Overview
Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aqaba. It is Egypt's best-known beach resort, with long strips of hotels along the coast, a busy centre at Naama Bay, and shopping and nightlife in the Old Market and Soho Square. Days are warm and sunny almost every day, and the water is clear and warm.
The main attractions are underwater. Reefs close to the shore and the offshore sites of the Tiran Strait and Ras Mohammed National Park are among the best places for diving and snorkelling in the world. On land, visitors can take desert safaris by quad and jeep, camel rides and trips to Saint Catherine and Mount Sinai. Resorts offer all-inclusive packages, which suit families and groups.
Highlights
- Diving and snorkelling on the coral reefs
- Day trips to Ras Mohammed and Tiran
- Desert safaris and camel rides
- Naama Bay and the Old Market
Best time to visit
October to April is the best time, with warm days and mild evenings. Summers are very hot, with calm seas and many visitors. Winter days are warm enough for the beach, and water stays around 22 to 26°C.
- JanJanuary: Best
- FebFebruary: Best
- MarMarch: Best
- AprApril: Good
- MayMay: Not ideal
- 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 directly to Sharm El Sheikh (SSH), about 15 to 20 minutes from Naama Bay by taxi. Many resorts offer transfers. Buses and taxis link the resort areas, and organised tours cover most excursions.
What to expect
Many hotels are all-inclusive, with private beaches and pools. Facilities are of a high standard, and prices vary by season. Dress codes are relaxed at resorts but modest in the town. Check security advice and conditions for the region.
Practical tips
- Book through a trusted agent, and choose a resort with a house reef if you want to snorkel.
- Use reef-safe sun cream, and do not touch the coral.
- Check the latest travel advice and security situation.
- Bargain in the Old Market, and agree on taxi prices in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sharm good for snorkelling?
Yes, the reefs are among the best in the world, and many are close to the beach.
Can I visit Mount Sinai from Sharm?
Yes, as a long day or overnight trip. Tours leave in the evening for a sunrise climb.
When is the best time to visit?
Autumn to spring, when it is warm but not too hot.
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: Tanya Dedyukhina (CC BY 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Svetlana Grechkina (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Tanya Dedyukhina (CC BY 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
