jacket for the ride back.
  • Hot drink: Most boats serve tea, and you will want it between dives.
  • Honest briefing: Tell your instructor if you feel cold, because it affects air consumption.

Desert Safari, Quads and Buggies

  • The desert is at its best in December. The air is cool, so quad riding and jeep tours are comfortable at midday, which is impossible in July. A Safari usually includes a Bedouin-style dinner, stargazing and tea around a fire. Because the temperature falls quickly after sunset, bring a fleece or a light jacket.
  • Active travelers can choose a Quad Bike or Buggy Ride for a faster route through the dunes, while a Camel Ride suits families and anyone who prefers a slower pace. If you want to explore farther, our Egypt Desert Safari Tours cover longer routes. Wear a scarf or buff, as the dust is real on quad tours.

Indoor Options for Windy or Cool Days

A windy afternoon in Hurghada in December is the day to go inside. Good choices include:

The water park at Makadi Water World is usually better in warmer months, but heated slides and pools make it possible on sunny December afternoons. For an overview of what is available, browse our Hurghada Tours and Excursions page.

In the evening, head to Hurghada Marina for dinner. The cooler air makes outdoor tables comfortable, and the lights over the water are one of the nicer parts of December in Hurghada.

Things to Do in Hurghada in December

Day Trips From Hurghada in December

  • December is the best season for inland sightseeing, because Luxor and Cairo are pleasant rather than punishing. The coast is a base, and the monuments are within reach.
  • Luxor is about 280 km away and takes roughly four hours each way by road. It is a long day, but cool weather makes it workable. A typical itinerary covers the Valley of The Kings, Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. Start before sunrise and bring a jacket for early hours, as the Theban hills are cold at dawn. If you prefer a slower pace, choose an overnight stay using our Luxor Tours and Excursions options.
  • Cairo is farther, so most people fly. The Pyramids of Giza are the main draw, and our Cairo Tours and Excursions page lists combinations with the museums and the old city. If you only have a few days, a short flight and a private guide is more realistic than a long road transfer.

For a wider list, see all Egypt Day Tours we run from the Red Sea.

Day Trips From Hurghada in December

Pairing Hurghada in December With a Nile Cruise

The strongest December plan combines two halves: temples on the Nile and rest on the Red Sea. The Nile is calm and cool in winter, and the sun is comfortable on deck. After a week of sightseeing, Hurghada gives you a beach to recover on.

Several structures work well:

If you want a ready-made structure, our Nile cruise and Red Sea holiday plans balance both halves. For a wider range of Nile routes, browse Luxor To Aswan Nile Cruises.

Where to Stay in Hurghada in December

Resort choice matters more in winter than in summer because of wind and sea temperature. Look for these features:

  • Heated pools: Not every resort heats its pools, so confirm before you book.
  • Sheltered beaches: Bays and lagoons protect you from the afternoon northerly wind.
  • House reef: Easy snorkeling right from the shore, useful on days when boats cannot leave.
  • Indoor options: A spa, gym or indoor restaurant gives you somewhere to go when evenings cool down.

Families usually do well in the southern resort areas, where beaches are wide and shallow. Couples often prefer quieter properties away from the center. Our team can match your dates and budget, whether you are after cheap Egypt holidays or luxury Egypt holidays. Families can start with Egypt family holidays, and couples holidays in Egypt cover quieter options.

Where to Stay in Hurghada in December

What to Pack for December in Hurghada

A December in Hurghada suitcase is a mix of beachwear and layers. This is the list we give our guests:

  • Swimwear: Two sets, because swimsuits dry slowly in cool air.
  • Rash vest or shorty wetsuit: Useful for snorkeling and for kids.
  • Light jacket or fleece: For evenings, boat rides and desert nights.
  • Windbreaker: The most underrated item for Hurghada in December.
  • Closed shoes: For quad bikes and desert terrain.
  • Sandals: For the beach and resort.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat: The sun is strong even when the air feels cool.
  • Scarf or buff: Dust protection and warmth on safari.
  • Modest clothing: For visits to mosques, churches and temples inland.

Hurghada in December Compared With November and Other Red Sea Towns

December is cooler than November, and the sea loses a degree or two. If you can travel earlier, our guides to Hurghada Egypt weather in november and is november a good time to visit Egypt explain the difference. In short, November is warmer and cheaper, while December in Hurghada is cooler and festive toward the end.

Other Red Sea options follow similar patterns. Sharm El Sheikh has a comparable climate, so our Sharm El Sheikh Tours suit travelers who want more reef variety. Farther south, Marsa Alam Trips offer quieter reefs and a better chance of seeing turtles and dugongs. For an overview of the coast, see Red Sea holidays Egypt and Egypt winter holidays.

Hurghada in December Compared With November and Other Red Sea Towns

A Sample 7 Day Plan for Hurghada in December

This route balances sea, desert and one major sightseeing day:

  • Day 1: Arrive, settle in and take a short swim in the resort pool.
  • Day 2: Boat day to Giftun Island with two snorkeling stops.
  • Day 3: Rest morning, then Hurghada Marina for dinner.
  • Day 4: Early start for a Luxor day trip, returning at night.
  • Day 5: Free day for the beach, spa or Turkish bath.
  • Day 6: Desert safari with quad bikes and a Bedouin dinner.
  • Day 7: Introductory dive or glass boat trip, then departure.

Swap the Luxor day for an aquarium visit if the weather turns windy, or add a second dive day if you hold a certification. December in Hurghada is flexible, so plan one fixed activity per day and leave the rest open.

A Sample 7 Day Plan for Hurghada in December

Your December Starts Before You Land

Picture it: you step out of a gray airport in December, and a few hours later your jacket is in a bag and your shoulders are in the sun. The sea is quiet in the morning, the boat is half empty, and the only decision on your list is which side of the deck to sit on.

That version of the month needs a few choices made early, such as which weeks to pick, which resort and which excursions to pair. We can handle those with you. Message the Bastet Travel team on WhatsApp with your dates and group size, and we will reply with real options. If you would rather build the trip from scratch, use Plan Tailor-Made Egypt Trip and tell us what matters most. You can also browse our full range of Egypt Tour Packages.

Your December Starts Before You Land

FAQs About Hurghada in December

Is Hurghada warm enough for swimming in December?

Yes, with limits. The sea is around 23 to 24°C, which is comfortable for a short swim and fine for snorkeling in a wetsuit. Many visitors use heated resort pools for longer swims while the sea is for shorter dips.

What is the weather in Hurghada in December?

Expect daytime highs of about 22 to 24°C and nighttime lows of about 13 to 15°C, with clear skies on most days. Rain is rare, and the main variable is the northerly wind, which is strongest in the afternoon.

Is December in Hurghada busy?

It depends on the week. Early December is quiet, with space on boats and at the beach. From about December 20 to early January, demand rises, flights fill and prices increase, so book early if you want those dates.

Can you dive in Hurghada in December?

Yes. Water clarity is usually very good, and dive boats are less crowded in the first half of the month. Use a 5 mm wetsuit, and consider a hood for longer dives.

Can I visit Luxor from Hurghada in December?

Yes, and December is a good month for it because temperatures are comfortable. The drive is about four hours each way, so most travelers either start before dawn or stay overnight. A flight or private driver can shorten the day.

What should I wear in Hurghada in December?

Pack summer clothing for the day and layers for the evening. A windbreaker, light fleece and closed shoes are the most useful items for boat trips, quad bikes and desert nights.

Is December a good month for a family holiday in Hurghada?

Yes. The weather is mild, hotels run kids’ programs, and indoor options such as the aquarium cover windy days. Book early if you are traveling over Christmas or New Year, because family rooms sell out first.