Overview
Mount Sinai, Jebel Musa, or "Mountain of Moses" in Arabic, rises to about 2,285 m in the granite mountains of the southern Sinai Peninsula. In Jewish, Christian and Muslim tradition, it is the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments, and pilgrims have climbed it for centuries. The scenery is wild and dramatic, with bare, red-brown granite peaks, deep valleys and a clear sky.
Most visitors climb at night to reach the summit by sunrise, starting at about 2 am from St Catherine's Monastery. Two routes lead up: a long camel path, an easy but longer walk of two to three hours, and the Steps of Penitence, about 3,750 steps cut in the rock by monks. A small chapel and a mosque stand on the summit. It is cold at the top, and many people take a blanket, and return in time for the monastery's morning opening.
Highlights
- Sunrise from the summit
- The camel path and the 3,750 Steps of Penitence
- The small chapel and mosque on the top
- The granite landscape of southern Sinai
Best time to visit
October to May is the best time, with cold nights and clear skies. Winter is very cold at the summit, with ice and sometimes snow. Summers are hot, though the pre-dawn climb is bearable. Check the weather and the advice for the region before you go.
- JanJanuary: Best
- FebFebruary: Best
- MarMarch: Best
- AprApril: Best
- MayMay: Best
- JunJune: Not ideal
- JulJuly: Not ideal
- AugAugust: Not ideal
- SepSeptember: Good
- OctOctober: Best
- NovNovember: Best
- DecDecember: Best
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Sharm El Sheikh (SSH) and drive about 2.5 to 3 hours (about 220 km) to Saint Catherine, or travel from Dahab (about 1.5 hours). Tours with pick-up from the Sinai resorts include a guide. A local Bedouin guide is normally required for the climb.
What to expect
The climb is physically demanding, in the dark, with uneven steps and cold air. Guides are from the local Jebeliya Bedouin community and lead groups with torches. Bring a headlamp, warm clothing and water, and wear good shoes. The summit can be crowded at sunrise.
Practical tips
- Hire a local guide, which is usually required, and bring a headlamp.
- Dress in warm layers and bring a blanket for the summit.
- Take plenty of water and snacks.
- Check the security advice and permit rules in South Sinai.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the climb take?
About two to three hours up by the camel path, or two hours up the steps, plus time at the top.
Is it dangerous?
It is steep and dark, with uneven steps. Take care, and go with a guide.
When should I start?
About 2 am, to reach the summit before sunrise.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
Photos
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Gerd Eichmann (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Mcstafford at English Wikipedia (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons, Einsamer Schütze (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
