Sharm el Sheikh in December: Weather, Cost & Tips

Sharm el Sheikh in December is mild, dry and made for reef days, with prices that jump sharply after the 20th. This guide explains what Sharm in December feels like, which bay to pick, what to pack and how to split your days.

Sharm el Sheikh in December: A Month of Calm Reefs and Cool Evenings

Sharm el Sheikh in December is a month of two temperatures. The day is warm enough for a T-shirt and a swim. The evening asks for a jacket. If you pack for both, the month rewards you with clear water, open skies and some of the best diving conditions of the Egyptian winter.

This guide is written from the operations side. Our team at Bastet Travel arranges Red Sea and Sinai itineraries through the winter season, so the advice below comes from what guests tell us when they return: what surprised them, what they would change and what they would repeat. If you are still comparing destinations for holidays to Egypt in December, this page should help you decide whether Sharm is the right base.

Quick Facts Before You Read Further

What Sharm el Sheikh in December Feels Like, Hour by Hour

Averages describe a month. They do not describe a day. Here is how a normal day in Sharm in December unfolds.

Morning

Mornings are crisp, usually 15 to 17°C at breakfast, and the sea is often glassy. This is the best window for snorkeling, diving and photography. Boats leave early for a reason: the water is flat before the wind wakes up.

Midday

By noon the sun pushes the air to about 23°C and the sand feels warm underfoot. Sunbathing works, but only on beaches with a windbreak. Sunburn is the most common mistake we hear about, because the cool breeze hides the strength of the sun.

Evening and Night

The sun sets around 4:50 pm and the temperature drops quickly. By 7 pm you want a light jacket, and by 10 pm many people reach for a sweater. This is one of the pleasant surprises of Sharm el Sheikh in December: outdoor dinners are comfortable because the heat is gone.

Sharm el Sheikh December Weather: The Figures

Air, Sea and Daylight

Daytime highs average 22 to 24°C, and nights fall to 14 to 16°C. The sea holds around 24 to 25°C, which is a degree or two warmer than the northern Red Sea. If you want a month-on-month comparison, our notes on the temp in Sharm el Sheikh in november show how quickly the warmth fades as winter starts.

Daylight lasts about ten and a half hours. Sunrise comes near 6:30 am and sunset near 4:50 pm, so a full day of activities needs an early start.

Wind: The Variable That Changes Your Day

Sharm sits at the tip of the Sinai peninsula, where the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba meet. That position makes it breezy. In December the north wind is steady, and it often picks up after lunch. It decides which beach is comfortable, which dive sites are sheltered and whether a speed boat feels exciting or uncomfortable.

Plan the active part of each day for the morning and leave the afternoon for a spa, a long lunch or sightseeing on land.

Rain and Sandstorms

Rain is rare. When a shower arrives it is short, and the sun returns the same day. Occasional dust in the air can reduce visibility for a few hours, but it rarely stops your plans. Mountains inland are a different matter, because winter weather can be much colder there, which matters for Sinai trips later in this guide.

Which Bay Is Best for Sharm in December?

Because wind shapes comfort, the choice of bay matters more in winter than in summer. Here is how the main areas compare.

• Naama Bay: Sheltered, busy and walkable, with restaurants and shops close to the beach. A strong base for first-time visitors.
• Sharks Bay and Hadaba: Calmer feel, good house reefs, and a more relaxed evening scene.
• Nabq Bay: Wide, quieter beaches and big resorts, better for families who want space.
• Ras Um El Sid: Quiet with a reef nearby, popular with divers.

If you are comparing resorts, check three things: a wind-protected beach, a heated pool and a house reef. Those three features separate a comfortable December from an average one. Couples often like quieter areas, and our couples holidays in Egypt options cover those. Families usually prefer wide shallow beaches, which we list in Egypt family holidays.

Diving and Snorkeling in Sharm el Sheikh in December

December is one of the better diving months in Sharm. Visibility is usually excellent, crowds are thin before the holidays and the sea has not yet reached its coldest point. Booking a Diving day is the simplest way to see why divers return every winter. For a longer trip, our diving holidays Egypt packages combine several dive days with accommodation.

Reefs Worth Booking

• Ras Mohammed: A national park at the tip of Sinai, known for drop-offs, schooling fish and strong currents that suit certified divers.
• Tiran Island: A cluster of reefs in the strait, with colorful coral and good snorkeling on calm days.
• Local house reefs: Easy and sheltered, ideal for beginners and for days when boats cannot leave.

If you are curious about conditions slightly earlier in the season, our diving in Egypt in november guide is a useful comparison.

Staying Warm Underwater

A 24°C sea is pleasant for the first dive and chilly by the third. Use a 5 mm wetsuit, add a hood for longer dives and bring a windproof jacket for the boat ride back. Hot tea on deck makes a real difference. Tell your instructor if you feel cold, because it affects air consumption and enjoyment.

For non-divers, a Glass Boat ride shows the coral without any wetsuit at all. It suits children and anyone who prefers to stay dry.

Beyond the Reef: Desert, Sinai and Boat Days

Sharm el Sheikh in December is not only a sea destination. The cooler air makes inland trips far more comfortable than in summer.

Mount Sinai and St. Catherine

Few trips from Sharm carry as much weight as the night climb of Jabal Mousa. You leave around midnight, walk or ride a camel for part of the route and reach the summit before sunrise. The sunrise over the granite peaks is the reward, and it is a favorite among our guests.

Be realistic about the cold. December temperatures at the summit can drop close to freezing, and wind makes it feel colder. Bring a down jacket, gloves, a hat and a headlamp. After the climb, visit St. Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest working monasteries in the world. Opening days are limited, so we check them before confirming any date.

Desert Evenings

Winter is the right season for a Safari outside Sharm. A Quad Bike route at sunset is comfortable, while a Camel Ride suits families and anyone who wants a quieter pace. Dinner under the stars is the usual finish, and the temperature drops fast, so bring a fleece. For longer routes, see our Egypt Desert Safari Tours. Adventurous travelers also like the Colored Canyon, a narrow sandstone gorge reached on a longer day trip.

Boat Days That Work in Winter

A Boat ride on a calm morning is one of the best ways to spend a December day. If you want speed, a Speed Boat reaches farther reefs before the wind builds. Thrill seekers can try Parasailing on a calm day, though operators cancel it when the wind is strong. Check conditions on the morning itself instead of booking days ahead.

When the afternoon turns cool, a Turkish Bath is a good way to warm up. Browse the full list on our Sharm El Sheikh Tours page.

Prices and Crowds: Sharm el Sheik in December by Date

Few months change as much from the first week to the last as December does. Understanding this one fact can save you hundreds.

December 1 to 19

• Rates: Noticeably lower than the holiday weeks.
• Crowds: Light, with space on boats, at beaches and on dive sites.
• Availability: Good, even at short notice.

If your dates are flexible, this is the best value window for Sharm el Sheikh in December. It is also the best time for relaxed diving.

December 20 to 31

• Rates: Holiday pricing, often with minimum stays.
• Crowds: Heavy, with full flights and busy restaurants in Naama Bay.
• Atmosphere: Festive, with gala dinners and New Year parties at most resorts.

Book early for these dates. Our Christmas and New Year Egypt Tour Packages include flights, hotels and excursions in one plan, which protects you from late price rises. Coptic Christmas falls on January 7, so some celebrations in Egypt continue after the international holiday. If budget is a priority, look at our cheap Egypt holidays options, and for the opposite end, luxury Egypt holidays.

Evenings Out: Naama Bay, SOHO Square and the Old Market

Sharm in December has a good evening scene because the air is cool and dry. Here are the main places to go:

• Naama Bay: The promenade, restaurants, shisha cafes and beach clubs.
• SOHO Square: A large entertainment complex with an ice rink, dining and live shows. The ice rink is a winter favorite for children.
• Old Market: Spices, perfumes, souvenirs and local food, best after sunset when the temperature is comfortable.

A tip we give guests: shop in the Old Market earlier in the evening, when stallholders are less busy and prices are easier to negotiate.

Packing for Sharm El Sheik December Weather

Think in layers, not in seasons.

• Swimwear: Two sets, because they dry slowly in cool air.
• Rash vest or shorty wetsuit: Helpful for snorkeling and for children.
• Windbreaker: The single most useful item in Sharm in December.
• Fleece or light sweater: For evenings and desert trips.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat: The sun is stronger than it feels.
• Closed shoes: For quad bikes, camel rides and rocky paths.
• Warm layers for Sinai: Gloves, hat and a real jacket if you plan to climb Mount Sinai.
• Modest clothing: For monastery and mosque visits.

Myths About Sharm in December

• Myth: The sea is too cold to swim. Fact: At 24 to 25°C the sea is comfortable for a dip and normal for snorkeling with a thin wetsuit.
• Myth: Nothing is open in winter. Fact: Resorts, dive centers and excursions run all month, and the choice of trips is wider than in July.
• Myth: It rains all the time. Fact: Rain is a rarity, and most days are clear.
• Myth: The whole month is expensive. Fact: Only the second half carries holiday pricing, so early December is often good value.

Sharm el Sheikh in December Versus November and Other Coasts

• November is warmer and calmer, with lower prices. Our guide to Sharm el Sheikh in november covers it in detail. December gives you cooler evenings, a festive finish and slightly colder water.
• If you are comparing coasts, Hurghada in november shows how the northern Red Sea behaves just before winter, and our Hurghada Tours and Excursions page lists what is available there. For quieter reefs and a better chance of seeing turtles, look at Marsa Alam Trips. For a broader view of the coast, see Red Sea holidays Egypt and Egypt winter holidays.
• Many travelers also pair the coast with Cairo, which is a short flight away. The Pyramids of Giza are the main reason, and our Cairo Tours and Excursions options make the trip simple. For a ready structure, try Egypt two centre holidays or the Nile cruise and Sharm El Sheikh holiday plans. If you want even more variety, Egypt multi centre holidays link several regions.

Five Days, Planned: Sharm in December

• Day 1: Arrive, check in and walk the Naama Bay promenade before dinner.
• Day 2: Morning boat trip with two snorkeling stops, then rest and an evening at SOHO Square.
• Day 3: Introductory dive or a certified dive at Ras Mohammed, then a Turkish bath.
• Day 4: Midnight start for Mount Sinai, sunrise on the summit, St. Catherine’s Monastery, then sleep.
• Day 5: Late morning at the beach, Old Market shopping and departure.

Swap Day 4 for a desert safari if you prefer warmer conditions. Whichever you choose, Sharm el Sheikh in December works best with one fixed activity per day and the rest left open.

Three Details and We Will Build Your December

Skip the endless tabs. Three pieces of information are enough for us to design a Sharm el Sheikh December that fits you:

1. Dates: Before or after the 20th makes a large difference in price.
2. Group: Divers, couples, families or friends, because each wants a different bay.
3. Priority: Reef time, Sinai sunrise, desert nights or plain rest?

Send those to us on WhatsApp and a real person will reply with options. If you would rather shape the whole journey yourself, open Plan Tailor-Made Sharm el Sheikh Trip and tell us what matters most. You can also browse every ready plan in Egypt Tour Packages.

FAQs About Sharm el Sheikh in December

What is the weather like in Sharm el Sheikh in December?

Expect daytime highs of 22 to 24°C and nights of 14 to 16°C. Skies are clear on most days, rain is rare and the main variable is the afternoon wind.

Can you swim in the sea in Sharm el Sheik in December?

Yes. The sea sits around 24 to 25°C, which is fine for a short swim and comfortable for snorkeling in a thin wetsuit. Many hotels also heat their pools for longer swims.

Is Sharm in December crowded?

It depends on the date. Until about December 19 the town is quiet, with space on boats and beaches. From December 20 to early January it is busy, flights fill up and prices rise.

Is diving good in Sharm el Sheikh in December?

It is one of the better months. Visibility is usually excellent and boats are less crowded in the first half of the month. Use a 5 mm wetsuit and add a hood for longer dives.

Is Sharm el Sheikh in December too windy?

Wind is common, especially in the afternoon, but it is manageable. Choose a sheltered bay such as Naama Bay, do water activities in the morning and keep a windbreaker with you.

Can I climb Mount Sinai from Sharm in December?

Yes. The night climb is popular, but the summit is very cold, sometimes near freezing. Dress in warm layers, bring a headlamp and expect a long day with a rest afterward.

Is Sharm el Sheik December a good choice for families and couples?

Yes for both. Families enjoy mild weather, heated pools and activities such as glass boat trips. Couples like cool evenings, quiet bays and sunset desert dinners. Book early if you travel over Christmas or New Year.