Sharm el Sheikh in December Weather: Date by Date

Sharm el Sheikh in December weather is warm, dry and breezy, with highs near 24°C, nights around 15°C and a sea at 25°C. This guide walks through Sharm el Sheikh in December weather week by week, so you can pick the right dates, bay and clothes.

Sharm el Sheikh Weather December: What Each Week Really Feels Like

Most pages on Sharm el Sheikh in December weather give you one set of averages and stop. That is a problem, because December does not behave like a single month. The first week still feels like late autumn, the middle of the month is cooler and calmer, and the holiday week brings the busiest crowds of the year. A traveler who arrives on December 3 and one who arrives on December 28 meet different weather.

This guide breaks the month into checkpoints, then covers temperature, sea, wind, rain and daylight, and finishes with what each reading means for diving, boat days and Sinai trips. Our team at Bastet Travel arranges Red Sea and Sinai stays every winter, so the advice blends climate records with feedback from guests. If you are still comparing holidays to Egypt in December, read on to see whether Sharm fits.

The Short Version: 15°C Warmer Than London

An average December day in London is roughly 15°C cooler than one in Sharm. That sentence explains most of the appeal. Sharm el Sheikh weather December means daytime highs of about 22 to 24°C, nights of about 15°C, a sea near 25°C and almost no rain. It is not beach weather in the July sense. It is T-shirt weather in the sun, jacket weather after dark, and consistently dry.

The Month at a Glance

Sources differ by a degree or two, which is normal for a desert coast. Use these as reliable ranges rather than a promise for a single day.

Sharm el Sheikh December Weather, Checkpoint by Checkpoint

One daily forecast model for December 2026 shows the pattern clearly. Treat the figures below as a guide to the shape of the month, not a guarantee.

December 1 to 7: The Warm Tail of Autumn

The first days of December still feel like November. Highs can reach 25 to 27°C, nights stay near 17 or 18°C, and the sea keeps nearly all its autumn warmth. Wind is also strongest early in the month, so exposed beaches can feel brisk even when the thermometer reads warm.

This is the best window for guests who want the warmest version of Sharm December weather, provided they pick a sheltered bay. For a baseline, read our notes on Sharm el Sheikh in november and temp in Sharm el Sheikh in november, because the two months overlap here.

December 8 to 15: The Calm Dip

Mid-month brings the lowest wind speeds and a cooler feel. Highs settle near 23 to 25°C and lows near 15 or 16°C. Calmer air means smoother water, which is why many divers and snorkelers say this stretch is their favorite. Crowds are also lighter, and prices have not yet moved to holiday rates.

If your dates are flexible, this is the best value window for Sharm el Sheikh in December weather, because you get the calmest sea at the lowest price.

December 16 to 23: Steady and Cool

The weather in Sharm el Sheikh in December stays stable here, with highs near 24°C and lows near 15 or 16°C. Evenings feel colder than the numbers suggest, and desert trips need warm layers. Demand starts to rise after about December 20, so booking early matters.

December 24 to 31: Holiday Week

The final week is steady rather than colder: highs of 23 to 24°C, lows of 15°C. What changes is the crowd. Resorts host Christmas Eve dinners and New Year parties, flights fill and prices rise. Our Christmas and New Year Egypt Tour Packages combine rooms and excursions, which protects you from late price jumps. Coptic Christmas follows on January 7.

Temp in Sharm el Sheikh in December: Day, Night and Feel

The temp in Sharm el Sheikh in December averages about 23 to 24°C by day. Several datasets place the mean at 22°C, while others report 24°C and a few tourist sites quote 25 to 26°C. Nights usually fall to around 15 or 16°C, so the temp Sharm el Sheikh December pattern is a swing of about eight degrees between afternoon and midnight.

Extremes do happen. One weather record shows December highs peaking near 30°C in some years, and the coldest recorded December night in Sharm dropped to 5°C on December 17, 2016. Both are rare, but they are a reminder to pack a warm layer and not to rely on averages alone.

Feel matters as much as the reading. A 24°C afternoon in a sheltered bay feels warm. The same 24°C on an open pier with a north wind feels closer to 21°C. After sunset the air cools quickly, and 15°C with a breeze feels colder than it sounds. That is why guests who plan for the afternoon often feel unprepared by 7 pm.

Sharm el Sheik December Weather Underwater: The Sea

The sea is the steadiest part of the picture. In December the Red Sea around Sharm sits at about 24 to 25°C, down from roughly 26°C in November and heading toward 23°C in January and 22°C in February. That is a degree or two warmer than Hurghada, because Sharm sits further south at the tip of the Sinai peninsula.

At 25°C, most adults swim comfortably for 30 to 40 minutes. Children cool faster, and slim swimmers do too. Snorkelers who stay in for an hour usually wear a shorty wetsuit or a rash vest. Divers use a 5 mm suit as standard, and many add a hood for the second and third dives. If the sea feels cold, most resorts heat at least one pool in winter, so confirm before booking.

Wind: Why Sharm Feels Different From Hurghada

Wind is the variable that changes the day. Average speeds sit around 18 to 22 km/h, which is breezy, with the north wind blowing most often. The wind is usually strongest early in the month and weakest in the middle. One UK weather page counts about 6 windy days in Sharm against about 15 in Hurghada, which matches what guests tell us: Sharm feels calmer.

The reason is geography. Sharm el Sheikh sits at the southern tip of Sinai, shielded by mountains behind it, and its bays are sheltered. Hurghada is more exposed. On a typical December afternoon, a protected bay in Sharm can feel two or three degrees warmer than an open stretch of beach, which is as important as the difference in the thermometer.

Practical rules for Sharm el Sheik weather in December:

• Water first: Schedule snorkeling, diving and boat trips for the morning, when the sea is calmest.
• Choose the bay: A sheltered beach changes how warm the day feels.
• Carry a windbreaker: It is the single most useful item for boat rides and open terraces.
• Check parasailing and kitesurfing: Operators adjust or cancel in strong wind, so confirm on the morning itself.

Rain, Sun and Daylight in Sharm el Sheik in December

Rain is rare. Records show 1 to 4 mm across the month, spread over zero or one day. One 18-year dataset records a heaviest December day of 44.2 mm, which is an unusual event and a reminder that flash rain in Sinai and the nearby mountains can briefly close roads and flood wadis. That is a good reason to use experienced drivers for desert and mountain trips.

Sunshine is abundant, around 8 hours of bright sun a day, or roughly four days in five. Daylight is short, about 10.5 hours, with sunrise near 6:20 am and sunset near 4:50 pm. Plan outdoor activity for the middle of the day and use evenings for dinner.

The UV index sits near 4, which is moderate, but the sun is still strong enough to burn on a boat. Humidity is around 42 to 49%, so the air feels dry and comfortable.

What the Weather Means for Your Plans

Diving and Snorkeling

December is a strong diving month in Sharm. Visibility is usually excellent, and crowds are lighter in the first three weeks. Ras Mohammed offers drop-offs and schooling fish, and Tiran Island suits snorkelers on calm days. Book a Diving day directly, or build a week through our diving holidays Egypt options. For a comparison month, see diving in Egypt in november.

Boat Days and Water Sports

A calm morning is the right time for a Boat ride. A Speed Boat reaches farther reefs before the breeze builds, and a Glass Boat shows coral to guests who prefer to stay dry. Parasailing depends on wind, so book it flexibly. When the afternoon turns cool, a Turkish Bath is a good way to warm up. Browse the full list on Sharm El Sheikh Tours.

Sinai and the Desert

The cool air makes inland trips far more comfortable than in summer. The night climb of Jabal Mousa ends with sunrise over the granite peaks, but the summit can feel close to freezing, so bring a down jacket, gloves and a headlamp. Afterward, visit St. Catherine’s Monastery, whose opening days are limited. The Colored Canyon is a good longer day trip.

For desert evenings, a Safari with a Bedouin dinner suits December, and a Quad Bike route at sunset is comfortable. A Camel Ride suits families and slower travelers. For longer routes, see Egypt Desert Safari Tours. Bring a fleece, because the temperature falls quickly after dark.

Evenings Out

Cool, dry air makes outdoor evenings pleasant. Naama Bay has the promenade and restaurants, SOHO Square offers entertainment and an ice rink that children enjoy in winter, and the Old Market is best after sunset. Keep a light jacket with you, because 15°C with a breeze feels cold on a terrace.

Sharm el Sheikh Weather December Versus Other Egyptian Destinations

Sharm is usually a degree or two warmer than Hurghada, with a calmer sea in sheltered bays, while Hurghada tends to feel breezier. Our guides to Hurghada in november and Hurghada Egypt weather in november show the northern Red Sea before winter, and Hurghada Tours and Excursions lists what is available there.

For warmer nights and quieter reefs, Marsa Alam Trips are worth a look. Cairo, by contrast, is the coolest stop on a classic route, so read Cairo Egypt weather in november before combining it with the coast, and browse Cairo Tours and Excursions for the capital.

If you are weighing months, our guide to is november a good time to visit Egypt explains the shift from autumn to winter. For a broader view, see Red Sea holidays Egypt and Egypt winter holidays. If you want two bases, the Nile cruise and Sharm El Sheikh holiday plans and Egypt two centre holidays cover the logistics, and Egypt multi centre holidays link more regions.

What to Pack for Sharm in December

Think layers, not seasons:

• Swimwear: Two sets, because suits dry slowly in cool air.
• Rash vest or shorty wetsuit: Helpful for snorkeling and for children.
• Windbreaker: The most useful item in the suitcase.
• Fleece or light sweater: For evenings and desert trips.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat: The sun is stronger than the air feels.
• Closed shoes: For quad bikes, camel rides and rocky paths.
• Warm layers for Sinai: Gloves, a hat and a proper jacket for a night climb.
• Modest clothing: For monastery and mosque visits.

Before or After December 20?

The weather stays similar, but the experience does not.

• December 1 to 19: Warmer early on, quieter and cheaper.
• December 20 to 31: Steady weather, holiday pricing and festive crowds.
• January 7: Coptic Christmas, which brings extra visitors to Christian sites in Egypt.

Families can start with Egypt family holidays, and couples can look at couples holidays in Egypt. Budget travelers will find options in cheap Egypt holidays, while those who want comfort can compare luxury Egypt holidays.

Pick a Letter

You now know the weather. The harder part is choosing what to do with it. Here are three sentences, and one of them probably sounds like you:

• A: I want the reef at sunrise and a quiet bay by afternoon.
• B: I want Sinai at dawn and desert nights under the stars.
• C: I want both, and I do not want to rush.

Send us your letter on WhatsApp along with your dates and who is traveling, and a member of our team will reply with a base, a boat day and a backup for windy afternoons. If your answer is none of the above, open Plan Tailor-Made Egypt Trip and describe your own version. Ready-made plans are collected under Egypt Tour Packages.

FAQs About Sharm el Sheikh in December Weather

What is the weather in December in Sharm el Sheikh?

Expect daytime highs of about 22 to 24°C, nights of about 15°C and a sea near 25°C. Skies are clear on most days, rain is almost absent and the main variable is the north wind, which is usually strongest early in the month.

What is the temp in Sharm el Sheikh in December?

The temp in Sharm el Sheikh in December averages 23 to 24°C by day and 15 to 16°C at night. Early December can reach 27°C, and the coldest recorded December night fell to 5°C, though both are unusual.

Is the sea warm enough to swim in Sharm el Sheik in December?

Yes. The sea sits at about 24 to 25°C, which is comfortable for swimming and snorkeling. A thin wetsuit helps for longer sessions, and many resorts heat their pools for guests who want a longer swim.

Does it rain in Sharm in December?

Very rarely. Most datasets show 1 to 4 mm across the month and zero or one rainy day. Occasional flash rain in the mountains can briefly close inland roads, so use experienced drivers for desert trips.

Is Sharm el Sheikh windy in December?

It is breezy, with an average wind speed of 18 to 22 km/h, strongest early in the month. Sheltered bays and morning activities make a big difference, and a windbreaker is the best single item to bring.

What is the average weather in Sharm el Sheikh in December for a family holiday?

Mild and dry, which suits families well. Days are warm enough for beaches and heated pools, and evenings call for a light layer. Choose a sheltered resort and plan water activities for the morning.

Is Sharm el Sheikh warmer than Hurghada in December?

Slightly, by about a degree or two, and its bays are often calmer. Hurghada tends to feel breezier. Both are comfortable winter-sun destinations, so the choice often comes down to dive sites, Sinai trips and the style of resort you prefer.