Sanafir Island
Island Small Red Sea island near Tiran Strait
Sanafir lies in the southern Red Sea near the Strait of Tiran; the island and surrounding reefs attract divers and boaters, though access is subject to national controls.
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Sanafir Island is a small, uninhabited island in the Red Sea located near the Strait of Tiran off the Sinai coast. It lies close to the neighboring Tiran Island and marks part of the maritime approach to the Gulf of Aqaba.
The island has limited infrastructure and is not a destination for regular tourism; its importance is primarily strategic and geographic due to its position controlling access to the Gulf of Aqaba. Natural features are desert and rocky shoreline rather than sandy beaches.
Sanafir sits in the northern Red Sea, close to the Sinai Peninsula and visible from parts of the Egyptian Red Sea coast, including areas near Sharm el-Sheikh. Access is by private or authorized vessels only.
- Strategic location: The island sits at the entrance to the Strait of Tiran and is uninhabited, making it strategically positioned at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba.
How to Get to Sanafir Island #
Sanafir Island has no regular public ferry service from the Saudi side and is generally reached only by private boats or by dive/snorkel day trips from Sharm el‑Sheikh (Egypt) that visit the Straits of Tiran and nearby islands. If planning a visit, arrange a boat through an authorised operator and check current access/permit requirements.
Tips for Visiting Sanafir Island #
- Access to Sanafir is tightly controlled and subject to changing diplomatic and security arrangements-don't plan independent landings; book through licensed operators or check official Saudi permissions first.
- If visits are available, combine Sanafir with nearby Tiran dive sites-many visitors miss the excellent Red Sea reef snorkeling and diving opportunities around the island, but expect permits, vessel escorts and restrictions.
Best Time to Visit Sanafir Island #
Visit Sanafir Island in the cooler months (October-April) to avoid the intense summer heat.
Weather & Climate near Sanafir Island #
Sanafir Island's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in August) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 13°C to 36°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 23°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is hot with highs of 35°C and lows of 26°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 27°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 30°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
