El Hamam Travel Guide

City Coastal city in Egypt's Matruh Governorate

On Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, El Hamam offers sandy beaches, fishing boats and grilled seafood. Visitors drift through for quiet seaside restaurants, nearby Roman ruins and long flat beaches away from crowded resorts.

Costs
Budget: $30-70/day
Budget travel - expect about $30-70 per day depending on lodging.
Safety
Relatively safe, remote services
Generally safe but remote; services and healthcare are limited.
Best Time
May-September (beach season)
May-September for Mediterranean beach season; milder in spring and autumn.
Time
Weather
Population
18,407
Infrastructure & Convenience
Limited public transport and tourist facilities; Arabic signage common.
Popularity
Low international profile; popular with Egyptian domestic tourists.
Known For
Mediterranean beaches, local fishing, weekend beachgoers, coastal scenery, simple resorts, swimming, seafood, relaxed pace
El Hamam is a Mediterranean North Coast beach town popular with domestic Egyptian weekenders rather than international tourists.

Why Visit El Hamam? #

Perched along Egypt’s Mediterranean coast in Matrouh Governorate, El Hamam appeals to travelers seeking quiet beaches and fresh seafood away from busier resorts. The town offers low-key coastal villages, shoreline fishing culture and easy access to Matrouh’s wider coastal stretch and western desert landscapes. For those who prefer laid-back seaside days, local fish markets and simple guesthouses provide a more relaxed, unhurried Egyptian coast experience.

Top Things to Do in El Hamam

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • El Hamam beachfront - Relax on El Hamam's Mediterranean beaches popular with local families and picnickers.
  • El Hamam promenade and cafés - Walk the seaside promenade and sample local seafood at simple cafés and stalls.
  • Local fish market - Visit the fish market early to watch nightly landings and purchase fresh seafood.
Hidden Gems
  • Ras El Hekma headland - Explore rock platforms and clear pools at Ras El Hekma for secluded swims.
  • Coastal fishing hamlets - Drive short distances to tiny fishing hamlets for traditional boat-building and daily life.
  • Nearby salt pans and wetlands - Birdwatch at nearby coastal wetlands and salt pans that attract waders and terns.
Day Trips
  • El Alamein War Museum and cemeteries - Short drive to El Alamein to see WWII cemeteries, memorials, and the museum.
  • Alexandria day visit - Spend a longer day in Alexandria for its corniche, museums, and historic sites.

Best Time to Visit El Hamam #

El Hamam has classic Mediterranean seasons - visit in spring (March-May) for warm, calm conditions and fewer crowds, or in winter for mild weather and quieter beaches. Summers are hot and busy, best for sunbathers who can handle strong heat.

Winter
December - February · 12-18°C (54-64°F)
Mild, wet winters mean cooler sea breezes and fewer tourists; bring a light jacket for evenings and expect occasional Mediterranean rain.
Spring
March - May · 18-26°C (64-79°F)
Perfect transitional weather: warm sunny days and calm seas ideal for swimming, coastal drives, and exploring Roman and Greek ruins without summer crowds.
Summer
June - August · 24-34°C (75-93°F)
Hot, cloudless days with strong sun and virtually no rain; beaches are busy, sea temperatures are high, and afternoon shade is essential.

Best Time to Visit El Hamam #

Climate

El Hamam's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 7°C to 30°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
41°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

30 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
10.3h daylight

February

February is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

84 Excellent

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
11.0h daylight

March

March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

86 Excellent

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
20°
70%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
High
11.9h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

96 Ideal

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.8h daylight

May

May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.

96 Ideal

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
15° 26°
70%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
13.6h daylight

June

June is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.

100 Ideal

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
19° 29°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
13.9h daylight

July

July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.

100 Ideal

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 30°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
13.8h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.

100 Ideal

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
21° 30°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
13.1h daylight

September

September is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.

100 Ideal

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 29°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.2h daylight

October

October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.

100 Ideal

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
17° 27°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
11.3h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

94 Ideal

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

24 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
10.5h daylight

December

December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 20°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.1h daylight

How to Get to El Hamam

El Hamam on the Matrouh Governorate coast is reached mainly by road from Alexandria or Marsa Matruh; there are regional flights into nearby airports and coastal rail/coach links. Road travel along the coastal highway is the usual approach.

By Air

Borg El Arab Airport (Alexandria): For the north-eastern Matrouh coast, Borg El Arab is the closest major airport serving Alexandria. From there travel to El Hamam is by road (private car or taxi) along the coastal highway.

Marsa Matruh Airport: If approaching from the west, Marsa Matruh has regional flights; onward travel to El Hamam is by coastal road services or private transfer.

By Train & Bus

Train: Egyptian National Railways operates routes along the northern coast; some trains serve stops between Alexandria and Matrouh but schedules and stops should be checked locally.

Coach / microbus: Intercity coaches and microbuses run along the coastal road linking Alexandria, El Alamein, El Hamam and Marsa Matruh. Coaches are a practical option; microbuses are more frequent but less comfortable.

How to Get Around El Hamam #

El Hamam (Matrouh Governorate) is a small coastal town with most places within walking distance of the shoreline and local shops. Regional travel is by minibus or shared taxi to larger centers such as Alexandria; private cars and hired taxis are the most flexible option. Carry cash, expect seasonal crowds on beach days, and be prepared for limited public-transport schedules outside peak times.

Where to Stay in El Hamam #

Budget
El Hamam beachfront - $10-35/night (basic guesthouses; limited)
El Hamam has a few local guesthouses and simple beachfront rooms. Facilities are basic; for more hotels, consider Marsa Matrouh to the west.
Mid-Range
Local guesthouses area - $35-90/night (limited mid-range)
Mid-range options exist but are limited to guesthouses and small family-run hotels. Booking ahead recommended during summer beach season for availability.
Luxury
No luxury in El Hamam - Marsa Matrouh recommended - $120+/night
No major luxury resorts directly in El Hamam; those seeking high-end beachfront hotels usually go to Marsa Matrouh or private Red Sea resorts.

Where to Eat in El Hamam #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across El Hamam's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Kebab
Egyptian
Oriental
Sandwich

Nightlife in El Hamam #

Evenings are relaxed and low-key, centred on waterfront cafés and hotel restaurants rather than nightlife venues. Some hotels host small events, but there aren’t established bars or clubs in the town.

Shopping in El Hamam #

Shopping options are modest: small shops, fish stalls and a local market sell fresh seafood and essentials. For larger purchases or more variety you’ll need to travel to nearby cities like Alexandria or larger towns in Matrouh.

Nearby Cities #