Ras el-BarrAbout Ras el-Barr
Ras el-Barr is a seaside town and resort at the mouth of the Damietta branch of the Nile in Damietta Governorate on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. It is a prominent domestic holiday destination for Egyptians because of its long sandy beaches and seaside promenade.
The town’s primary draws are its beaches, seaside hotels and cafes, and a long seafront promenade used for walks and local leisure. There are shallow bathing areas and informal beach facilities rather than large international-resort infrastructure.
Originally a fishing and river-port settlement, the place grew into a coastal resort serving visitors from the Nile Delta and the greater Cairo region. Over time it developed holiday houses, seasonal businesses and beachside amenities catering to summer visitors.
Ras el-Barr occupies the head of a sand spit where the Damietta Nile branch flows into the Mediterranean, on the northern edge of the Nile Delta. It lies within Damietta Governorate on Egypt’s northern coastline.
- Season: Best visited in summer months when the beaches and seaside facilities are in use.
- Geography: Sits at the tip of a sandy spit where the Damietta branch of the Nile meets the Mediterranean, so much of the settlement fronts onto beaches and shallow water.
Best Time to Visit Ras el-Barr
Summer is beach season in Ras el-Barr, though spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and sightseeing.
Weather & Climate near Ras el-Barr
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 10°C to 31°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 28 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 3.5 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.2h |
| February | Very Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 18 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 3.7 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.9h |
| March | Excellent | 12° - 20° | 16° | 13 mm | some cloud | 69% | 4.3 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 14° - 23° | 19° | 5 mm | some cloud | 69% | 4.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.8h |
| May | Ideal | 17° - 26° | 22° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 69% | 4.0 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 13.6h |
| June | Ideal | 20° - 29° | 25° | 0 mm | clear | 69% | 3.7 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 14.0h |
| July | Ideal | 23° - 31° | 27° | 0 mm | clear | 69% | 3.2 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.8h |
| August | Ideal | 23° - 31° | 29° | 0 mm | mostly sunny | 69% | 3.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.1h |
| September | Ideal | 22° - 30° | 26° | 0 mm | mostly sunny | 68% | 3.5 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 20° - 28° | 24° | 7 mm | some cloud | 68% | 3.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.3h |
| November | Ideal | 16° - 24° | 20° | 14 mm | partly cloudy | 66% | 3.0 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.4h |
| December | Excellent | 11° - 20° | 16° | 25 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 3.1 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.0h |
How to Get to Ras el-Barr
From Damietta city centre take a local taxi or microbus east along the coastal road (Al-Sikka al-Bahriyya) toward Ras el-Barr. The town is also accessible by car from Cairo (around 3-4 hours depending on traffic).
Tips for Visiting Ras el-Barr
- If arriving from Cairo or Alexandria, plan for the private ferry or road transfer to Damietta and then a local taxi to Ras el-Barr.
- Try the fish restaurants along the promenade - Damietta is famous for its seafood.
- Avoid the sea during the windy winter months when surf can be rough.