Sharm el Sheikh Travel Guide
City City in South Sinai, Egypt with resorts
Red Sea charter boats leave Naama Bay for snorkel and dive sites; travelers pick hot desert safaris, underwater walls at Ras Mohammed and hotel nightlife as the day cools.
Why Visit Sharm el Sheikh? #
Red Sea diving and desert adventure are core reasons people visit Sharm el Sheikh, from snorkeling pristine reefs in Ras Mohammed National Park to night dives off Naama Bay. Bedouin desert safaris and camel treks offer contrast to coral-focused days, and seafood grills paired with Egyptian staples such as koshari show how coastal cuisine blends with national flavors. The town’s marina, dive centres and easy access to St. Catherine’s Monastery make it a versatile base for Sinai exploration.
Top Things to Do in Sharm el Sheikh
All Attractions ›
- Ras Mohammed National Park - Marine reserve with dramatic reefs, coral dives, and short coastal hikes.
- Naama Bay promenade - Seafront strip of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife centered around a sandy crescent.
- Old Market (Sharm el-Maya) - Traditional souk with spices, handicrafts, and eateries in narrow atmospheric lanes.
- Nabq Protected Area - Coastal mangroves and desert habitats offering birdwatching and quiet snorkeling locales.
- Ras Umm Sid snorkeling spot - Less crowded reef access with coral gardens reachable directly from shore.
- Local Bedouin evening trips - Short excursions offering desert tea, storytelling, and simple night-sky viewing experiences.
- Mount Sinai and St. Catherine's Monastery - Early morning hike and monastery visit offering desert landscapes and monastic history.
- Dahab and Blue Hole - Snorkeling and diving day trip to legendary sites on the Gulf of Aqaba.
Best Time to Visit Sharm el Sheikh #
Sharm el Sheikh is best in the cooler months (November-February) for diving and comfortable beach weather. Summers are intensely hot; spring and autumn are warm and breezy with fewer tourists.
Best Time to Visit Sharm el Sheikh #
Sharm el Sheikh'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 38°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 22°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 24°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is hot with highs of 34°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 37°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 37°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 with highs of 38°C and lows of 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 26°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 27°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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How to Get to Sharm el Sheikh
Sharm el-Sheikh is served directly by Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport (SSH), making arrival straightforward. Once on the ground most visitors use hotel transfers or taxis to reach Naama Bay and other resort areas; local minibuses and taxis cover intra-city travel.
Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport (SSH): The city’s airport sits just north of the main resort areas. Taxis and hotel transfers are the most common ways into Naama Bay and other resort districts; journey times are short (typically 10-25 minutes) depending on your hotel and traffic, and hotel transfers or taxis are the usual options - confirm fares with your hotel or the taxi driver before boarding.
Other options: Private pre-booked transfers and shuttle services are widely offered by hotels and tour operators; those are recommended for safe, direct transfers, especially after late flights.
Train: There is no passenger rail service to Sharm el-Sheikh.
Bus / Coach: Intercity coaches and private bus companies connect Sharm with other Egyptian destinations (for example, services to Cairo or Hurghada are available but can be long journeys). Local minibuses and taxis are used for getting around within the Sharm area; for most visitors short taxi rides or hotel shuttles are the most practical local options.
How to Get Around Sharm el Sheikh #
Sharm el Sheikh’s resort areas are easy to explore on foot within Naama Bay and the marina; many hotels offer shuttles. Taxis and private transfers are widely used for trips farther afield and are usually charged at fixed rates rather than metres. There are also minibuses and tour transfers for excursions; car rentals are available but traffic and parking vary by area. Bring cash for short taxi rides and agree fare when meters aren’t used.
Where to Stay in Sharm el Sheikh #
- Camel Dive Club & Hotel - Diving-focused, value rooms
- Local guesthouses and small hotels - Many affordable beachfront options
- Stella Di Mare Beach Hotel & Spa - Comfortable beachfront resort
- Mid-range resorts around Nabq - Good snorkeling access
- Rixos Premium Seagate Sharm - Full-service luxury resort
- Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh - High-end private-beach resort
Where to Eat in Sharm el Sheikh #
- Fares Seafood - Longtime local seafood favorite
- Sharm sea grills (search) - Fresh catch at multiple beach-front spots
- Il Porto (seafood & Italian) - Italian-style seafood by the marina
- Farsha Café - Clifftop café with sea views
- Camel Bar & Roof - Popular rooftop bar and lounge
- Local Egyptian restaurants (search) - Home-style dishes and mezze
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Sharm el Sheikh's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Sharm el Sheikh #
Naama Bay and SOHO Square are Sharm’s main evening hubs, offering a mix of beachfront bars, pubs, clubs and live music venues. Resort hotels also host nightly entertainment and themed dinners. Outside these zones, nightlife is much quieter - expect a resort-orientated evening rather than an all-night city club scene.
- Naama Bay - Main nightlife strip with bars, restaurants and beachfront promenades.
- SOHO Square - Evening complex of bars, clubs and restaurants in Naama Bay.
Shopping in Sharm el Sheikh #
Shopping is concentrated around Naama Bay and the Old Market. Stalls and small shops sell souvenirs, textiles, spices and jewellery, while the marina area has higher-end boutiques and galleries. Haggling is common in markets; for fixed-price stores check credit-card acceptance and VAT refund possibilities at larger outlets.
- Naama Bay - Souvenir stalls and seafront boutiques near the main promenade.
- Old Market (Sharm) - Traditional bazaar for souvenirs, spices and local crafts.
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