Is summer heat in Hurghada more bearable than in Turkey?
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 6 days ago
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 6 days ago
TL;DR
Summer heat in Hurghada is more tolerable than in Turkey due to the dry desert climate with 20–30% humidity and a constant sea breeze. Turkish resorts like Kemer have high humidity that makes the heat feel much worse.
A fresh August report puts Hurghada at about 33°C, with the sea not overly warm and feeling comfortable; the traveler did not find the heat strongly oppressive. Conditions can differ noticeably from one year to the next.
According to a visitor comparison, Hurghada’s climate feels noticeably milder than Sharm el-Sheikh—subjectively by roughly 5°C.
The heat in Hurghada turned out milder than expected: with a breeze it even feels cool around 10am after breakfast or a swim. By comparison, an abnormal heatwave or off-season in Cambodia or Thailand is far harder to bear than Hurghada's heat.
Clarification: even in Hurghada itself, summer temperatures can reach as high as 55°C, and Upper Egypt (e.g. around Luxor) is noticeably hotter than the coastal resort area.
A recent report notes several days recently hit +42°C in the shade (even locals complained), now it's a more bearable 36-38°C, comfortable near water and pools. Heat is amplified by radiating stone and tile pavement, so a hat, sun protection, and staying hydrated are essential; avoid long walks.
One traveler recalled an anomalous heatwave last August with sun temperatures reaching 52°C, which even shocked locals. The extreme heat lasted about 10 days before conditions cooled down again.
Do not always count on dry air: in Hurghada in September 2024, daily temperatures were close to 40°C with roughly 65% humidity, which made the heat feel much more oppressive.
Another vote for Egypt: heat is more bearable, climate is dry and windy, and the sea doesn't warm up to 35°C the way it does in Turkey. Comfortable if you relax in the shade near the water; daytime city excursions are harder to handle in this heat.
Conditions vary year to year: recent reports show August air temps of max 30°C / min 28°C, water around 27°C — even milder than Crimea and drier. For comparison, last year September was hotter than August, and the sea stayed warm until December.
There is an important caveat: if Hurghada’s usual summer breeze drops in the evening, the air can feel stuffy and humid, making the heat much harder to tolerate. In other words, comfort depends a lot on whether the wind is present, not just on the temperature reading.
Recent reports say the hottest period in Egypt is usually late July and August, so early or mid-July may feel slightly easier to handle.
An extra observation on comfort: some travelers say July heat in Hurghada feels gentler not only than humid Asia or Dubai, but also in terms of sun intensity — with SPF 50, a full day of swimming in the sea and pool may lead to much less sunburn than at more humid resorts.
August in Egypt suits those who handled humid heat in Asia: Egypt's dry climate is far easier to bear than Asian humidity. Beach relaxation and snorkelling are comfortable; pyramid tours are best skipped. Evenings are pleasant for walks and cafés.
Compared to Dubai: summer Hurghada is more comfortable than summer Dubai — a useful additional benchmark for gauging the heat.
First-hand comparison with Turkey in August: the breeze in Hurghada is comfortable and the heat feels milder than Turkey in August — impression from a first summer visit to Egypt.
A practical midday strategy: rest in the room after lunch or take a taxi to a shopping mall during peak heat. This routine makes staying in Hurghada comfortable even in June, July, and August.
Heat tolerance in Egypt is highly individual: some find July unbearable, others love it. Those who handle dry heat well thrive in summer Egypt; those sensitive to any heat should honestly assess their limits before booking.
At the beach, summer heat is more manageable: a sea breeze and frequent swimming make 30–39 °C under an umbrella quite pleasant. City sightseeing tours are not recommended at peak heat, while Cairo pyramid tours are easier than Luxor — there is less prolonged exposure to open sun.
Hurghada is slightly cooler than Sharm el-Sheikh. That said, Sharm's bay area (e.g. near Rixos) can be breezy with dry air and is also comfortable. The wind in Hurghada does not feel like a 'turbo sauna' — the sea breeze genuinely cools.