Sharm El Sheikh at Christmas & New Year: Weather, Swimming & Festive Guide

Sharm El Sheikh at Christmas and New Year is a strong choice for travelers who want winter sun, Red Sea scenery and a relaxed resort finish after sightseeing in Cairo and Upper Egypt. Late December is part of Egypt’s peak winter season, so the atmosphere is lively, many resorts decorate for the holidays, and popular room categories can become limited earlier than at quieter times of year.

This guide focuses on the questions travelers actually ask before booking: Is Sharm warm enough at Christmas? Can you swim and snorkel in December? What happens on New Year’s Eve? How many nights should you stay? And does Sharm fit better than Hurghada into a longer Egypt itinerary?

Is Sharm El Sheikh Good at Christmas?

Yes. Sharm El Sheikh is one of Egypt’s most popular winter-sun destinations because the Red Sea coast stays much warmer than northern European winter conditions. December is also a comfortable month for combining outdoor activities, resort time and sightseeing without the intense heat of summer.

The important point is expectation. Christmas in Sharm is not a guaranteed hot-summer beach holiday every day. Sunny afternoons can feel warm, but evenings are cooler and wind can make some days feel fresher. Travelers who are sensitive to cold should choose a resort with a heated pool and good sheltered beach access.

For the wider seasonal picture, see our Egypt in December guide.

What Is the Weather Like in Sharm El Sheikh at Christmas?

Late December usually brings mild-to-warm daytime conditions, strong sunshine and cooler evenings. The exact temperature varies from year to year, so climate averages should be treated as planning guidance rather than a forecast.

Most travelers find daytime conditions comfortable for resort life, walking, snorkeling and boat excursions. After sunset, a light sweater or jacket becomes useful, particularly around open-air restaurants, marinas and seafront areas.

What Should You Pack?

• Light daytime clothes
• Swimwear
• Comfortable sandals or walking shoes
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Light sweater or jacket for evenings
• Smart-casual outfit for festive dinners
• Reef-friendly water shoes if useful at your resort

For a complete country checklist, use our Egypt Packing List.

Can You Swim in Sharm El Sheikh in December?

Many visitors swim in Sharm during December. The Red Sea remains suitable for snorkeling and diving, but personal comfort depends on sea temperature, wind, sun exposure and the location of your hotel.

Some bays are more sheltered than others. That matters because a calm sunny day can feel very different from a windy day, even when the air temperature is similar.

If swimming is one of your main reasons for choosing Sharm, ask the hotel about:

• Heated swimming pools
• Direct beach or jetty access
• Sheltered bay location
• House reef access
• Winter pool-heating schedule

Is Snorkeling Good in Sharm at Christmas?

Yes, snorkeling is one of the main reasons travelers choose Sharm El Sheikh in winter. Many resorts provide access to reefs directly from the hotel beach or jetty, while boat trips operate to wider snorkeling areas when weather and sea conditions permit.

Our Snorkeling in Sharm El Sheikh guide explains the main snorkeling areas and what to expect in more detail.

What Is Christmas Like at Sharm El Sheikh Resorts?

Many international resorts create a festive atmosphere with decorations, special meals and entertainment. However, there is no single Christmas program that applies to every hotel.

One property may include a Christmas Eve dinner in the room rate, another may sell it separately, and another may apply a mandatory supplement. The same applies to New Year’s Eve.

Before booking, confirm:

• Whether a Christmas or New Year gala is mandatory
• Whether the gala price is included in the quoted rate
• Whether children pay a supplement
• Whether beverages are included
• Whether the event is buffet, seated dinner or entertainment program
• Whether the program is on December 24, December 25 or December 31

New Year’s Eve in Sharm El Sheikh

New Year is usually one of the busiest festive nights in Sharm. Major resorts may organize gala dinners, live entertainment, music or countdown events. Naama Bay and other entertainment districts can also feel busier than normal.

Specific fireworks, performers or entertainment should never be treated as guaranteed unless the hotel confirms them for your travel year.

If your trip includes both Christmas and New Year, read our New Year in Egypt guide for a comparison between Cairo, Nile cruises and the Red Sea.

Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada for Christmas?

Both are strong Red Sea choices, but they fit different itineraries.

Choose Sharm El Sheikh if:

• You want several uninterrupted resort days.
• Snorkeling and reef access are a major priority.
• You prefer a polished resort-centered holiday.
• You are happy to use domestic flights to connect the Red Sea with the Nile Valley.

Choose Hurghada if:

• You want the easiest route after Luxor or Aswan.
• You are building a Cairo + Nile Cruise + Red Sea itinerary.
• You prefer road connections from Upper Egypt.
• You want fewer flight connections inside the trip.

For a full side-by-side comparison, read our Sharm El Sheikh vs Hurghada guide.

How Many Nights Do You Need in Sharm at Christmas?

Three nights can give you a short resort break, but four nights is more comfortable if you want at least two full beach or snorkeling days. Five or more nights works better when the Red Sea is a major part of the holiday rather than simply an extension.

Our Christmas route uses four Sharm nights because the aim is to create a genuine resort finish after the cultural part of the journey.

View the 12-Day Christmas Egypt Tour – Cairo, Nile Cruise & Sharm El Sheikh.

Can You Combine Cairo, a Nile Cruise and Sharm El Sheikh?

Yes. For travelers with around 12 days, this is one of the most balanced festive itineraries in Egypt. Cairo provides the Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum and historic districts. The Nile section covers Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Sharm then provides several slower days at the end.

The main logistical point is the transfer from Upper Egypt to Sharm. Domestic flight schedules and connections should be confirmed around the cruise end date, rather than assuming a direct flight will always match the itinerary.

Is Sharm El Sheikh Good for Families at Christmas?

Yes. The combination of resort facilities, beach time and optional snorkeling can be especially useful after several active sightseeing days. Families should compare hotels based on practical details, not only star rating.

Check:

• Heated pools
• Family rooms
• Kids’ club hours
• Beach entry
• Reef access
• Meal plan
• Distance from the airport

For wider family planning, see our Egypt Family Vacation Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sharm at Christmas

Is Sharm El Sheikh warm at Christmas?

Daytime conditions are often mild to warm and sunny, while evenings can feel cool. Weather varies by year and wind makes a noticeable difference.

Can you snorkel in Sharm in December?

Yes. Snorkeling operates in winter, although individual boat trips remain subject to sea and weather conditions.

Do Sharm hotels have Christmas trees and decorations?

Many international resorts decorate for the festive season, but the exact style and program vary by hotel.

Are New Year gala dinners compulsory?

They can be. Some resorts apply mandatory supplements, while others include the event in selected packages. Check the final booking terms.

Is Sharm better than Hurghada in December?

Neither is universally better. Sharm often appeals to travelers prioritizing resort atmosphere and reef access, while Hurghada connects more naturally with Upper Egypt by road.

Plan a Christmas Holiday in Sharm El Sheikh

If you want Christmas in Egypt to include both ancient sites and genuine beach time, Sharm El Sheikh works best as the final stage of a longer itinerary rather than a rushed two-night stop.

Start with our Christmas in Egypt guide, compare the 12-Day Christmas Egypt Tour, or request a custom Christmas itinerary.