Dubai or Hurghada in January?
On climate data, Dubai comes out ahead overall in January. See the per-criterion details below.
DubaiPhoto: Tvisha2 · CC BY-SA 4.0
HurghadaPhoto: Oooways · CC BY-SA 4.0Key figures in January
| Criterion | Dubai | Hurghada |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 23 °C | 21 °C |
| Average daily low | 18 °C | 16 °C |
| Sea | 22 °C | 23 °C ★ |
| Rainy days | 3 rainy days (est.) | 1 rainy day (est.) ★ |
| Sun | 5 h/day | 5 h/day |
| Humidity | 63 % | 57 % |
Winner by travel type
Trade-offs
- Dubai is about 2 °C warmer by day.
- Hurghada is drier, with about 3 fewer rainy days.
Dubai or Hurghada in January: the short answer
In January, Dubai comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Dubai 90/100 vs Hurghada 89/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
This comparison focuses on January as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Dubai averages a climate score of 73/100, Hurghada 83/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in January, side by side
The average daily high is about 23 °C in Dubai and 21 °C in Hurghada — warmer in Dubai. Average daily lows are around 18 °C versus 16 °C.
On rain, Dubai sees about 3 rainy days in January and Hurghada about 1 — drier in Hurghada. Sunshine is comparable (5 vs 5 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In January the water is about 22 °C at Dubai and 23 °C at Hurghada — warmer for swimming at Hurghada. Over the year, Dubai is comfortable for swimming (from ~21 °C) in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December, Hurghada in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Peak sea warmth is August for Dubai and August for Hurghada.
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Dubai records roughly 15 rainy days and Hurghada about 2 — the drier of the two overall is Hurghada. At their sunniest, Dubai reaches about 9 hours of sun a day (May) and Hurghada about 10 (June). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Dubai is at its best in January, February, March and December, while Hurghada peaks in February, March, November and December. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the January scores for each travel style:
Beach & swimming: Dubai scores higher in January (Dubai 85 vs Hurghada 81).
City breaks: Hurghada scores higher in January (Dubai 97 vs Hurghada 99).
Active & hiking: Hurghada scores higher in January (Dubai 91 vs Hurghada 97).
Family: Dubai scores higher in January (Dubai 92 vs Hurghada 86).
Verdict: which should you pick?
There is no single winner — it depends on your month and your priority. For January specifically, use the head-to-head above; over the year, Hurghada carries the slightly higher overall climate score. Choose Dubai if its strong months and profile match your plan, Hurghada if its do. The month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.