Do you need a wetsuit in Marsa Alam? Water temperature by month

In February the sea was around 23°C; swam 1.5-2 hours in wetsuits (sleeved, 3mm is enough). Thanks to the layout of the two piers, wind is barely noticeable on the beach — if one pier is windy, the other is calm, so swimming is possible anytime. In winter there were almost no currents, unlike summer when they're constant; wildlife sightings (e.g. turtles) were much rarer in winter than in summer.

In March the water felt comfortable, but strong wind and very shallow water far from the pier made real sea swimming impractical — people just waded in briefly and went back. All actual swimming was done in the hotel's heated pool.

In November water is usually around +26°C, but wind can make it uncomfortable to get out of the water. Cold-sensitive swimmers may want a wetsuit for long swims, but many manage fine without one for 1-1.5 hours.

In July the sea is warm even early in the morning — you can swim at 8am without discomfort. Mornings and evenings you can wear light clothing, no need to bring warm items.

In December the sea water in Marsa Alam is cold — swimming without a wetsuit (winter version) is uncomfortable; some prefer the hotel's heated pools instead of the sea.

A wetsuit is a must in April and January — swimming for long without one gets cold. In early November just a light top is enough for sun protection, water is almost always around +27°C.

In May water is around 24-25°C — swimming for an hour or more can feel cold without a wetsuit. A rash guard, leggings, and a headband/buff help; in September just a rash guard should be enough.

Water temperature varies through the day: around 6am it's refreshingly cool, while around 4pm you can hit warm currents that feel like a bath.