Myos HormosMyos Hormos at a Glance
About Myos Hormos
Myos Hormos was an ancient Red Sea port used in the Ptolemaic and Roman periods and is identified with archaeological remains at the site known as Quseir al-Qadim on Egypt’s Red Sea coast. It served as a primary Egyptian outlet for maritime trade with the Indian Ocean.
The port was active from the late Hellenistic period through the Roman era and into the early Byzantine and early Islamic centuries, handling goods and ship traffic between Egypt and ports in Arabia, India and East Africa. Archaeological finds at the coastal site include harbour works, ceramics and imported goods that attest to long-distance exchange.
Myos Hormos played a complementary role to other Red Sea ports in controlling maritime trade routes and facilitating the transport of luxury goods such as spices, textiles and other imports.
The site lies on Egypt’s Red Sea coast in the Red Sea Governorate, at the location of historic Quseir al-Qadim, between modern Quseir and more southerly Red Sea localities.
- Trade role: The port was a principal Roman-era Red Sea outlet for sea trade with India and the wider Indian Ocean from the late Ptolemaic and Roman periods into the early Islamic era.
What to See#
- Port remains (Quseir al-Qadim): The archaeological remains associated with the port include wharf and settlement traces at the site now identified with historic Quseir al-Qadim on the Red Sea coast.
Best Time to Visit Myos Hormos
Cooler months are preferable for coastal visits and archaeological work; summers are intensely hot and less practical.
Weather & Climate near Myos Hormos
Subtropical climate with very hot summers (peaking in August) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 12°C to 36°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 12° - 24° | 18° | 0 mm | mostly sunny | 55% | 3.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.6h |
| February | Ideal | 12° - 25° | 19° | 0 mm | mostly sunny | 53% | 4.0 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.1h |
| March | Ideal | 15° - 27° | 21° | 0 mm | mostly sunny | 50% | 4.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 18° - 31° | 24° | 0 mm | mostly sunny | 46% | 3.9 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.7h |
| May | Ideal | 21° - 33° | 27° | 0 mm | mostly sunny | 43% | 4.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.3h |
| June | Ideal | 23° - 36° | 29° | 0 mm | clear | 42% | 4.2 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.6h |
| July | Ideal | 24° - 37° | 31° | 0 mm | clear | 43% | 3.7 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.5h |
| August | Ideal | 25° - 37° | 31° | 0 mm | clear | 45% | 4.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.9h |
| September | Ideal | 23° - 35° | 30° | 0 mm | clear | 50% | 4.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 21° - 33° | 27° | 1 mm | clear | 56% | 3.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.4h |
| November | Ideal | 17° - 29° | 23° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 57% | 3.5 m/s | 1.0 high | 10.7h |
| December | Ideal | 14° - 26° | 20° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 56% | 3.5 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.4h |
How to Get to Myos Hormos
The site is on the Egyptian Red Sea coast; access historically has been coordinated through regional ports such as Safaga or Hurghada. Work with Egyptian antiquities authorities or archaeological teams for research access.
Tips for Visiting Myos Hormos
- The exact archaeological footprint of Myos Hormos is under ongoing research; consult Egyptian antiquities authorities for access and updates.
- Access is coastal and often coordinated through Red Sea ports such as Hurghada or Safaga; work with recognized archaeological teams for visits.
- Understand that the site is part of a larger maritime network; boat-based visits require proper permits.