Is it warm enough to swim in Egypt in winter and spring?
From messages by 8 participants in 2 sources · Last activity: 15 days ago
According to online research, in January nighttime air temperature is around 13-15°C, and 25°C during the day is considered good. Wind makes it uncomfortable below that. One traveler reported an average of about 22°C during their trip, rising to around 25°C by the end of January.
January: night 13-15°C, day up to 25°C
Based on autumn discussions in this thread, hotels officially start heating pools from November, but in practice heating often begins closer to December, depending on actual day and night air temperatures.
Pool heating: officially from November, practically closer to December
In January it's often chilly getting in and out of the water, so it's recommended to towel off immediately after swimming.
Around New Year (late December/early January), the sun shines from morning until about 4pm, warm enough to sunbathe almost like in May, and some people do swim in the sea. But after 4-5pm it gets dark and cold fast — a sweater or light jacket is needed.
New Year: sun until 4pm, cold evenings
From November to March, water levels are typically higher, so you can swim right from the shore during high tide and even reach the reef. In August-September, water is low, so swimming is only possible from the pier.
Nov-Mar: high water level, shore swimming
In January–February, the sea can feel quite cool at around 20°C, so many travelers find a heated pool more comfortable. In one recent report, the heated pool was about 28°C.
January–February: sea ~20°C, heated pool ~28°C
According to a December 2025 report, the sea was about 24°C: getting in felt cool at first, but it was possible to swim for quite a while once acclimated.
December 2025: sea ~24°C
Traveling with kids to Egypt in late January, count on heated hotel pools — most properties have them. Weather varies year to year and can't be predicted in advance.
Heated pools available at most hotels
In March 2024, the sea was only 19°C with very strong winds that blew items off sun loungers. March conditions are unpredictable — good weather is not guaranteed.
Sea 19°C, strong winds — March 2024
February weather in Egypt is also unpredictable from year to year. Heated pools at most hotels are a reliable fallback.
In early December 2025 (5–15th), the sea was cool but manageable, almost no wind, daytime temps around +25°C. Pools with slides and near the new building were heated. Evenings were chilly — light jackets needed.
December 2025: +25°C daytime, heated pools
November and December can be unusual: November 2025 saw abnormally high water levels, and December brought atypical heat. Wind and tidal conditions are unpredictable.
Swimming in December is quite feasible in Egypt. By March, conditions are even better — sea around 23–24°C, air temperature up to 27–30°C.
March: sea 23–24°C, air up to +30°C
Swimming in December is doable, but January is harder — you won't last long in the water. Winter weather in Egypt can surprise you in any month.