Egypt Red Sea holidays from the UK: a practical guide

Egypt's Red Sea coast is one of the few places within a direct flight of the UK that is warm in winter. Most holidays are all-inclusive, in large resorts on the beach, and the reefs offer some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world.

Getting there

• Hurghada (HRG): for Hurghada, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay and Safaga. Flights take around five hours.
• Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH): for Naama Bay, Nabq Bay and the south of the Sinai. Around five and a half hours.
• Marsa Alam (RMF): for the quieter southern coast. Around five and a half hours.

Egypt is two hours ahead of the UK for most of the year.

Which resort to choose

• Hurghada and Makadi Bay: the widest choice of hotels, from family resorts with water parks to adults-only hotels, and easy boat trips to the islands and reefs.
• Sharm el-Sheikh: excellent snorkelling straight from many hotel jetties, the Ras Mohammed National Park and trips to Mount Sinai.
• Marsa Alam: smaller, more spread out and calmer, with reefs close to the beach and a chance of seeing dolphins, turtles and dugongs.

When to go

• October, November, March and April: hot days without the extreme heat of summer, and usually the best balance of weather and price.
• December to February: warm and sunny days, around the low to mid-20s°C, with cooler evenings and fresher sea.
• June to September: very hot, often over 35°C. Prices can be lower outside school holidays.

Things to do

• Snorkelling and diving on the reefs, with boat trips from every resort.
• Desert trips by quad bike or jeep, with dinner at a Bedouin camp.
• Luxor: the temples of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings are a long day trip from Hurghada or Marsa Alam.

Visas and practical tips

• British visitors need a visa for Egypt. It can usually be bought on arrival or online before you travel. Visitors staying only in the South Sinai resorts, such as Sharm el-Sheikh, can often get a free entry stamp for a short stay instead. The rules change, so check GOV.UK before you travel.
• The currency is the Egyptian pound. Tipping is expected for good service, so take small notes.
• Drink bottled water and take care with the strong sun, even in winter.
• All-inclusive usually covers local drinks; imported drinks, some restaurants and excursions are extra.

Getting a good deal

Prices rise around Christmas, New Year, February half term and Easter. A week either side of those dates can cost much less in the same hotel. Compare the total price including luggage and transfers, and see our guide on how to spot a real holiday deal. Our all-inclusive holidays page lists the Red Sea hotels we have picked, with the date we checked each price.